Chrome’s address bar (the omnibox) suggests searches and web addresses as you type, and in many places it now offers AI tools too: AI Mode for detailed questions, and Ask Google about this page for questions about the page you are on. This guide explains what each feature does, what data it sends, and how to turn suggestions off, using Google’s own help pages as the source.
How Chrome’s Address Bar Suggestions Work
When you click or type in the address bar, Chrome shows suggestions based on your browsing history on the device and on data from your default search engine. According to Google’s How Chrome keeps your URL & search data private:
- If Improve search suggestions is on, what you type is sent to your default search engine, along with your IP address and that search engine’s cookies, so it can suggest searches.
- If Google is your default search engine and Make searches and browsing better is on, the address of the page you are viewing is also sent, to make suggestions more relevant.
- If you sync your browsing history, Google uses it to give relevant suggestions.
- Chrome tries to detect sensitive text, such as passwords and local file names, and does not send it for suggestions.
These suggestions come from your search engine, not from an AI model running on your computer.
AI Mode in the Address Bar
AI Mode gives AI-generated answers to longer questions, with links. Google says it is not available to everyone or on every device yet, and AI responses may include mistakes (Use AI Mode in Chrome).
- Open Chrome on a computer.
- On the right of the address bar, select AI Mode, or press Tab then Enter.
- Type your question, or select Microphone to ask by voice.
- To ask about the page you are on, use the option to add the current page. That answer opens in the AI Mode side panel.
Ask Google About This Page
When Google is your default search engine, clicking in the address bar on a webpage can show Ask Google about this page or suggested questions. Select one to ask a question or to search part of the page by dragging over it. Results appear in the side panel. The first time, Chrome asks for consent to share the page content with Google (Google’s Search the web in Chrome help).
Controlling Suggestion Settings in Chrome
To stop sending what you type to your search engine:
- At the top right, select More > Settings > You and Google.
- Select Google services.
- Turn Improve search suggestions on or off.
Even with this off, Chrome may still suggest pages from your local browsing history.
To hide AI Mode from the address bar, right-click the address bar and unselect Always show AI Mode. Chrome’s other AI features, such as Gemini in Chrome, have their own settings under Settings > AI innovations.
Privacy Implications of AI Suggestions
Address bar suggestions, AI Mode and Ask Google about this page all send data to Google or your search engine to work. To limit what is shared:
- Turn off Improve search suggestions and Make searches and browsing better under You and Google > Google services.
- Hide AI Mode from the address bar if you don’t use it.
- Review your other privacy settings, and delete AI Mode or search history in your Google Account if you want.
Difference Between AI Mode and Regular Suggestions
| Feature | AI Mode | Regular suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Answers detailed questions with AI and links | Completes searches and web addresses as you type |
| Data Processing | Your question goes to Google | What you type goes to your default search engine, if Improve search suggestions is on |
| Availability | Rolling out, not available everywhere | Available with any search engine that supports it |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I disable AI suggestions in Chrome?
To hide AI Mode, right-click the address bar and unselect Always show AI Mode. To stop typed text going to your search engine, turn off Improve search suggestions in Settings > You and Google > Google services.
Are Chrome’s AI suggestions available on mobile?
Yes. Google’s help describes AI Mode in the address bar on Android and on iPhone and iPad, but it is still rolling out, so you may not have it yet.
What is the benefit of using AI suggestions?
AI Mode can answer longer questions in one place. Google says it splits your question into subtopics and searches each one. Google notes that AI answers may include mistakes, so check important facts.
Can AI suggestions access my personal data?
They work by sending data to Google: your question, and for page features the page content. With Web & App Activity on, your AI Mode searches are saved so you can pick up where you left off. You can delete AI Mode history in your Google Account.
How can I ensure my Chrome is up-to-date?
Click on the three-dot menu > Help > About Google Chrome to check for updates and install the latest version. Our update guide has the steps for every device.