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When a model will not run in your browser

The model list is empty, or a model refuses to start. Four things to check, in the order that finds the cause fastest.

The helper can run a small AI model inside your browser. The model needs a graphics feature called WebGPU. If your browser does not offer WebGPU, the model list stays empty.

The pre-flight check itself needs no graphics card. It always works. This page is only about the model that answers questions in your own words.

1. Check your browser version

WebGPU works in these browsers.

  • Chrome — version 113 or later.
  • Edge — version 113 or later.
  • Firefox on Windows — version 141 or later.
  • Firefox on a Mac with an Apple chip — version 145 or later.
  • Safari on macOS, iPhone or iPad — version 26 or later.
  • Chrome on Android — version 121 or later, on Android 12 or later.

On Linux, Chrome and Edge keep WebGPU behind a switch. Open chrome://flags/#enable-unsafe-webgpu, turn it on, then restart the browser. Firefox on Linux does not offer WebGPU yet.

2. Turn on graphics acceleration

Check this second, because it is the most common cause. Many school and office computers have graphics acceleration turned off. The machine is capable. The browser simply cannot reach the graphics card.

  1. Open your browser settings.
  2. Search the settings for graphics.
  3. Turn on Use graphics acceleration when available.
  4. Restart the browser.

3. Update the display driver

An old display driver puts your graphics card on the browser's block list. The browser then reports no WebGPU, even on a new machine. Ask your IT staff to update the display driver.

4. Read the browser's own report

Chrome and Edge explain their own decision.

  1. Open chrome://gpu in a new tab.
  2. Look for the WebGPU line near the top.
  3. Hardware accelerated means WebGPU works.
  4. Any other value names the reason.

If none of this helps

Your machine cannot run a model inside the browser. Two other ways to use the helper stay open.

  • Search the rules. Describe what you want in your own words. The search finds the FET rules that match. It needs no model and no download.
  • Use your own provider key. The model then runs on that provider's computers. Your key stays in your browser.

The pre-flight check is not affected by any of this. It reads your file, proves what cannot be built, and needs no graphics card.