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How to enable Chrome safe mode

While Chrome looks simple at first sight, there is a lot of action going in the background while you browse. Learn how to enable Chrome safe mode in case things are not going smoothly.

Mar 26, 2022

3 min read

incognito

Why enable Chrome safe mode?

Google Chrome safe mode enables the stripped-down version of the Chrome browser, without any extensions running in the background. Thus, the browser works faster and more smoothly. You may want to use Chrome in safe mode if:

  1. 1.Your extensions start crashing and the Google Chrome browser does not work properly. It may happen especially if you have lots of add-ons and extensions running.
  2. 2.You’re using a slower device and need Chrome to use less resources.

How to run Chrome in a safe mode

To run Chrome in a safe mode, you should open it in incognito mode. This automatically disables all add-ons and extensions. Open Chrome in safe mode via shortcut keys:

  • For Windows: Ctrl + Shift + N
  • For mac: Shift + Cmd + N
Chrome safe mode

How to launch Google Chrome Safe Mode with add-ons

To enable certain add-ons when in Chrome incognito mode, you should:

1. Click the three dots in the top right and choose More Tools > Extensions.

Chrome safe mode with extensions: step 1

2. You can enable and disable them by clicking on the toggles.

Chrome safe mode with extensions: step 2

To turn on incognito mode on iOS

Tap the tab with the hat and glasses once the app is open.

Chrome safe mode on iOS

Or you can press on the three dots in the bottom-right and tap "New Incognito Tab."

Chrome safe mode on iOS 2: part 1
Chrome safe mode on iOS 2: part 2

To turn on incognito mode on Android

Tap the three dots on the upper right and choose "New Incognito Tab."

Chrome safe mode on Android

How to open Chrome in incognito mode automatically

You can also set up a shortcut to open Chrome in incognito mode automatically.

In Windows

1. Make a copy of the Chrome shortcut, right-click on it, and select "Properties."

Chrome safe mode automatically: step 1

2. Select the "Shortcut" tab and in the "Target" field add “–incognito” at the end of the line.

Chrome safe mode automatically: step 2

3. Click "Apply" and then "OK."

In Mac

1. This process is a bit more complex. Open "Script Editor" by pressing Cmd + Space, typing in “script editor,” and double-clicking on it.

2. In the blank script editor’s window, copy/paste the following line: do shell script "open -a Google\ Chrome —new —args -incognito".

Chrome safe mode automatically on Mac: step 1

3. Then click Script > Compile or press the hammer icon.

Chrome safe mode automatically on Mac: step 2

4. Click Script > Run or press the play button.

Chrome safe mode automatically on Mac: step 3

5. You can always stop the script by pressing the stop button.

If you follow all of the above steps, you’ll be able to use safe mode. However, safe mode will not guarantee your browsing privacy. Third-party trackers can still see your searches unless you manually change your Chrome location with additional tools to mask this information, such as a VPN.

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Paulius Ilevičius

Paulius Ilevičius is a technology and art enthusiast who is always eager to explore the most up-to-date issues in cybersec and internet freedom. He is always in search for new and unexplored angles to share with his readers.