Google has officially stated that users who unlock their phone’s bootloader—whether to gain root access or install custom ROMs—will no longer be able to use its on-device AI model, Gemini Nano.
Google Enforces Stricter Rules for Gemini Nano on Unlocked Bootloaders
AssembleDebug recently discovered a change in Google’s documentation for the ML Kit GenAI Summarization API. The update clarifies that devices with an unlocked bootloader will trigger a FEATURE_NOT_FOUND error for developers attempting to use the API.
To maintain the integrity and security of its AI system, Google has decided to restrict Gemini Nano from operating on compromised or modified devices. Although this move strengthens protection, it poses a challenge for advanced users who prefer Google’s on-device AI capabilities while running a custom operating system.
Such actions aren’t new in the Android ecosystem. Device manufacturers have long disabled certain functionalities on phones with unlocked bootloaders, mainly to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities.
Adding to this, Google has recently made custom ROM development much harder by choosing not to release device trees and driver binaries starting with Android 16. Sideloading apps is also set to become more complicated, as developers will now need to verify their identity and pay fees before users can install their apps outside official channels.
While Google continues to innovate with new features and design improvements, its tightening control over the Android ecosystem highlights a concerning trend. The Gemini Nano restriction may be justified from a security standpoint, but it also signals a shift toward a more closed environment, creating additional hurdles for developers and enthusiasts alike.
