What Gemini Nano is and why it is great
The AI features in Admin Tools run on a model called Gemini Nano. What makes it special is that this model runs entirely on your own device, inside your Google Chrome browser. No text is sent to a server in the cloud for the AI to do its work.
That gives you three concrete benefits:
- Privacy. Your text stays local on your computer. Whatever you type into the AI chat or ask it to summarise never goes to an outside service.
- No cost. You do not need an API key or a subscription. The model is built into Chrome.
- Speed. Because there is no trip across the internet, you get a reply in roughly 100 to 400 milliseconds, so almost instantly.
Think of it as a small, smart assistant built right into your browser, rather than living somewhere out on the internet.
A one-time setup
You only need to turn Gemini Nano on once. After that, Chrome remembers the setting and the model only needs to fetch an update now and then.
System requirements
Before you start, it is important to check whether your device is suitable. The model is fairly large and asks something of your computer. You need the following:
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chrome version | Chrome 138 or newer, on desktop (not on phone or tablet) |
| Operating system | Windows 10 or 11, macOS 13 or newer, or Linux |
| Free disk space | About 22 GB free |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB or more |
| Graphics card (GPU) | A GPU with 4 GB VRAM or more |
| Google account | A personal Google account |
Watch the type of Google account
Use a personal Google account. A work or school account that is managed by an administrator often blocks the model download. If it does not work and you are on a managed account, that is usually the cause.
Turning it on step by step
Work through the steps below calmly and in this order. The addresses that start with chrome:// are typed into the Chrome address bar (the same bar where you normally type a website).
Enable Gemini Nano in Chrome
- Open Chrome and go to
chrome://settings/helpto check your version. Make sure it is Chrome 138 or newer. If your version is older, let Chrome update first and restart the browser. - Go to
chrome://flagsand turn on the flags needed for the AI features. Search for the feature name in the box at the top and set it toEnabled. - Restart Chrome when prompted, so the changed flags become active.
- Start the model download. The easiest way is to open the AI chat in Admin Tools, which kicks off the download automatically.
- Track the progress via
chrome://components. Look for the lineOptimization Guide On Device Modeland check whether it is downloading or updating. - Wait until the download finishes and confirm it works by using an AI feature in Admin Tools again.
Be patient the first time
The download is large, so the first time can take a while depending on your internet speed. Keep Chrome open while the model comes in. After that everything is lightning fast because the model lives locally.
Which AI features exist and their status
Chrome offers several built-in AI APIs. An API is, put simply, a feature that Admin Tools makes use of. Not everything is equally far along: some features are final (stable), others are still in a testing phase. Here is the overview:
| Feature | What it does | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Translator | Translate text | Stable since Chrome 138 |
| Language Detector | Recognise the language of a text | Stable since Chrome 138 |
| Summarizer | Create a summary | Stable since Chrome 138 |
| LanguageModel (Prompt) | Chat and ask questions | In origin trial (testing phase) |
| Proofreader | Check text for mistakes | In origin trial (testing phase) |
| Writer | Write new text | Experimental |
| Rewriter | Rewrite existing text | Experimental |
What testing phase and experimental mean
Stable means the feature is finished and works reliably. Origin trial is an official testing phase in which a feature is already usable but can still change. Experimental means a feature is still in development and may not be available everywhere.
Troubleshooting
If something goes wrong, most situations fall into one of these three categories.
The flag is not visible in chrome://flags. This usually means your Chrome version is older than 138, or your system is not supported. First check your version via chrome://settings/help and update Chrome.
The model stays on "unavailable", even after a restart. This usually points to too little free disk space, a GPU that is too weak, or a managed Google account. Free up disk space, check your graphics card against the requirements, and sign in with a personal account if needed.
The download stalls or never starts. Run a manual Chrome update, restart the browser, and temporarily turn off a VPN or ad blocker. Those can get in the way of the connection to the download server.
Not on mobile
Gemini Nano only works on desktop. On a phone or tablet the on-device AI is not available; use a computer there for the AI features in Admin Tools.
Still stuck? Visit the Cloud Captains homepage for more help and ways to get in touch.
Does Admin Tools send my text to the cloud?
No. Gemini Nano runs entirely on your own device inside Chrome. The text you process stays local on your computer and is not sent to an outside server.
Does turning on Gemini Nano cost money?
No. You do not need an API key or a subscription. The model is part of Chrome and free to use.
Why do I not see the flag in chrome://flags?
Usually because your Chrome is older than version 138, or because your system is not supported. Check your version via chrome://settings/help and update Chrome.
The model stays on unavailable, what now?
This is often caused by too little free disk space, a graphics card that is too weak, or a managed work or school account. Free up space, check your GPU, and use a personal Google account if needed.
How long does the download take?
That depends on your internet speed, because the model is fairly large, needing about 22 GB of space. The first time can take a while; after that everything works almost instantly because the model lives locally.
Does this also work on my phone?
No. Gemini Nano is only available on desktop in Chrome 138 or newer. Use a computer for the AI features instead of your phone.