Download Gemini Nano (one-time setup)
For every new install. Riff writes with Gemini Nano, the AI model built into Chrome. Chrome downloads it once, then every reply is written on your computer.
- Open the panel. The banner reads One-time setup with the button Download Gemini Nano. Click it. Until the model is in, the main button reads Set up Gemini Nano too.
- Keep Chrome open. The banner shows a progress bar and the status pill in the header counts up. You can keep browsing while it downloads.
- When the message says Gemini Nano is ready. Press Enter to riff., you're done. The pill reads Nano ready and nothing is downloaded again.
The download needs an unmetered connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and 22 GB of free space on the drive that holds your Chrome profile. After that, Riff works offline.
What the status pill means
| Pill | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Checking AI… | Riff is asking Chrome about the model | Wait a second |
| Set up AI | The model can be downloaded | Click the pill or the banner button |
| Downloading | Chrome is fetching the model, with a percentage | Keep Chrome open |
| Nano ready | Everything runs on this device | Riff away |
| AI unavailable | This computer doesn't meet a requirement | See Check your computer can run Gemini Nano and Gemini Nano won't download, or the panel says AI unavailable |
| Needs Chrome AI | This Chrome can't run Gemini Nano | Update to desktop Chrome 138 or newer |