How to Fix the “Uncaught NotAllowedError: The Device Is Not Eligible for Running On-Device Model” in Chrome

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Have you ever tried running an AI feature in Chrome, only to be stopped by the frustrating error: “Uncaught NotAllowedError: The device is not eligible for running on-device model”? If so, you’re not alone! This error pops up when your device or browser setup doesn’t meet the requirements for Chrome’s built-in on-device AI models. Don’t worry—this blog post will break down why this error happens and how to fix it in simple steps. Whether you’re a developer experimenting with AI or just curious about Chrome’s new features, you’ll walk away with clear solutions to get things running smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of the NotAllowedError, provide actionable steps to resolve it, and answer frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll understand how to troubleshoot this issue and unlock Chrome’s on-device AI capabilities. Let’s dive in!

What Is the NotAllowedError in Chrome?

The NotAllowedError occurs when Chrome’s experimental on-device AI models—part of features like the Prompt API for Gemini Nano—can’t run on your device or browser. These AI models allow web pages to process data locally (without sending it to the cloud), which is great for privacy and speed. However, because this technology is still in its early stages, it’s picky about hardware, software, and settings.

Think of it like trying to play a high-end video game on an older computer—it won’t work unless your setup meets the minimum requirements. The error message is Chrome’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not quite right here!” Below, we’ll cover the four main reasons this happens and how to fix each one.

Target Audience: This guide is written for developers, tech enthusiasts, and curious users who are experimenting with Chrome’s AI features. We’ll keep things simple and avoid heavy jargon, explaining terms as we go.

Why Does the NotAllowedError Happen?

The NotAllowedError can stem from several issues, ranging from using the wrong browser version to hardware limitations. Let’s break down the most common causes and how to address them.

1. You’re Not Using the Right Chrome Version

Chrome’s on-device AI features, like the Chrome AI model, are experimental. They’re typically only available in Chrome Canary, a special version of Chrome designed for developers and early adopters. If you’re using the Stable, Beta, or Dev channels, you’ll likely see the NotAllowedError because these versions don’t support the AI models yet.

How to Fix It

  • Download Chrome Canary: Head to www.google.com/chrome/canary and install the latest version. It’s a separate browser, so it won’t interfere with your regular Chrome.
  • Check for Updates: Once installed, go to chrome://settings/help to ensure you’re running the latest Canary build. Updates roll out frequently, and you need the newest version for AI features.
  • Why Canary? Canary gets experimental features first, but it’s less stable than regular Chrome. Use it only for testing, not as your main browser.

Pro Tip: Keep your regular Chrome installed for everyday browsing to avoid crashes or bugs from Canary’s experimental nature.

2. Experimental Browser Flags Aren’t Enabled

Even in Chrome Canary, the on-device AI features are hidden behind experimental flags—settings you need to turn on manually. Without enabling these, Chrome won’t let web pages access the Chrome AI model, triggering the NotAllowedError.

How to Fix It

  1. Open Chrome Flags:
    • Type chrome://flags into the Canary address bar and hit Enter.
    • This opens a page with experimental settings.
  2. Enable the Right Flags:
    • Search for #prompt-api-for-gemini-nano and set it to Enabled.
    • Search for #optimization-guide-on-device-model and set it to Enabled.
  3. Relaunch Chrome:
    • After enabling both flags, click the blue Relaunch button at the bottom of the page. This restarts Canary with the new settings applied.
  4. Verify the Flags:
    • Revisit chrome://flags to confirm both flags are still enabled after the relaunch.

Why This Matters: These flags unlock the Prompt API and the on-device model, allowing web pages to use Chrome’s local AI processing. Without them, the NotAllowedError will persist.

3. The On-Device Model Hasn’t Downloaded Yet

Once the flags are enabled, Chrome needs to download the on-device AI model in the background. This isn’t instant—it can take minutes or even hours, depending on your internet connection. Until the model is fully downloaded, you’ll keep seeing the NotAllowedError.

How to Fix It

  1. Check the Components Page:
    • Type chrome://components into the Canary address bar and hit Enter.
    • Look for a component called “On-Device Model” or similar.
    • If it’s listed but shows a version like 0.0.0.0, the model hasn’t downloaded yet.
  2. Trigger the Download:
    • Ensure you’re connected to a stable internet connection.
    • Some users report that toggling Settings > Performance > Preload pages in Canary can kickstart the download. Go to chrome://settings/performance and flip the switch.
  3. Be Patient:
    • The model is large, so give it time to download. Keep Canary open and connected to the internet.
    • Check chrome://components periodically to see if the version number updates (e.g., to 1.0.0 or higher).

