Chrome comes preinstalled on many Android phones, and most devices won't let you uninstall that copy. Start with the Disable control in Android's app settings to turn it off. You can also change where links open, pause Chrome temporarily, or block it on a child's device.
Disable Chrome in Android Settings
This is the place to start for preinstalled Chrome. You don't need a download, but disabling can delete associated app data. Don't count on keeping all your local browsing data.
Open Settings and go to Apps.
Select Chrome. If it isn't listed, tap See all apps or App info first.
Tap Disable.
Complete the confirmation prompt shown on your device.
If you can't use Disable, check the Samsung shortcut below on a Galaxy device. If you only want links to stop opening in Chrome, try changing your default browser instead.
On Samsung Galaxy, use either app settings or the shortcut
Galaxy phones and tablets offer two routes for apps that support disabling. Available controls and their labels vary by model and software version.
Open Settings > Apps > Chrome.
Tap Disable.
Confirm with Disable app.
To use the shortcut instead, open the Apps screen.
Touch and hold Chrome.
Tap Disable.
Confirm the disable request. This turns off the app, rather than just removing its Home-screen icon.
Make links open in another browser
Changing your default sends ordinary browser links to another browser; Chrome stays installed and usable.
Open Settings.
Choose Apps.
Tap Default apps, called Choose default apps on some devices.
Open Browser app.
Select another installed browser.
Remove a Chrome installation that supports uninstalling
Use Google Play to uninstall a removable copy of Chrome; most factory-preinstalled copies cannot be removed this way.
Open Google Play Store. Some steps in Google's app-deletion instructions require Android 13 or later.
Tap your Profile icon.
Select Manage apps and devices.
Open Manage.
Select Chrome.
Tap Uninstall.
For preinstalled Chrome without that option, use Settings > Apps > Chrome > Disable if your device offers it.
Pause Chrome when you need a break
Open Settings on a device with Digital Wellbeing's Focus mode. This feature temporarily blocks Chrome and suppresses its notifications while paused.
Enter Digital Wellbeing.
Open Focus mode.
Select Chrome.
Tap Turn on now.
To restore access, tap Turn off now. To use Chrome briefly while Focus mode stays on, tap Take a break and choose a time limit.
Tip: Use Set a schedule to pause Chrome automatically at your chosen times.
Block Chrome on a child’s device with Family Link
Family Link lets parents block Chrome on supervised Android devices running Android 6.0 or later where Chrome is blockable; some essential apps cannot be blocked.
- 1.On the parent's device, open Family Link and select your child.
- 2.Tap Screen time.
- 3.Open Time limits, then App limits.
- 4.Select Chrome.
- 5.Tap the Allowed toggle so the status becomes Blocked.
- 6.Tap Done. The block normally takes about five minutes to apply, or waits until your child's device connects to the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn Chrome back on after disabling it?
Yes. On Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Apps > Chrome and tap Enable. Re-enabling does not guarantee recovery of local browsing data deleted during disabling.
Does Force stop disable Chrome permanently?
No. Force stop stops the app temporarily. It does not provide a lasting disable or block access.
Can I disable Chrome on a work or school device?
Ask your device administrator to disable or block Chrome if management restrictions prevent you from changing it. Administrators can apply that restriction within the managed environment. A work-profile policy does not disable a separate personal-profile copy.
Can I give Chrome a daily time allowance?
Yes, on devices with Digital Wellbeing app timers. Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing > App timers. Beside Chrome, tap Set timer, choose an allowance, then tap OK. Chrome closes and its icon dims when time runs out. Timers reset at midnight, and some work and school accounts do not support them.