How to Run Chrome in Safe Mode

Introduction

Running Google Chrome in safe mode is an effective way to troubleshoot issues caused by extensions or other settings. This guide will help you run Chrome without extensions, using Incognito mode, command line flags, and more. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, you’ll find step-by-step solutions to resolve your browser issues.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Restart Chrome: Close and reopen Chrome to see if the issue persists.
• Update Chrome: Ensure you’re using the latest version by navigating to Settings > About Chrome.
• Clear Cache: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data and clear your cache.

Disable Extensions Temporarily

Extensions can often cause issues with Chrome. Disabling them temporarily can help determine if they’re the root of the problem.

Windows, macOS, and Linux

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
2. Select More tools > Extensions.
3. Toggle off each extension to disable them temporarily.
4. Restart Chrome and see if the issue is resolved.

Incognito Testing

Chrome’s Incognito mode disables all extensions by default, providing a quick way to test if extensions are causing problems.

Windows and macOS

1. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).
2. Try to replicate the issue in the Incognito window.

Linux

1. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + N.
2. Test your browsing experience in the Incognito window.

New Profile Testing

Creating a new Chrome profile can help determine if a corrupted profile is causing issues.

All Platforms

1. Navigate to Settings > You and Google > Add New Profile.
2. Create a new profile and switch to it.
3. Test to see if the problem exists in the new profile.

Command Line Flags

Running Chrome with specific command line flags can help disable extensions and troubleshoot issues.

Windows

1. Right-click on your Chrome shortcut and select Properties.
2. In the Target field, add --disable-extensions at the end of the path.
3. Click OK and launch Chrome using this shortcut.

macOS

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type /Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --disable-extensions and press Enter.

Linux

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type google-chrome --disable-extensions and press Enter.

Troubleshooting Mode

Using Chrome’s built-in troubleshooting tools can help isolate the problem.

All Platforms

1. Type chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings into the address bar and press Enter.
2. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Confirm the reset and restart Chrome.

Conclusion

Running Chrome in safe mode and using these troubleshooting steps can effectively resolve many browser issues. By isolating extensions, testing in Incognito mode, and using command line flags, you can identify and fix problems efficiently. If issues persist, consult the official Google Chrome Help for more advanced troubleshooting.