All versions of the Google browser have functions hidden in the code that can be activated with some kind of switch. These are the so-called “flags”, tweaks under development. Do you want to know how to activate them and some of the most recommended? It’s very simple, we’ll explain it to you.
Google Chrome is an application that is updated very frequently. It is based on Chromium, the project of open source web browser that Google keeps constantly evolving. And because developers are constantly creating new features, Chrome builds them into the code so they’re only enabled by those who want to try them. It’s easier than it looks.
Enable ‘flags’ from the address bar
Current tweaks are easy to activate by simply finding them in the Google Chrome code. But don’t think that you will have to perform complicated steps: the process is complete from the address bar, with a specific URL. That yes, another song is the activation of secret functions because there are so many that, literally, you can get bored.
The process to enter the Google Chrome ‘flags’ It’s simple: just type the following in the address bar of the browser:
Once you agree, you will enter the list of hidden options in Google Chrome. You will see that there are countless “flags”, each with the promise of enabling or disabling specific functions (you have all of those available in the “Available” column).
To activate one of the “flags”, you need to click on its box and change the status to ‘Enabled’; or set it to “Disabled” in case the adjustment was already in progress. Accept with the blue “Relaunch” button (bottom right) and Chrome will restart with what you selected. And you can mark the change of several ‘flags’ at the same time: choose their status then click on ‘Relaunch’.
Clicking “Relaunch” restarts Google Chrome to activate the selected settings
Enabling and disabling hidden features is very simple, but keep in mind that messing with ‘flags’ can make your browser unstable. There is no major problem since the changes only affect Google Chrome, not other apps on the phone. And if it stops working properly, just follow these steps:
- Go back to the “Flags” section and select “Reset all to default”. This will restore the state of all hidden functions.
- In the event that you are unable to enter the “flags” of Google Chrome, make sure that you are logged in so that you do not lose any passwords, bookmarks or other data.
- Go to your mobile settings and enter “Applications”.
- Find the Chrome menu.
- Go to ‘Storage’ and click on ‘Clear storage’.
- Google Chrome will have been restored to its original state. Once you have signed in with your Google account you will recover the data you had without the ‘flags’ you have chosen still being activated.
The above is valid for discovering all the secret options of Google Chrome, as well as restoring the browser to its initial state in case you have gone too far by enabling the “flags”. Given Chrome’s ongoing development, these “flags” change from day to day, so it’s hard to recommend any: in the next version they may disappear. Therefore, our advice is to immerse yourself in the menu of available options and try the ones you like: its name in English defines its function. Always with caution, especially if you use the browser a lot on the phone.
Some of the best hidden features of Google Chrome
Type the name of the function: Chrome will suggest the matches
As you have seen, the number of hidden functions or ‘flags’ is enormous. You can go one by one, but we make it easy for you choose those we consider the best. The way to activate them is simple: write their name in the top search engine until you find the specific “flag”. It is not necessary to write it completely, with the first letters it is generally enough. All options have been tested with the latest stable version of Google Chrome for Android.
- Force dark mode. With this feature, you can force dark mode on all web pages. Look for “Auto Dark Mode for web contents*” in Chrome’s “flags”. Of course, not all websites will look good this way.
- smoother scrolling. There is a hidden feature in Chrome that allows for smooth screen scrolling, called “scrolling”. Look for ‘Smooth scrolling‘ in the hidden functions of the browser and activate it.
- Speed up video playback. You can improve playback by forcing the use of hardware for it. Find function ‘Hardware accelerated video decoding‘.
- Testing share menu improvements. Look for the option ‘Enable upcoming sharing features‘ and activate it: all changes made by Google in the share menu will arrive.
- website isolation. Google Chrome on Android tests tab isolation so that the rest of the pages cannot intercept information. When activating ‘Strict site isolation‘ each tab will be loaded with its own process. This will increase the memory used by Chrome, it will also consume more battery. Also, if you have isolation enabled, you need to remove it with another ‘flag’: ‘Disable Site Isolation‘.
- parallel downloads. If you use Google Chrome to download multiple files at the same time, you can enable parallel downloads to speed up the download. Locate the function ‘Parallel Download‘.
- Autofill forms. With the function ‘Show autofill predictions‘ Google Chrome will help you fill in the form fields with the information you have already saved.
- Screenshots in incognito mode. With the ‘flag’Private Browsing Screenshot‘, you can take screenshots in incognito mode. It can be very useful for you.
