Google Chrome is now one of the most used browsers in the world on both computers and smartphones, especially those running Android. Most of the data savers out there I know use Opera Mini or an Opera related browser, but still Google Chrome is still not just popular, it’s also one of the best options for available for anyone looking for speed on the mobile web. With this in mind, here are a few tips and tricks to help take your Chrome experience to the next level.
Save data
Just like Opera, Google Chrome has a Data Saver Option. You can find this under Settings-> Advanced- Data Saver. When you use this option, most of your web traffic goes through Google Servers before being downloaded to your device, because Google servers will compress it. If you are on a slow connection, Data Saver will simplify the page to save data and make the page load faster.
Manage notifications
Since Andorid 7 Nougat, Android has supported Notification Channels. As a Google app, Chrome is obviously one of the first to use the new Android feature. In the app settings, under Notifications, you can find all the sites that send push notifications.
Mute individual websites completely or choose how they may notify you. Maybe the LED is enough, while vibration or sound are turned off.
Block ads
Google has integrated an ad-blocker and it’s enabled by default. The fact that you still see occasional ads, however, is related to advertising under the so-called Better Ads Standards. As long as advertising does not cover content or make the smartphone vibrate, Google waves it through and displays it in Chrome for Android. We’ve still got a tip for you though.
However, if you want to use a more aggressive ad-blocker or even the open-source uBlock Origin, you need to grab an alternative browser instead of Chrome for Android. Brave, for example, is also based on Chromium and integrates a rigorous ad blocker. The makers behind Brave want to replace conventional advertising with a blockchain-based compensation system.
Active Reader mode
Occasionally, Chrome will pop up with an offer to make a page easier to read. If you tap on the button, fonts are enlarged and the design of the website is changed so that you can read the text easier. Want it for every website? Today’s your lucky day!
Look for reader in the Chrome flags just like we showed you above and enable reader mode to be always on. Then you can read every article in simple, plain black and white.
Address bar at top or bottom
Chrome is experimenting with a new layout. The address bar moves from top to bottom, but is extendable. Below the address are then bookmarks and suggestions. The whole thing is a bit like the Pixel Launcher. Chrome Home is already active on some Android One devices by default, and others can be activated manually.
If you want to use the new Chrome layout with the address bar at the bottom, search in the flags for Modern and Home and enable one of them there. Restart Chrome and enjoy the new layout. If you want the address bar in Chrome for Android to be on top, disable the layouts in the same way
Do you use Chrome on Android already? What features do you use that aren’t obvious? Share your tips in the comments below!
