A recent update to Google Chrome for Android has removed tabbed browsing by default, making it difficult to know how to close browser tabs when you’re done with them. Here we show you how to use the new system, plus how to reinstate tabbed browsing in Chrome for Android. See all
Android how tos.
Chrome for Android: Where have my tabs gone?
A recent Chrome update has hidden your browser tabs, but they are still just as easy to manage. To manage tabs now you simply use the Recents menu on your
Android phone or
tablet, accessed by tapping one of the three buttons below the screen (usually the square icon, but on some phones these functions are customisable). As with all other apps on your phone, you can tap on the cards here to open the tabs or swipe them off screen to close them. Also see:
When will my phone get Android Marshmallow?
Chrome for Android: How to reinstate tabbed browsing
Having learned how to access your Chrome browser tabs you might decide you don’t need them after all. However, if you liked things the way they were, it’s easy to reinstate browser tabs in Chrome for Android.
You’ll need to enter the Settings menu, which is accessed by tapping the three dots at the end of the URL/search bar and choosing Settings. Also see:
Best Android apps and
Best Android games.
Select Merge tabs and apps, then switch the toggle to Off. A warning will pop up – if you’re sure you want your tabs back tap on Ok. Also see:
Android N UK release date and feature rumours.
Chrome for Android will now look and work just as it did before, with the familiar square icon at the top of the window that shows how many tabs you have open. Tap on this icon to view your open tabs and either close (tap the X) or view them.
Read next:
Best Android phones 2015/2016
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