Chrome's Gemini Nano model consumes 4GB of local storage
google chrome is automatically downloading a 4gb file named weights.bin to power gemini nano features like scam detection and writing assistance. users report unexplained storage drops as the model runs locally for privacy. disabling 'on-device ai' in settings removes the file and prevents re-downloads.
Users report that Google Chrome is silently consuming up to 4GB of local storage due to a weights.bin file required for the on-device Gemini Nano model. This local execution powers features such as scam detection and writing assistance but introduces significant storage overhead without clear notification during installation.
To reclaim space, users must toggle off the 'On-Device AI' option in Chrome's System settings; simply deleting the file results in a re-download. Google acknowledges that model size varies with updates but currently lacks a cloud-based alternative for these specific AI features.