If Google Chrome has become slow, keeps crashing, or behaves abnormally, resetting it to the default settings can often fix the issue. A reset returns Chrome to its original factory state, removing custom settings, problematic extensions, and corrupted data that may be causing trouble. This simple step can quickly restore Chrome’s speed and stability.
When you reset Chrome, all installed extensions — including ad blockers, password managers, and other tools — are removed. Syncing is also temporarily disabled, so your bookmarks, history, and passwords stored in your Google account will disconnect until you sign back in. In addition, your startup page, homepage, and themes are reset to their default values.
Resetting Chrome also clears cookies and site data. This means your browsing history, cached files, and saved passwords will be deleted. You’ll need to re-enter login details and adjust site preferences after the reset. While this may seem inconvenient, it helps fix most browsing errors and improves performance.
On the plus side, clearing Chrome’s data removes old clutter, speeds up browsing, and enhances privacy by deleting tracking cookies. Resetting Chrome gives you a clean, fresh start, free of unwanted extensions, adware, or corrupted settings that can slow things down.
If Chrome is misbehaving or feels sluggish, performing a reset is a smart way to troubleshoot before reinstalling. Just make sure to back up your passwords or bookmarks if they’re not synced to your Google account.
What Happens When You Reset Google Chrome
Here’s what will be restored or removed when you reset Chrome to its default settings:
- Default search engines and saved engines are reset to the original defaults.
- The homepage button is hidden, and any custom URL you’ve set is removed.
- Startup tabs are cleared. Chrome will open with a new tab or continue where you left off (on Chromebooks).
- The New Tab page will return to blank unless an extension controls it, in which case it might remain.
- Pinned tabs are unpinned.
- Content settings are cleared and reset to their defaults.
- Cookies and site data are deleted.
- Extensions and themes are disabled.
How to Reset Chrome to Default Settings
Select your operating system below and follow the steps to reset Google Chrome to its factory settings.
Reset Google Chrome for Windows
Resetting Chrome on Windows restores your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs to their defaults. It also disables all extensions and clears temporary data such as cookies. Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history remain intact.
To reset Chrome for Windows, follow these steps:
Open the Chrome menu
In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the three-dot (⋮) icon to open the menu.
Go to Settings
From the menu, select Settings.
Select “Reset settings”
In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Reset settings.
Choose “Restore settings to their original defaults”
Click the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
Confirm the reset
In the dialog that appears, click Reset settings to restore Chrome to its default state. Bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will remain, but extensions will be disabled and temporary data cleared.
Reset Google Chrome for Mac
Resetting Chrome on macOS clears all custom configuration data, including homepage settings, form information, browsing history, and cookies. All installed extensions will be disabled, but your bookmarks will remain safe.
To reset Chrome for Mac, follow these steps:
Click on the three dots at the top right and go to Settings.
Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three dots at the top right corner. Now click on the menu option labeled Settings as shown by the arrow in the picture below, which will open the basic settings screen.
In the left sidebar, click on the “Reset and Cleanup” option.
In the left sidebar, click on “Reset and clean up“.
Click “Reset settings to their original defaults”.
Now click on the “Reset settings to their original defaults”. link as shown in the image below.
Click “Reset Settings” button.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the “Reset Settings” button.
(Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync.
In case a malicious extension reinstalls itself even after performing a browser reset, you have an additional option to reset the data sync for your browser. To do this, navigate to chrome.google.com/sync and click on the Clear Data button.
Reset Google Chrome for Android
Unlike the desktop version, Chrome for Android does not include a built-in reset option. However, you can restore it to default by clearing the app’s data. This removes cookies, cache, and site settings, giving you a fresh start.
To reset Chrome for Android, follow these steps:
Open the “Settings” app.
Tap on the Settings app from your home screen or app drawer.
Tap on “Apps”.
In the Settings menu, tap Apps (or App Manager) to view all installed applications.
Find and tap on Chrome.
Scroll through the list until you find Chrome, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
Once in the app info page, tap Storage.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under storage, tap Manage Space (or Manage Storage depending on your device).
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap Clear all data to delete Chrome’s data, including accounts, bookmarks, and settings.
Confirm by tapping “OK”.
A confirmation screen will appear, explaining what will be deleted. Tap OK to complete the reset process.
That’s it — Google Chrome has been successfully reset to its default settings. To stay safe while browsing, we recommend installing an ad blocker like AdGuard to block unwanted and malicious ads.
If Chrome still behaves abnormally after the reset, the problem may be caused by malware or malicious software on your device. Try the following:
- Run a system scan with Malwarebytes Free.
- Ask for expert help in our Malware Removal Help forum.