To browse as a guest on a Chromebook, select Browse as Guest at the bottom of the sign-in screen. If you are already signed in, select the time at the bottom right, choose Power > Sign out, then select Browse as Guest. You do not need to install or download anything.
The short version
- Start here: Select Browse as Guest at the bottom of the Chromebook sign-in screen.
- Keyboard option: Press Ctrl + Shift + Q twice to sign out, then select Browse as Guest.
- Missing option: Ask the owner to enable Guest browsing on a personal Chromebook, or contact your administrator on a managed device.
- Finish properly: Select the time, then Exit guest to delete the ordinary Guest session’s local files and browsing data.
| Your starting point | What to do | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-in screen | Select Browse as Guest | Guest browsing must be enabled |
| Signed-in account | Select the time, then Power > Sign out | Select Browse as Guest afterward |
| Keyboard shortcut | Press Ctrl + Shift + Q twice | Sign out first, then select Browse as Guest |
| Tablet mode | Hold Power, then select Sign out | Select Browse as Guest on the sign-in screen |
| Initial setup | Select Browse as Guest at Google Account sign-in | Complete language, keyboard, network and terms steps first |
| Guest option missing on a personal device | The owner turns on Guest browsing | Sign out after changing the setting |
| Guest option disabled on a managed device | An administrator selects Allow guest mode | Requires the Mobile Device Management privilege |
| Organization-provided session | Select the named session tile, then Next | Accept custom terms if prompted |
| Managed guest session setup | An administrator enables manual access or automatic launch | Requires an enrolled device with a qualifying upgrade |
| Finished with ordinary Guest browsing | Select the time, then Exit guest | Session files and browsing data are deleted |
Start from the sign in screen
Turn on your Chromebook and select Browse as Guest at the bottom of the sign-in screen. You can then browse without signing in to a Chromebook account. If the option is missing, follow the owner or administrator steps below to enable it.
Switch from your signed in account
From your Chromebook account, select the time at the bottom right. Choose Power, then Sign out. Once the sign-in screen opens, select Browse as Guest.
To use the keyboard instead, press Ctrl + Shift + Q twice, then select Browse as Guest on the sign-in screen. The shortcut signs you out; it does not launch Guest browsing directly. Google documents this shortcut for standard US English QWERTY keyboards, so use the system menu if your layout differs and the shortcut does not work.
If your Chromebook supports tablet mode, press and hold the physical Power button until the menu appears. Select Sign out, then select Browse as Guest on the sign-in screen. This lets you switch to Guest browsing without using the keyboard shortcut.
Browse as a guest during initial setup
Turn on the Chromebook and choose your language and keyboard settings. Choose a network and accept the Terms of Service. At the Google Account sign-in stage, select Browse as Guest to browse without adding an account.
You can also use this setup route on a Chromebox. On a device managed by your workplace or school, access depends on your organization’s restrictions.
Restore the missing Guest option
On a personal, unmanaged Chromebook, sign in with the owner account, then select the time and open Settings. Go to Privacy and security > Manage other people and turn on Guest browsing. Sign out, then select Browse as Guest on the sign-in screen.
Only the owner can change this setting on a personal Chromebook, so ask the owner if you use a different account. If your Chromebook belongs to your workplace or school, contact your administrator. They control whether ordinary Guest browsing is available and may instead provide a named managed guest session.
Exit your Guest session when finished
To end an ordinary Guest session, select the time at the bottom right, then choose Exit guest. Google says this deletes the session’s files, cookies, website data and browsing activity from the Chromebook. Make sure you no longer need those local files before you exit, because they will not be available in your next Guest session.
Open your organization’s managed guest session
On a shared Chromebook configured for managed guest sessions, select the sign-in screen tile displaying your organization’s chosen session name. Select Next. If custom Terms of Service appear, select Accept, then browse.
A managed guest session is separate from ordinary Guest browsing. Your organization’s policies apply, and administrators may monitor activity. If your administrator has configured automatic launch, the session can start without you selecting its tile.
Allow ordinary Guest browsing as an administrator
If you administer managed Chromebooks, you need the Mobile Device Management privilege to change this setting. In the Google Admin console, open Devices > Chrome > Settings > Device settings. Select the organizational unit containing the devices you want to configure.
Under Sign-in settings, select Guest mode, choose Allow guest mode, then select Save. Users can then select Browse as Guest on the Chromebook sign-in screen.
Configure managed guest sessions as an administrator
To provide managed guest sessions, you need enrolled ChromeOS devices and the Mobile Device Management administrator privilege. Each device requires ChromeOS Enterprise Upgrade or ChromeOS Education Upgrade. Kiosk & Signage Upgrade does not qualify.
In the Admin console, open Devices > Chrome > Settings > Managed guest session settings. Select the organizational unit, then open General > Managed guest session. For manual entry from the sign-in screen, choose Allow managed guest sessions and select Save.
For automatic entry, choose Auto-launch managed guest session, enter a session name and configure its settings. You can set an Auto-launch delay if you want a wait before the session starts. Select Save to save the configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guest browsing the same as Incognito on a Chromebook?
No, Incognito is a separate browser mode that leaves you signed in to your Chromebook account. Press Ctrl + Shift + N to open an Incognito window.
Does Guest browsing hide your activity from your internet provider?
No, ordinary Guest browsing does not make your activity invisible to your internet provider. Websites and network operators may also see your activity. Deleting local session data does not make your browsing anonymous.
Can you install apps while browsing as a guest?
No, you cannot install apps in an ordinary Chromebook Guest session. Some built-in AI features are also unavailable.
Can you open Guest browsing from Chrome’s profile menu?
No, Chrome’s desktop Open Guest profile route does not apply to Chromebooks. Google directs Chromebook users to the ChromeOS Guest session instead.