How to Reset Chrome: Default Settings for Windows, Mac, Android

Google Chrome is a widely used browser known for its speed, reliability, and features. However, over time, it can become slow, crash frequently, or show unwanted pop-ups. In such cases, the best solution is to reset Chrome to default settings.

A Chrome reset restores your browser to its original state without requiring you to uninstall and reinstall it. This guide will explain:

• What happens when you reset Google Chrome
• Step-by-step instructions for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone
• Advanced options like Chrome factory reset, reset Chrome cache, extensions, and flags
• Fixes for issues like Chrome keeps crashing or Chrome malware reset

What Happens When You Reset Chrome?

When you perform a Chrome reset settings action, these changes occur:

• Default search engine is reset
• Homepage and startup pages are restored to original defaults
• Pinned tabs are removed
• Extensions and themes are disabled (but not permanently deleted)
• Cookies and site settings are cleared

How to Reset Chrome on Windows & Mac

Follow these steps to reset Chrome browser on your computer:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the left panel, click Reset settings.
5. Choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
6. Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

Alternatively, type this into the address bar for a direct shortcut:

chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings

How to Reset Chrome on Mobile Devices

Reset Chrome on Android

To reset Google Chrome on Android there are two main ways:

Method 1: Reset Chrome via Android Settings (Full Reset / Chrome Factory Reset)

This option works like a Chrome factory reset and completely clears the app’s data:

1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Tap Apps or Apps & notifications (varies by device).
3. Scroll down and select Chrome.
4. Tap Storage & cache.
5. Choose Clear Storage (or Clear Data on some devices).
6. Confirm when prompted.

Method 2: Reset Chrome from Within the App (Clear Browsing Data)

If you just want to clear temporary files or resolve Chrome slow reset issues without wiping all data:

1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Scroll down and tap Privacy and security.
5. Choose Clear browsing data.
6. Select the types of data to clear (e.g., cached images, cookies, site data).
7. Tap Clear data to finish.

Reset Chrome on iPhone / iPad

To reset Chrome on iPhone:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Tap the three-dot menu → Settings.
3. Go to Privacy → Clear Browsing Data.
4. Select data types (cookies, cache, site data) → Tap Clear Browsing Data.

Advanced Reset Options in Chrome

Reset Google Chrome Flags

If experimental features are causing issues:

• Go to chrome://flags/
• Click Reset all to default

Reset Chrome Cache

Clearing cache can improve performance without a full reset:

• Open Chrome → Menu → Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data
• Select Cached images and files

Reset Chrome Extensions

Extensions often cause crashes or slowdowns:

• Go to chrome://extensions/
• Disable or remove unnecessary add-ons
• After reset, re-enable only trusted ones

Chrome Factory Reset for Malware or Errors

If Chrome is hijacked by malware or pop-ups:

1. Go to Settings → Reset and clean up.
2. Select Clean up computer (Windows only).
3. Let Chrome scan for harmful software.
4. Perform a full Chrome factory reset if problems persist.

Final Thoughts

Whether your browser is crashing, slowing down, or filled with pop-ups, the fastest way to fix it is to reset Google Chrome. You can perform a Chrome reset settings on Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone in just a few clicks.

For deeper issues like malware or sync errors, try a Chrome factory reset, clear extensions, or reset Chrome sync. After resetting, re-enable only trusted extensions and keep Chrome updated for the best performance.