Note: If the “On-Device Model” component isn’t listed at all, double-check that the flags in Step 2 are enabled correctly.

4. Hardware or Regional Restrictions

The Chrome AI model has specific requirements for hardware, region, and language. If your device or setup doesn’t meet these, you’ll get the NotAllowedError. For example, the model might only work on certain CPUs, require a minimum amount of RAM, or be limited to specific countries and languages during its preview phase.

How to Fix It

  • Check Hardware Compatibility:
    • Visit developer.chrome.com/docs/ai/built-in-apis for the latest list of supported hardware. Common requirements include modern CPUs (e.g., Intel Core i5 or higher) and at least 8GB of RAM.
    • If your device is older or underpowered, you may need to upgrade or use a different machine.
  • Verify Region and Language:
    • The on-device AI features are initially available in select regions (e.g., the U.S.) and languages (e.g., English). Check the documentation for supported regions.
    • Go to chrome://settings/languages and ensure your preferred language is set to a supported one, like English (United States).
  • Test on Another Device:
    • If possible, try running the same web page or AI feature on a different computer to rule out hardware issues.

Quick Tip: If you’re in an unsupported region, using a VPN to mimic a supported location (like the U.S.) might work, but this isn’t guaranteed and depends on Chrome’s restrictions.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If you’ve tried the steps above and the NotAllowedError still appears, here are a few extra things to try:

  • Clear Browser Cache:
    • Go to chrome://settings/clearBrowserData, select Cached images and files, and clear the data. A corrupted cache can sometimes interfere with model downloads.
  • Update Your Operating System:
    • Ensure your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux) is fully updated, as Chrome’s AI features may rely on specific system libraries.
  • Check for Conflicting Extensions:
    • Some browser extensions, especially those related to privacy or ad-blocking, might interfere with AI features. Disable extensions temporarily via chrome://extensions and test again.
  • Consult Community Forums:
    • Search for your error on platforms like Stack Overflow or the Chrome Developers Community. Other developers might have shared workarounds for your specific setup.

Why Use Chrome’s On-Device AI Models?

Now that you know how to fix the NotAllowedError, you might be wondering why these on-device AI models are worth the effort. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Privacy: Processing happens locally on your device, so your data doesn’t go to the cloud.
  • Speed: Local AI is faster than cloud-based models since there’s no network delay.
  • Innovation: Features like the Prompt API for Gemini Nano let developers create cool, AI-powered web apps, like real-time text generation or image analysis.

For developers, this is a chance to experiment with cutting-edge tech. For users, it’s a peek into the future of web browsing!

Final Thought

The “Uncaught NotAllowedError: The device is not eligible for running on-device model” error can be a roadblock, but it’s fixable with the right steps. By using Chrome Canary, enabling experimental flags, ensuring the on-device AI model downloads, and checking your hardware and region, you can resolve the NotAllowedError and start exploring Chrome’s AI features. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Ready to dive into Chrome’s AI capabilities? Install Canary, tweak those settings, and start experimenting! If you run into issues or have questions, drop them in the comments below or check out the Chrome Developers site for more resources.

FAQs

What does the “NotAllowedError” mean in Chrome?

The NotAllowedError means your device or Chrome setup doesn’t meet the requirements to run on-device AI models, like the Prompt API for Gemini Nano. This could be due to the wrong browser version, disabled flags, a missing model, or hardware/region restrictions.

How do I enable on-device AI in Chrome Canary?

To enable on-device AI, go to chrome://flags, enable #prompt-api-for-gemini-nano and #optimization-guide-on-device-model, then relaunch Canary. Ensure the Chrome AI model downloads via chrome://components.

Why hasn’t the on-device model downloaded in Chrome?

The on-device AI model may not download if your internet connection is unstable, the required flags aren’t enabled, or your device isn’t supported. Check chrome://components for the model’s status and toggle Preload pages in settings to trigger the download.

Can I use Chrome’s on-device AI features outside supported regions?

Currently, Chrome AI model features are limited to specific regions (e.g., the U.S.) and languages. Check developer.chrome.com for supported regions. A VPN might help, but it’s not guaranteed.

What hardware do I need for Chrome’s on-device AI models?

You typically need a modern CPU (e.g., Intel Core i5 or better) and at least 8GB of RAM. Exact requirements are listed at developer.chrome.com/docs/ai/built-in-apis.

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