How To Change The New Tab Page in Google Chrome [2026 Guide]

Change the new tab page in Google Chrome. By the end, your new tab will look and feel exactly the way you want. All of this takes just a minute or two.

Change The New Tab Page in Google Chrome [2026 Guide]

Open the customization panel

1. Start by opening a new tab in Chrome. You can click the plus icon at the top of your browser or use the shortcut Command + T on a Mac or Control + T on Windows. This takes you to the default new tab page where you'll make all your changes.

2. Look to the bottom right corner and click Customize Chrome. Depending on your version, this may appear as a small pencil icon or a button labeled Customize. If you don't see it, make sure you're on the new tab page and that Chrome is up to date. Clicking it opens a simple panel where all customization lives.

Shortcuts

In the shortcuts section, you can choose whether to show quick links to sites, let Chrome automatically populate your most visited pages, or hide them entirely for a cleaner look. If you keep them visible, you can edit or remove individual tiles to tidy things up and even rename them to something more memorable. This is great for keeping your most used sites one click away without clutter.

Background

Here you can pick from curated image collections or select a daily refresh option so your background updates automatically. If you prefer something personal, choose Upload from device to use your own photo. High resolution wide images generally look best, and you can change your mind anytime without losing your other settings.

Theme

Go to Theme to adjust color and layout accents. Choose a color palette that matches your wallpaper, or switch to a darker look for low light environments. The theme you pick updates the browser's toolbar, tab accents, and other interface elements to keep everything cohesive. If you ever want to revert, you can return here and pick a different color or reset to the default.

Apply and review

When you're happy with the way everything looks, simply close the customization panel or click outside of it. There's no save button to hunt for. Chrome applies and saves your choices automatically. Open a fresh new tab to see the final result in action.

Sync tip

As a quick tip, if you use Chrome Sync with your account, many of these design choices can carry across devices so your new tab feels familiar wherever you sign in. Enjoy your refreshed browsing experience and take a moment to fine-tune things until it feels just right.

Final Thoughts

You can tailor Chrome's new tab page in minutes: show or hide shortcuts, set a background, tune your theme, and let Chrome save it all automatically. With Sync, your design can follow you across devices for a consistent feel.