Unlocking 7GB of Storage on Your Google Pixel Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a Pixel smartphone, you might be curious about the disappearance of your storage space. A pre-installed system app named AICore could be the reason behind it. It consumes up to 7 gigabytes of storage and multiple gigabytes of RAM, even when not actively in use. Below, we elaborate on what AICore is and how to deactivate the app to reclaim space and enhance speed on your phone.

What is AICore and why does it use so much storage?

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

The downside is that AICore permanently reserves multiple gigabytes of storage and RAM, regardless of actual usage of the AI features. For instance, on the Pixel 10, Google assigns around 3GB of RAM exclusively to AICore and the Tensor chip’s AI processor. This memory is not available to other apps. Therefore, if you observe frequent background app closures or sluggish device performance under load, AICore might be the root cause.

Since it is a system app, AICore cannot be completely uninstalled; however, it can be disabled.

What happens if you disable AICore?

Disabling AICore means forfeiting all features that utilize Gemini Nano locally on the device: Pixel Screenshots ceases to function, the Recorder app no longer summarizes recordings automatically, Pixel Journal loses its AI-enhanced suggestions, and Magic Compose no longer provides text rephrasing suggestions.

The Gemini app itself remains unaffected. It operates through Gemini 3 via the cloud and does not necessitate local processing. Other apps without on-device AI will continue functioning as usual. If you rarely or never use your Pixel’s AI features, disabling them results in minimal loss.

Another positive outcome is the cessation of sometimes intrusive AI notifications post-deactivation.

How to disable AICore on your Pixel smartphone

1. Access the Settings app.
2. Click on “Apps” in Settings.
3. Scroll through the list or utilize the search function to locate “AICore,” then select the entry.
4. Choose “Disable” and confirm by clicking “Disable app” in the new window.
5. Subsequently, click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and opt for “Uninstall updates.” Only then will the occupied storage be completely freed up.

Re-enable AICore

If you discover that you miss any of the disabled features, reversing your decision is simple. Navigate back to Settings → Apps → AICore and click on “Enable.” AICore will automatically download updates and restore all AI features.

Conversely, to maximize your Pixel’s AI capabilities, explore 6 amazing functions you probably didn’t know it could perform.