If you’re using a Pixel smartphone, you’re likely curious about where all that storage space disappeared to, right? A sneaky pre-installed system app called AICore could be the tiny villain. It consumes a substantial 7 gigabytes of storage and a considerable amount of RAM, even when you’re not interacting with it. Below, we’ll fill you in on what AICore is and how you can set it aside to reclaim some space and speed on your device.
What is AICore and why does it take up so much storage?
AICore is a system application that’s only available on Google Pixel smartphones. Its primary role is to allow local, on-device AI models such as Gemini Nano to operate effectively, ensure they are kept updated, and facilitate their compatibility with other applications. These large language models (LLMs) enable you to access features like Magic Compose, Call Notes, Pixel Screenshots, summaries in the Recorder app, and image recognition in Pixel Studio.
The drawback is that AICore is a glutton, continually consuming several gigabytes of storage and RAM, regardless of whether you utilize the AI features. For instance, on the Pixel 10 (check out our review), Google reserves approximately 3GB of RAM solely for AICore and the Tensor chip’s AI processor. This memory is effectively taken from other applications. Therefore, if you see that apps are closing in the background more frequently or your device seems to be sluggish, AICore might be the cause.
As a system app, AICore cannot be completely removed, but you can at least deactivate it.
What occurs if you disable AICore?
By deactivating AICore, you forfeit all functionality that relies on Gemini Nano locally on the device: Pixel Screenshots will cease to function, the Recorder app will no longer summarize recordings, Pixel Journal will stop providing AI-driven suggestions, and Magic Compose will halt its text rephrasing tasks.
The Gemini app, however, isn’t affected. It utilizes Gemini 3 through the cloud and doesn’t require local interaction. All other applications without on-device AI will continue to operate as normal. If you rarely use your Pixel’s AI features, you might as well be losing nothing by getting rid of them.
Another advantage: those pesky AI notifications will stop bothering you after deactivation.
Steps to disable AICore on your Pixel smartphone
- Launch the Settings app.
- Select “Apps” from Settings.
- Scroll through the list or use the search function to locate “AICore”, then tap on it.
- Tap “Disable” and confirm by selecting “Disable app” in the prompt.
- Then click the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and choose “Uninstall updates”. Only then will the occupied storage be released.
Re-enable AICore
If you begin missing one of the disabled functions, it’s easy to change your mind. Simply return to Settings → Apps → AICore and tap “Enable”. AICore will then automatically download its updates and restore all the AI functionalities.
Or, if you want to fully utilize your Pixel’s AI features, check out these 6 fantastic features you probably didn’t know it could achieve.
Summary
Want to Keep 7GB? You’re Spot On!
