Android Police guide shows how to reclaim storage and RAM on Google Pixel devices

Google Pixel users can reclaim significant system resources by disabling specific preinstalled applications and AI components. Jon Gilbert of Android Police recently detailed a routine for optimizing new Pixel devices by removing redundant utilities and resource-heavy software to improve storage and speed.

According to Gilbert, disabling AI Core is one of the most impactful changes a user can make, as it can reclaim storage space and free up to 3.5GB of reserved RAM. This process involves removing apps that depend on AI Core, specifically Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Journal, and Device Intelligence. Additionally, Gilbert identifies the 'My Pixel' app—which replaced the older Pixel Tips app—as a redundant tool that primarily functions as a slideshow of support portal pages.

The Shift Toward AI Bloat

Google has historically marketed the Pixel line as providing a "clean" Android experience. However, the introduction of the Pixel 8 Pro and subsequent models marked a shift in strategy. Google began integrating on-device AI models, such as Gemini Nano, alongside a suite of AI-powered companion apps. While these features add new capabilities, they have also increased the overall system resource footprint, leading Gilbert to observe that the Pixel experience has "soured somewhat in recent years" as Google loads devices with more unnecessary applications.

Impact on Performance and Storage

As on-device AI becomes a standard industry feature, the demand for RAM and storage has grown substantially. For users who do not utilize these AI tools or those who prefer third-party security and utility software, the preinstalled Google components can become unnecessary overhead. Gilbert notes that he finds his Pixel phone runs faster after uninstalling or disabling these specific apps, stating that he "always save[s] storage space" at the very least.

What to Watch

While the storage and RAM gains from disabling AI Core are concrete, the perceived increase in system speed remains an anecdotal observation from the author's personal experience. Users looking to optimize their devices should weigh the loss of AI-driven features against the potential for increased efficiency. It remains to be seen if Google will offer more granular control over these system components in future Android updates to accommodate users who prefer a leaner software environment.