Optimizing Your Google Pixel Phone: Unlocking 7 GB of Storage Space

If you own a Pixel smartphone, you might be wondering why your storage space is disappearing. The culprit could be a pre-installed system app called AICore, which consumes up to 7 gigabytes of storage and significant RAM even when not in use. Below, we delve into what AICore is and how you can disable it to reclaim space and speed on your phone.

Understanding AICore and its storage usage

AICore is a system app specifically found on Google Pixel smartphones. Its primary function is to enable local AI models like Gemini Nano, keep them updated, and integrate them with other apps. These large language models (LLMs) power features such as Magic Compose, Call Notes, Pixel Screenshots, Recorder app summaries, and image recognition in Pixel Studio.

However, AICore reserves a significant amount of storage and RAM permanently, regardless of the user’s utilization of the AI features. For instance, on Pixel 10, Google assigns about 3GB of RAM exclusively to AICore and the Tensor chip’s AI processor. This memory is not available for other applications, potentially causing apps to close in the background frequently or the device to lag during heavy usage, indicating AICore as a possible culprit.

Since AICore is a system app, it cannot be completely uninstalled, but it can be disabled to alleviate these issues.

Effects of disabling AICore

Disabling AICore results in the loss of all features utilizing Gemini Nano locally on the device: Pixel Screenshots, automatic summarization in the Recorder app, AI-powered suggestions in Pixel Journal, and text rephrasing suggestions in Magic Compose.

Nonetheless, the Gemini app remains unaffected as it operates via Gemini 3 in the cloud, requiring no local processing. Other apps without on-device AI functionality will also operate normally. If you seldom use or do not use your Pixel’s AI features, disabling them will have minimal impact.

Furthermore, disabling AICore will cease intrusive AI notifications completely.

Disabling AICore on your Pixel smartphone

1. Access the Settings app.
2. Select “Apps” within Settings.
3. Scroll through the list or utilize the search feature to locate “AICore,” then tap on the entry.
4. Choose “Disable” and confirm by tapping “Disable app” in the subsequent window.
5. Subsequently, tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and opt for “Uninstall updates.” This step is crucial for freeing up the occupied storage entirely.

Re-enabling AICore

If you discover that you miss any of the disabled features, reversing the action is simple. Navigate back to Settings → Apps → AICore and select “Enable.” AICore will then download updates automatically and reinstate all AI functionalities.

Alternatively, to maximize your Pixel’s AI capabilities, explore 6 incredible features you may not be aware of.