Google Chrome's New Search Shortcuts: Helpful or Annoying? How to Customize & Disable

Google Chrome's new tab page is prime real estate. It's the first thing you see when you open a new tab, and for many, it's their Chrome homepage. Google is experimenting with a new feature to give you quick access to your recent search queries. But is it a helpful time-saver, or just another piece of clutter? Let's dive in.

What Are These New "Quick Access" Search Shortcuts?

Google is testing a feature that displays shortcuts to your recent search queries on the new tab page. These shortcuts appear below the search bar, among your most-visited sites. The idea is to provide quick access to searches you've made recently.

However, there's a catch. Unlike website shortcuts with recognizable icons, these search shortcuts use a generic magnifying glass icon. Plus, long search queries can be hard to decipher at a glance.

• Benefit: Quick access to recent searches, potentially saving time.
• Drawback: Generic icons and long queries can make identification difficult.

How to Customize or Disable Google Chrome's Search Shortcuts

Don't like the new search shortcuts? Fortunately, Google allows you to customize or disable the feature using Chrome flags. Here’s how:

1. Type chrome://flags/#organic-repeatable-queries into your Chrome address bar and press Enter.
2. This will take you to the "Organic repeatable queries" flag.
3. Use the drop-down menu to adjust the settings.

You have several options:

• Disable: Turns off the feature completely, removing the search shortcuts.
• Customize Layout: Limits the number of tiles reserved for searches (e.g., four tiles).
• Enable: Allows for more than four tiles for search queries.

The "Organic Repeatable Queries" Flag Explained

The chrome://flags/#organic-repeatable-queries flag controls this feature. According to its description, it "Enables showing the most repeated queries, from the device browsing history, organically among the most visited sites in the MV tiles." In other words, Chrome displays your most frequent past searches as shortcuts, alongside your most visited websites.

Why Is Google Testing This Now?

Google often conducts A/B tests, rolling out features to a subset of users to gauge their reaction. Unfortunately, opting in or out can be tricky, often requiring manual flag adjustments. So if you suddenly see search queries on your new tab page, that's likely why.

Stay Up-to-Date with Chrome Updates

Chrome is constantly evolving, with new features and tweaks arriving regularly. Customizing your new tab page can greatly improve your browsing experience. If you're interested in staying informed about the latest Chrome updates and changes, be sure to follow Android Police for comprehensive coverage.