Improve Chrome Privacy Settings in 10 Steps

Last updated 2025-10-14 · By Milly

Configure Google Chrome to limit tracking and reduce data collection while maintaining compatibility.

Introduction

While Google Chrome isn’t the most privacy-focused browser, you can configure it to limit unnecessary data collection and tracking. This guide helps you tighten Chrome’s privacy settings without breaking essential functionality.

Key Takeaways

  • Disable Chrome sync or use a passphrase to encrypt synced data
  • Block third-party cookies and enable Enhanced Safe Browsing
  • Turn off personalized ads and prediction services
  • Review and remove unnecessary extensions regularly

Steps

Sign Out or Encrypt Sync

  1. Sign Out of Chrome — If you don’t need cross-device sync, click your profile icon and select Sign out.
  2. Or Enable Sync Passphrase — Go to Settings → You and Google → Sync and Google services → Encryption options and choose Encrypt synced data with your own sync passphrase.

Configure Privacy and Security Settings

  1. Open Privacy Settings — Navigate to Settings → Privacy and security.
  2. Block Third-Party Cookies — Under Cookies and other site data, select Block third-party cookies.
  3. Clear Cookies on Exit — Enable Clear cookies and site data when you close all windows for enhanced privacy.
  4. Send Do Not Track — Enable Send a “Do Not Track” request with your browsing traffic (though most sites ignore this).

Disable Prediction and Preloading

  1. Turn Off Address Bar Predictions — In Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data, disable Preload pages for faster browsing and searching.
  2. Disable Search Suggestions — Under Settings → Search engine, toggle off Show me suggestions as I type in the address bar.

Manage Permissions

  1. Review Site Permissions — Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings and review what sites can access (location, camera, microphone, notifications).
  2. Block Permissions by Default — Set default permissions to Ask or Block for sensitive features.

Turn Off Google Personalization

  1. Disable Ad Personalization — Visit myaccount.google.com/data-and-privacy and turn off ad personalization.
  2. Pause Web & App Activity — In the same Google Account page, pause Web & App Activity to stop Chrome from sending your activity to Google.

Audit Extensions

  1. Open Extensions Page — Type chrome://extensions in the address bar.
  2. Remove Unused Extensions — Delete any extensions you don’t actively use.
  3. Review Permissions — Check which extensions can “Read and change all your data on websites” and remove those you don’t trust.

Common Pitfalls

  • Syncing Without a Passphrase → Your bookmarks, passwords, and history are stored unencrypted on Google’s servers
  • Ignoring Extension Permissions → Many extensions have broad access to your browsing data
  • Using Google as Default Search → Every search is logged and tied to your Google account

FAQ

Can I make Chrome as private as Firefox?

Chrome has improved privacy controls, but Google still collects more telemetry than Firefox. Consider using Chrome only for sites that require it.

Will these settings break websites?

Most sites work fine with these settings. Some may require you to allow third-party cookies on a per-site basis.

Should I use Incognito mode?

Incognito prevents Chrome from saving your history locally, but doesn’t stop websites or your ISP from tracking you. Use it for temporary sessions, not comprehensive privacy.

References

  1. Google Chrome Privacy Whitepaper
  2. Manage Synced Data
  3. Privacy Sandbox