Does Chrome track you? Of course, but these steps can help

Chrome is the most used browser on the planet, which gives Google access to a considerable amount of information about how people use the internet. Some of that collection happens even when you’re not signed in.

Google says some of Chrome’s data collection helps improve features, security, and search suggestions. But it can also send information back to Google that contributes to a broader picture of your browsing habits.

If you’re not OK with that, your best course is to ditch Chrome once and for all. Here are the best browsers for privacy, and if you’d like to steer clear of American tech entirely, these are the best private European web browsers.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to eliminate Google’s data collection if you’re determined to keep using Chrome. But you can limit the damage.

Why Chrome tracks your activity

A web browser is a little like your front door to the internet. Everything you do online(new window) passes through it. If that door also has cameras and sensors recording who comes and goes, it becomes much easier to understand your habits.

Chrome can collect information(new window) even when you aren’t signed in. It can also use identifiers associated with your browser and device, while other settings allow it to share information with Google to improve features and services.

Some of these settings are easy to overlook because they are presented as ways to make Chrome better. Enhanced Safe Browsing, for example, can send information about websites you visit to Google as part of its security features(new window).

That doesn’t mean every privacy-related feature is inherently bad. It does mean you should know what you’re agreeing to before leaving everything enabled.

Chrome sends what you type to Google

One of the more direct forms of data sharing happens while you type into Chrome’s address bar. With search suggestions(new window) enabled, Chrome can send what you type to Google before you actually submit a search.

That can be useful if you want faster suggestions, but it also means Google may receive queries you never intended to search.

You can limit this by going to:

Settings > You and Google > Sync and Google services

Next turn off Improve search suggestions.

This prevents Chrome from sending your typing to Google simply to generate predictions and suggestions.

It’s a small setting, but it addresses a particularly revealing type of data: things you started typing but never actually searched for.

Chrome builds a profile of your browsing habits

Chrome can also send information about how you use the browser back to Google. Combined with other data, this can help build a picture of your interests, the devices you use, and even your physical location.

To reduce this collection:

Open You and Google > Sync and Google services > toggle off Help improve Chrome’s features and performance and Make searches and browsing better.

You can also disable Background Sync under Privacy and Security, then Site settings and Additional permissions.

This prevents websites from continuing to exchange data after you have closed a tab.

While you’re reviewing those settings, check your site permissions too. Remove access to your location, camera, or microphone from websites that don’t genuinely need it.

How to reduce Chrome’s ad tracking

Chrome also includes advertising features that use browsing activity to group you into advertising interests. These settings are separate from the basic functions you need to browse the web.

Third-party cookies(new window) are one such source of persistent tracking. These cookies can be placed by companies that aren’t related to the website you’re visiting, such as advertising networks and social media companies. Because the same companies can appear across many different websites, their cookies can help connect activity from one site to another.

You can block third-party cookies(new window) by: Privacy and Security > Third-Party Cookies.

Chrome also offers a Do Not Track request, although websites don’t always honor it.

For an additional layer of privacy, you can set Chrome to clear cookies whenever you close the browser. The trade-off is that you’ll have to sign in to some websites more often.

Chrome gives you several ways to reduce how much information it collects, and changing a few settings can make a meaningful difference. But if you want to stop Google from collecting data through the browser entirely, Chrome may not be the right tool for you.

A different browser can give you more control over how your browsing data is handled. For Chrome users who want to stay put, though, reviewing these settings is a practical place to start.