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This article provides a comprehensive guide on resolving common issues with the Google Chrome browser. It includes steps to uninstall and reinstall Chrome on both computers and iPhones. Most frequent problems with Google Chrome arise from using an unsupported version or due to excessive programs and data stored in the browser.
Steps
Basic Troubleshooting Methods
Restart your computer. Especially if you haven't shut down your computer for several days, restarting it can help Chrome run faster and reduce interruptions.
Check your Internet connection. If your router isn't functioning properly or your computer lacks a stable network connection, you may experience slower page loading times and errors. Typically, Wi-Fi issues can be resolved by moving closer to the router and closing bandwidth-heavy applications like Netflix.
Ensure your computer supports Google Chrome. The Google Chrome browser requires the following specifications:
- Windows - Windows 7 or later
- Mac - Mac OS X 10.9 or later
Scan your computer for malware. If Chrome displays unusual pages or your homepage has changed without your input, your computer might be infected with a virus. Running a malware scan can help eliminate the threat.
Update Chrome
Open Google Chrome. If you're unable to launch Google Chrome, uninstall the program on Windows, Mac, or iPhone.
Click on ⋮. This option is located at the top-right corner of the Chrome window. A menu will appear here.
Select Help. This option is near the bottom of the displayed menu. Another menu will pop up beside it.
Click on About Google Chrome. This option is within the displayed menu. It will take you to the update page; Google Chrome updates automatically when a new version is available.
- You will be prompted to restart Chrome by clicking Restart Chrome after the update.
Close unresponsive tabs
Click on ⋮. This icon is located at the top-right corner of the window. A menu will immediately appear here.
Select More tools. This option is located near the bottom of the displayed menu. Another menu will immediately appear beside the current one.
Click on Task manager. This option is within the newly appeared menu. The Task Manager window will then display on the screen.
Select the tab to close. Click on a tab, or press Ctrl (on Windows) or ⌘ Command (on Mac) while clicking on individual tabs to select multiple tabs.
Click on End process. This is the blue button at the bottom-right corner of the window. The tab will close immediately after this action.
Disable extensions
Click on ⋮. This option is located at the top-right corner of the window. A menu will appear here.
Select More tools. This option is near the bottom of the displayed menu.
Click on Extensions. This option is within the More tools menu. A new tab will open, displaying a list of extensions currently installed on Chrome.
Locate the extension to disable. Often, Chrome issues stem from recently installed extensions; therefore, you should look for extensions added in the past few days.
- Chrome may also become unstable if too many extensions are installed simultaneously. Disable any unnecessary extensions.
Uncheck the "Enabled" box next to each extension. This disables the extension. Repeat this step for every extension you wish to turn off.
- You can also remove an extension by clicking the trash icon nearby and selecting Remove when prompted.
Clear cookies and history
Click on ⋮. This option is located at the top-right corner of the Chrome window. A menu will appear here.
Click on Settings. This option is near the bottom of the displayed menu. The Settings page will appear on the screen.
Scroll down and click on Advanced. This option is at the bottom of the page. It will reveal additional settings under the Advanced section.
Click on Clear browsing data. This option is near the bottom of the "Privacy and security" section.
Ensure every box in the window is checked. Click on each empty box in this window to make sure all options are selected.
Click on the box labeled "Clear the following items from". This box is displayed at the top of the window.
Click on the beginning of time. This option ensures all your data is cleared, not just data from the past week or yesterday.
Click on CLEAR BROWSING DATA. This is the blue button at the bottom of the window. It will delete Chrome's history, cookies, passwords, and other browser data.
Reset Chrome
Click on ⋮. This icon is located at the top-right corner of the window. A menu will appear here.
Click on Settings. This option is located at the bottom of the displayed menu.
Scroll down and click on Advanced. This option is at the bottom of the page. Additional settings will appear below this section.
Scroll down and click on Reset. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find this option.
Click on RESET when prompted. This will reset Chrome to refresh its settings. All your data, bookmarks, extensions, and settings will be deleted or restored to default.
- If this doesn't resolve the issue with Google Chrome on your computer, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Chrome.
Uninstall and reinstall Chrome on Windows
Click on Apps. This is an option on the Settings page.
Click on Apps & features. This tab is located on the left side of the page.
Scroll down and click on Chrome. You can find Google Chrome under the "G" section of the apps list. A menu will appear below the Chrome icon after you click on it.
Click on Uninstall. This option is located below Google Chrome.
Click on Uninstall when prompted. Google Chrome will be removed from your computer.
Visit the Google Chrome download page. You’ll need to do this using another browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Firefox.
Click on DOWNLOAD CHROME. This is the blue button in the middle of the page.
Click on ACCEPT AND INSTALL. This button is located below the displayed window. Chrome will begin downloading immediately.
Double-click the Chrome installer file. You’ll find this file in the default download folder of your current browser (e.g., the Downloads or Desktop folder).
Click on Yes when prompted. The Chrome installation will begin immediately after this action.
Wait for the Chrome installation to complete. This typically takes about a minute. Once Chrome finishes installing, a new Chrome window will appear.
Uninstall and reinstall Chrome on Mac
Open Finder. Click on the blue face icon in the Mac's Dock.
Click on Go. This option is located at the top of the screen. A menu will appear here.
Click on Applications. This option is located at the bottom of the Go menu.
Find and select Chrome. You’ll locate the Google Chrome icon in this folder; click on it once found.
Click on Edit. This option is at the top-left corner of the screen. A menu will appear after clicking.
Click on Delete. This option is near the middle of the displayed menu.
Click and hold the trash icon. This icon is located in the Mac's Dock. A menu will appear when you perform this action.
Click on Empty Trash. This option is within the displayed menu.
Click on Empty Trash when prompted. All data in the trash, including Google Chrome, will be permanently deleted.
Visit the Google Chrome download page. You’ll need to do this using another browser, such as Safari or Firefox.
Click on DOWNLOAD CHROME. This is the blue button in the middle of the window.
Click on ACCEPT AND INSTALL. This option is located below the displayed window. The Chrome download will begin immediately.
Double-click the Chrome DMG file. This file is saved in the default download folder of your Mac (e.g., the Downloads folder).
Click and drag the Chrome icon to the Applications folder icon. This action will install Chrome on your Mac.
- Enter your Mac's password when prompted to proceed.
Uninstall and reinstall Chrome on iPhone
Tap and hold the Chrome app. This is the icon with a red, green, yellow, and blue circle on a white background. The app will start to wiggle.
Tap on X. This option appears at the top-left corner of the app's icon.
Tap on Delete when prompted. This action will remove Chrome from your iPhone.
Tap on Search. This tab is located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Tap on the search bar. This is the gray bar with the text "App Store" displayed at the top of the screen.
Type google chrome.
Tap on Search. This blue button is located at the bottom-right corner of the screen. This action will search for the Chrome app.
Tap on GET. This button will appear to the right of the Chrome app icon.
Enter your password when prompted. You can also use Touch ID if your iPhone is set up for fingerprint scanning.
Wait for the Chrome installation to complete. Once Chrome is installed, you can open and use the app as usual.
Tips
- Most issues you encounter with Chrome are due to the program not being updated or having too much data (e.g., extensions, cookies, etc.). Fortunately, these issues are easily resolved.
Warning
- You do not need to contact Google support or provide account information to resolve issues with Google Chrome.
