How I freed up 10GB of storage space on my Pixel by disabling this one optional app

2026-02-13 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

Android phone users, particularly those with a Pixel 9 Pro or similar devices, can free up to 10GB of storage space by disabling AICore. AICore manages self-hosted AI models like Gemini Nano, which consume significant storage, system memory, and battery power. These models power features such as Magic Composer, Pixel Studio, Call Notes, smart replies, audio summarization, and image/sound understanding. Disabling AICore involves navigating through the phone's Settings to the Apps section, locating "AICore," tapping "Disable," and then uninstalling its updates via the three-dot menu. While AICore cannot be fully deleted, disabling it recovers space and can improve performance and battery life, though it will disable certain AI features like Pixel Screenshots.

Key takeaway

For Pixel phone users experiencing low storage or performance issues, you should consider disabling AICore. This action can free up to 10GB of space and potentially improve battery life, but be aware that it will disable certain AI-powered features like Pixel Screenshots. Evaluate your reliance on these specific AI functionalities before proceeding, as the process is reversible if you find them indispensable.

Key insights

Disabling AICore on Android devices can free up significant storage and improve performance by managing self-hosted AI models.

Principles

• Self-hosted AI models consume substantial device resources.
• Disabling non-essential system components can reclaim resources.

Method

To disable AICore: Open Settings > Apps > See all apps > AICore > Disable, then tap the three-dot menu and "Uninstall updates."

In practice

• Disable AICore to free up to 10GB on Pixel phones.
• Re-enable AICore if specific AI features are critical.

Topics

• AICore
• On-device AI
• Gemini Nano
• Android Storage Management
• Pixel Features

Best for: General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.