5 Essential Chrome Android Settings I Tweak for a Better Browsing Experience

Google Chrome is a go-to browser for many, pre-installed on most Android phones, offering website optimization, a useful Discover section, and user-friendliness. However, the default settings aren't always ideal. Let's explore some simple adjustments you can make today to enhance your experience with Chrome on Android.

1. Activate Dark Mode on All Websites for Enhanced Comfort

Tired of blinding white websites in the dark? While Chrome has a dark mode, it doesn't force websites to comply. You can enable a Chrome flag to darken all sites, even those without native dark themes.

Type chrome://flags/ in the address bar.
Search for "Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents".
Enable the flag and relaunch Chrome.

Enjoy a darker, more comfortable browsing experience and experience some battery savings on devices with OLED screens.

2. Silence Annoying Website Notifications for a Cleaner Experience

Website notifications can quickly become overwhelming, cluttering your notification shade with unwanted alerts. Here's how to reclaim control and turn off those pesky notification requests in Chrome.

Open Chrome settings from the three-dot menu.
Navigate to Notifications.
Disable "Sites" notifications to stop future requests.

Consider disabling "All Chrome notifications" for an even cleaner, distraction-free experience.

Chrome's toolbar features a dynamic shortcut button. Prefer a specific action? You can customize the toolbar shortcut to one that suits your browsing patterns.

Access Chrome settings via the three-dot menu.
Select "Toolbar shortcut".
Choose your preferred action, like "New tab" or "Translate".

Personalize your browsing experience and make your most-used actions easily accessible.

4. Lock Incognito Tabs for Enhanced Privacy

Incognito mode prevents browsing history from being saved. But there's a further step you can make. By default, your Incognito tabs remain visible even when you switch apps. Here is how to add an extra layer of protection.

In Chrome settings, go to "Privacy and security".
Enable "Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome".

With this turned on, only you can access your private tabs with your fingerprint, PIN, or pattern.

5. Block Third-Party Cookies for Enhanced Privacy

Cookie pop-ups are a nuisance. Chrome lets you bypass these pop-ups, which blocks third-party cookies from tracking you.

Go to "Privacy and security" in Chrome settings.
Tap "Third-party cookies".
Choose "Block third-party cookies".

Browse the web with greater privacy so you can avoid those intrusive popups. While there, also review DNS settings, browsing data, and ad privacy in the same "Privacy and security" section.

Customize Chrome for Optimal Use

These five settings offer a starting point to help you customize Google Chrome for Android. Dig into additional options, such as Live Caption or performing a Security Check, to further tailor Chrome to suit your needs. By making these simple changes, you can make browsing on Android better than ever.