Chrome’s Safety Check looks for common security problems, such as compromised passwords, harmful extensions and missing updates, and tells you how to fix them. Chrome runs it automatically in the background, and you can open it any time. Google’s help describes it as an automatic check, not an AI feature. This guide shows where to find it on each device, what the results mean and what Chrome does on its own.
What Does Chrome Safety Check Scan For?
According to Google’s Safety Check help, it looks for:
- Compromised, reused or weak passwords: Warns you if a username or password in Google Password Manager, where your saved passwords live, was involved in a data breach.
- Safe Browsing status: Reminds you to review your Safe Browsing setting.
- Chrome updates: Reminds you when an update for Chrome is available.
- Notifications and site permissions: Asks you to review sites that send notifications, and removes permissions from sites you haven’t used recently (computer and Android).
- Harmful extensions: Warns you about extensions that might pose security risks (computer).
How to Run a Safety Check Manually
Windows, macOS and Linux
- Open Chrome. At the top right, click More (the three dots), then Settings.
- On the left, click Privacy and security.
- Under Safety Check, click Go to Safety Check.
- If Chrome lists an issue, click it and follow the instructions on screen.
Android
- Open Chrome. At the top right, tap More, then Settings.
- Tap Safety check, then tap any item with an issue and follow the instructions.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Chrome. Tap More, then Settings.
- Tap Safety check, then Check now.
- Tap any item with an issue and follow the instructions.
Understanding Chrome Safety Check Results
After running the Safety Check, Chrome will provide results in the following areas:
- Passwords: Shows passwords that were compromised, reused or weak, and walks you through changing them.
- Extensions: Lists extensions that might be harmful so you can remove them.
- Updates: Tells you if an update is waiting. Our update Chrome guide shows how to install it.
When Safety Check finds something that needs your attention, Chrome also tells you outside the Safety Check page: on a computer, in the More menu; on Android, iPhone and iPad, on the New Tab page.
Automatic Safety Recommendations
Safety Check also makes recommendations on its own, without you opening it:
- Password Alerts: Notifies you if any of your saved passwords are weak, reused across sites or exposed in a breach.
- Extension Warnings: Warns you about extensions that might pose security risks. Remove them from the extensions page or the Chrome Web Store.
- Update Prompts: Reminds you to update Chrome when a new version is available.
Actions Chrome Takes Automatically to Protect You
Chrome takes several automatic actions to protect your browsing experience:
- Blocking Harmful Sites: Uses Safe Browsing technology to block access to dangerous sites.
- Removing Unused Permissions: Takes away site permissions, such as notifications, from sites you haven’t visited recently, and removes notification permission from sites that trick people into granting it.
- Security Updates: Updates Chrome in the background when a new version is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chrome Safety Check an AI feature?
Google describes Safety Check as a check Chrome runs automatically for compromised passwords, Safe Browsing status, updates, unwanted permissions and harmful extensions. Its help pages don’t describe it as AI.
How often should I run the Safety Check?
Chrome runs it automatically, so you don’t need a schedule. Open it yourself after installing new extensions or if you suspect a security problem.
Can Chrome automatically update itself?
Yes, Chrome usually updates itself automatically to the latest version to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Is the Safety Check available on mobile devices?
Yes. On Android, iPhone and iPad, open Chrome, tap More, then Settings, then Safety check.
What should I do if I find a compromised password?
If a password is compromised, change it immediately using a strong, unique password that you haven’t used before.
In conclusion, Chrome’s Safety Check is an essential tool for maintaining a secure browsing experience. By regularly running checks and following Chrome’s recommendations, you can protect your personal information and enhance your online security.