KernelAI
Claim this toolRun AI models offline on your phone, no data leaves
Free, no paid tierVisit WebsiteFree Visit Website
Tracked since 2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- Free, no paid tier. Compare plans
Key facts
- Runs 53 open-weight AI models locally on your phone with no account or subscription required.
- All chats, files, images, and voice input stay on your device; no data is uploaded to external servers.
- Works completely offline after a one-time model download, with support for documents, vision, code, and optional web search.
Pros
- Fully private: all processing stays on your device, no account needed
- Works offline after model download, ideal for travel or areas with poor connectivity
- Free with no usage caps or subscriptions; optional tips only
Cons
- Limited by phone hardware: larger models may not run on devices with less RAM
- Web search requires a separate API key from Tavily or Exa, which may incur costs
What is KernelAI?
KernelAI is a mobile app that runs open-weight AI models entirely on your device, with no account, no subscription, and no data leaving your phone. It supports 53 models from 15 labs, ranging from 112 MB to 3.11 GB, and automatically disables models that won't fit your device's memory. The app works completely offline after downloading a model, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users or situations with no internet access.
Beyond basic chat, KernelAI can read documents (PDF, Word, spreadsheets), analyze photos, generate code with syntax highlighting, and perform optional web search using your own Tavily or Exa API key. It also offers on-device voice dictation, custom system prompts, and the ability to import your own GGUF models. Two Shortcuts actions (Ask KernelAI and Extract Text from Document) let you integrate local AI into automations, triggered by Siri or other shortcuts.
KernelAI is free with no usage caps. Optional tips support development but don't unlock features. The app is available for iOS (16.4+) and Android (7.0+), and all processing happens on your phone's CPU and GPU via llama.cpp.
Louis Corneloup Source kernelai.app ↗
Key Features
- 53 open models from 15 labs, automatically filtered by your device's memory
- Document reading: attach PDF, Word, or spreadsheet files and ask questions
- Vision: photograph signs, menus, charts, or receipts and get text extraction
- Code generation with syntax highlighting, usable offline
- Optional web search via Tavily or Exa API key, off by default with cited sources
- Import custom GGUF models from Files or URL
- On-device voice dictation using iOS speech recognition
- Custom system prompts with preset options
Pricing
Free
KernelAI is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
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KernelAI FAQ
Can I use KernelAI without an internet connection?
Yes. Once a model is downloaded over Wi-Fi, KernelAI works completely offline, including in airplane mode or underground. All processing happens on the device.
Does KernelAI upload my conversations to the cloud?
No. Your chats, attached files, images, and voice transcriptions are processed entirely on your phone. KernelAI does not upload full conversations to its servers. Model downloads and optional web search use the network, but the privacy policy details all supporting services.
What types of files can KernelAI read?
KernelAI can read PDF, Word documents, and spreadsheets. You attach a file and ask questions about its content; nothing is uploaded.
How does KernelAI handle web search?
Web search is off by default. You can add your own Tavily or Exa API key, and models tagged 'Web Search' will look up information and cite sources. The API key is stored in iOS Keychain, and queries go directly to the provider you chose, not to KernelAI.
Can I add my own AI models to KernelAI?
Yes. You can import any GGUF file from Files or from a direct URL, including a server on your own network. Imported models appear alongside the catalog and are marked experimental due to varying compatibility.
Does KernelAI work with Siri or Shortcuts?
Yes. KernelAI provides two Shortcuts actions: Ask KernelAI and Extract Text from Document. These run entirely on the phone, so automations can use the models without opening the app. Siri can trigger either action.
What devices are supported?
KernelAI supports iPhone and iPad running iOS 16.4 or later, and Android devices running Android 7.0 or later. The app measures your device's memory and disables models that won't fit, so you only see compatible options.
How does KernelAI ensure models fit on my device?
Every model card shows the required RAM, and KernelAI compares it to your device's actual memory budget. Models that require more RAM than available are disabled, with the numbers displayed (e.g., 'Requires 3.4GB RAM • Your device: 2.9GB').
Source: kernelai.app