How to Access Chrome’s Privacy Guide
The Chrome Privacy Guide is a built-in walkthrough that takes you through Chrome’s main privacy settings one card at a time. This guide shows how to open it in Chrome on Windows, macOS, and Linux and what each step changes.
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Go to Privacy and security.
- Click on Privacy Guide to start the walkthrough.
Step-by-Step Privacy Guide Walkthrough
The Privacy Guide shows a series of cards. Depending on whether you are signed in and syncing, you may see some or all of these:
- Choose your search and browsing quality: Decide whether Chrome sends the URLs of pages you visit to Google to make searches and browsing better.
- Choose whether to sync history: If you are signed in, decide whether your browsing history is saved to your Google Account and shared with your other devices.
- Choose your third-party cookie preferences: Allow or block third-party cookies. Chrome keeps this as your choice, and Incognito blocks them by default.
- Choose your Safe Browsing protection: Pick Standard or Enhanced protection. Google says Enhanced protection sends Google the URL and a small sample of page content, extension activity and system information to check for new threats (Safe Browsing help).
chrome://settings/privacy in the address bar to open the full Privacy and security page.Recommended Privacy Settings for Different Users
Depending on your privacy needs, here are some recommended settings:
| User Type | Recommended Settings |
|---|---|
| Privacy-Conscious | Enhanced Safe Browsing, third-party cookies blocked, ad privacy features off |
| Standard User | Standard protection, default cookie and site permission settings |
| Advanced User | Custom site permissions, history sync and “Make searches and browsing better” turned off |
Revisiting the Privacy Guide After Browser Updates
Chrome updates can change privacy features. It’s a good idea to revisit the Privacy Guide after updates:
- Check for updates by going to Settings > About Chrome.
- After updating, return to the Privacy Guide to review any new options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chrome Privacy Guide?
The Chrome Privacy Guide is a feature within Chrome that helps users customize their privacy settings through a guided walkthrough.
Does the Privacy Guide change anything on its own?
No. Each card shows a setting and its current value. Nothing changes unless you pick a different option.
How often should I revisit the Privacy Guide?
It’s advisable to revisit the Privacy Guide after a major Chrome update or if you notice changes in privacy settings.
Does Enhanced Safe Browsing share my data with Google?
Yes. Google says Enhanced protection sends more information to Google Safe Browsing than Standard protection does, and that this information is only used for security purposes.
Can I customize site permissions individually?
Yes, Chrome allows you to customize permissions for individual sites under Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings.
Conclusion
Using Chrome’s Privacy Guide is an easy way to make sure your browser’s privacy settings match your preferences. Review it now and then, especially after updates, and use the full Privacy and security page for anything the guide does not cover.