Google Chrome’s site settings and permissions can often be a source of confusion for users. Whether you’re trying to manage site permissions for camera and microphone access, location settings, or notifications, this guide shows where each setting lives in Chrome on a computer, with notes for Android and iPhone at the end.
How to Manage Chrome Site settings on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Managing site settings on Chrome is straightforward. Follow these steps to adjust permissions:
- Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Navigate to Privacy and security.
- Click on Site settings.
- Choose the specific permission you want to manage, such as Camera or Location.
chrome://settings/content in the address bar to open Site settings directly. To change one site only, click View site information to the left of its web address and select Site settings.How to Manage Camera and Microphone Permissions
Control which sites can access your camera and microphone:
- Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings.
- Under Permissions, click on Camera or Microphone.
- Choose the default: Sites can ask to use your camera (or microphone) or Don’t allow sites to use your camera.
- Review the Allowed and Not allowed lists. To remove an exception, select Delete next to the site. To allow a blocked site, select its name and change the permission to Allow (Google’s camera and microphone help).
How to Manage Location Access
Follow these steps to manage location permissions:
- In Chrome, access Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings.
- Select Location.
- Choose Sites can ask for your location or Don’t allow sites to see your location.
- Review the sites listed as allowed or not allowed to see your location, and change any you no longer trust.
How to Manage Notifications
Control push notifications from websites:
- Open Site settings as described earlier.
- Click on Notifications.
- Choose Sites can ask to send notifications or Don’t allow sites to send notifications.
- Manage exceptions with Add next to Allowed to send notifications or Not allowed to send notifications.
How to Manage Pop-ups and JavaScript
| Setting | Path | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-ups | Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects | Sites can send pop-ups and use redirects, or Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects |
| JavaScript | Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > JavaScript | Sites can use JavaScript, or Don’t allow sites to use JavaScript |
How to Manage Cookies Per Site
To manage cookies for individual sites:
- Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies.
- Select See all site data and permissions.
- Search for a specific site and select Delete to remove its data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset site permissions in Chrome?
Open the site, click View site information to the left of the web address, and select Reset permissions if the button is shown. For more help, see fixing Chrome permission problems.
Why can’t I access site settings?
If you use Chrome at work or school, your administrator may control some settings, and they will show as managed. Otherwise, make sure Chrome is up to date (see how to update Chrome).
How do I stop sites from asking for permissions?
In Site settings, set permissions like Location or Notifications to Don’t allow.
Can I manage site settings on mobile devices?
Yes. On Android, tap More > Settings > Site settings. On iPhone and iPad, tap More > Settings > Content Settings, which has fewer options (such as pop-ups).
Conclusion
Understanding and managing site settings and permissions in Chrome can enhance your browsing experience and privacy. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile devices, these instructions will help you take control over site permissions quickly and effectively.