Unable to download Chrome's local Gemini Nano model

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Sharat Gajulapalli

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Jan 7, 2026, 7:59:38 AMJan 7
to Chrome Built-in AI Early Preview Program Discussions
Hi, 

I need to be able to use window.ai for my Chrome extension and I followed all the steps as listed in the documentation below but it's still not enabled. I do meet the hardware requirements as well. 

1. Enable Required Flags

Go to chrome://flags and enable:
• #optimization-guide-on-device-model
  (Set to Enabled BypassPrefRequirement)
• #prompt-api-for-gemini-nano
  (Set to Enabled)

2. Force Model Download

Go to chrome://components.
Find Optimization Guide On Device Model.
Click "Check for update".
Note: If missing, restart Chrome after enabling flags.

3. Hardware Requirements

• Chrome 127+
• Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
• Integrated/Dedicated GPU




When I go to Chrome Components and look for Optimization Guide on Device Model, I don't see it. 


Any help would be appreciated. 


Thanks,

Sharat 

Kenji Baheux

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Jan 7, 2026, 7:07:50 PMJan 7
to Sharat Gajulapalli, Chrome Built-in AI Early Preview Program Discussions
Hi Sharat,

The API is no longer under window.ai I'm guessing that you (or your AI agent) are using obsolete documentation.
Please check this article and others, for the latest.


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Kenji BAHEUX (my how-to)
Product Manager - Chrome
Google Japan

Sharat Gajulapalli

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Jan 7, 2026, 9:16:00 PMJan 7
to Kenji Baheux, Chrome Built-in AI Early Preview Program Discussions
Thank you! 
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