Chrome on Tablets: Touch Mode and Optimization Tips
Chrome on an iPad or Android tablet is already built for touch, so there is no touch mode to switch on. What makes the biggest difference on a tablet is the tab strip at the top, tab groups, split screen (on an Android tablet, drag a tab to the edge of the screen), and choosing between mobile and desktop versions of websites. This guide covers each, for both iPad and Android tablets. To get Chrome, see Chrome for iPad or Chrome for Android.
How to Enable Touch-Friendly Interface Settings in Chrome on Tablet
Chrome for Android and Chrome for iPad use a touch interface by default. Two settings help most on a tablet:
- Desktop or mobile sites (Android): tap More > Settings > Site settings > Desktop site. Default view lets Chrome pick based on your screen size and memory; you can also always request desktop or mobile sites, or set exceptions per site. Our guide to desktop mode on Android has the details.
- Bigger text (Android): tap More > Settings > Accessibility and move the Default zoom slider. On iPad, tap More > Zoom text.
Managing Tabs on Tablet Screens
Tab management is crucial for efficient browsing. Here are some tips for managing tabs on Chrome for tablets:
- Switching tabs: on a tablet, Chrome shows your tabs along the top. Tap a tab to switch to it. On iPad you can also swipe left or right at the top, or tap the tab switcher to see all your tabs.
- Tab Groups: in the tab switcher, touch and hold a tab and drag it over another to make a group. On iPad, touch and hold a tab and tap Add Tab to New Group.
- Pinning Tabs: touch and hold a tab and select the pin option to keep it in place.
How to Use Split Screen Browsing with Chrome
Split-screen browsing allows you to multitask more effectively. On an Android tablet, Chrome can split itself into two windows:
- Open Chrome on your Android tablet.
- Touch and hold a tab, then drag and drop it to the edge of your screen. It opens in a new window beside the first one.
- When Chrome is in full screen and you open a new window, it starts in split screen by default.
To put Chrome next to a different app, use your tablet’s own split-screen controls. On a Pixel, for example, you swipe up from the bottom, hold, tap the app’s icon and tap Split screen. On iPad, Chrome works with the iPadOS multitasking controls.
Built-in Features Instead of Extensions
Chrome Web Store extensions don’t run in Chrome on tablets. Google’s extension help says that when you find one on a mobile device, the button is Add to Desktop, which installs it in Chrome on your computer. These built-in tools cover common needs instead:
- Reading mode: on Android, tap More > Show Reading mode for a clean, adjustable view of an article.
- Reading list and offline pages: on Android, tap More > Download to save a page to read offline.
- Passwords: Google Password Manager is built in and works across your devices when you sign in.
The best Chrome extensions are worth a look for Chrome on your computer.
Chrome on iPad vs Chrome on Android Tablets
| Feature | iPad | Android Tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Gesture Support | Integrated with iPadOS gestures | Varies by device and Android version |
| Extensions | Not supported | Not supported |
| Split Screen | Works with iPadOS multitasking | Drag a tab to the screen edge |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update Chrome on my tablet?
Go to your tablet’s app store, search for Chrome, and tap ‘Update’ if available. Our guide on how to update Chrome has the steps for each device.
Why is Chrome not touch responsive on my tablet?
Chrome has no touch setting to turn on. Close and reopen Chrome, restart the tablet, and update Chrome. If touch doesn’t work in other apps either, the problem is with the tablet, not Chrome.
Can I use Chrome extensions on my iPad?
No. Extensions from the Chrome Web Store install in Chrome on a computer. Consider alternatives like bookmarklets.
How can I improve Chrome’s performance on my tablet?
Close tabs you no longer need, delete cached images and files from More > Delete browsing data, and keep your tablet’s OS and Chrome up to date.
How do I enable dark mode on Chrome for tablets?
On an Android tablet, tap More > Settings > Theme and choose Dark. On iPad, turn on Dark Mode in your iPad’s settings and Chrome follows it. More in our dark mode guide.