How to disable the browser from downloading model files

[vvanglro hulk]

I tried to set all the gemini nano-related settings in the chrome settings to disable, and then manually deleted the model folder, but after some time, it would still automatically download it back.

[Thomas Steiner]

Hi there,

The model is automatically downloaded when a website calls any of the `*.create()` function, for example, `Summarizer.create()`. There is now way to disable this behavior.

Cheers,

Tom 

On Tue, Oct 7, 2025 at 1:35 PM vvanglro hulk <vvan...@gmail.com> wrote:

I tried to set all the gemini nano-related settings in the chrome settings to disable, and then manually deleted the model folder, but after some time, it would still automatically download it back.

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[vvanglro hulk]

hi, I can confirm that no website has called the create method. Because my Chrome only opened some websites that I am familiar with, and none of them have any AI-related features.

I want to know what the method of disabling it is.

I've disabled all Gemini Nano-related options under chrome://flags/ and enabled the optimization guide on the device.

chrome://flags/
Enables optimization guide on device   
Gemini Nano

But the model files in this directory will always be automatically downloaded.
/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/OptGuideOnDeviceModel

https://www.reddit.com/r/chrome/comments/1jslb22/optguideondevicemodel_folder_taking_up_3gb_have/?sort=new

[Thomas Steiner]

Hi again,

Gemini Nano is as of recently also used for scam detection. So even if you don't use websites that trigger AI features, the model may still download. I'm not aware of a way to disable scam detection or if there is, sorry (it likely wouldn't be a good idea anyway). 

Cheers,

Tom