My God, I love saving seconds. And if there's one area where lost moments are crying out to be found again, it's in the brilliant Chrome browser on your favorite Android phone.
Google's Android Chrome app is absolutely a must-have when it comes to hidden direct access and underestimated time constraints. And despite the fact that we went through a ton of top-notch time-savers for the Chrome Android environment a few months ago, I kept thinking, "Gee wilikers, Mr. Wigglesby, there must be some Mas."
(Mr. Wigglesby is what I call myself when I'm really deep in contemplation. But you already knew that, obviously.)
So I donned my favorite caver's hat and set out to delve into every surface of the Chrome app for Android. He just knew there had to be more time-saving treasures hidden away in some of his rarely touched areas. And, of course, I found some amazing new gems for both of you, all within the confines of the simple browser address bar.
Grab your toughest exploration boots and get ready. It's time to open your eyes to some splendid additional shortcuts built right into the top area of your Chrome Android browser.
Android Chrome Shortcut #1: Hidden Tab Actions
First, check out this chart that shows the total number of tabs you have open in Chrome on Android - the rounded square shape in the top right corner of the screen?
(*6*) JRYeah, that's the one that probably has an embarrassing number, if you're a fan of digital hoarding like me.
Well, make a mental note: if you press and hold this box for a second or so, it will reveal a beautifully useful menu of time-saving tab options.
JR This is by far the fastest way to close the current tab or open a new one, whether normal or incognito. And all you have to do is realize that it is there.
Android Chrome Shortcut #2: The Quick Nav Panel
Then tap the actual address of the site you're viewing in Chrome on your phone, whatever address you see in the middle of that same bar at the top of your scriggity screen.
A rarely used control panel will appear that is full of amazing options:
JR The icons directly next to the site name will allow you to share the page anywhere, copy the page address, and edit it in Chrome's address bar (in case you want to adjust it in any way).
And below that, you'll see icons of other sites that Chrome thinks you might visit next, as well as search terms that are somehow related to the page.
But wait! There is something else hidden in this area waiting to be discovered...
Android Chrome Shortcut #3: Hide Recent Search List
Here it is: After tapping the address of the site you're currently viewing, tap the line that says "Linked to this page."
This will cause Chrome to collapse this list and display a second list of specific recent searches you've done, both on your phone and on any other device you're signed in to with the same Google account. You can then tap on any of those terms to start the same search right away.
Who knows?!
Android Chrome Shortcut #4: The Custom Home Button
For this next tip, you need to pretend to be a carrier pigeon and focus your sharp eyes on the house-shaped icon, located in the upper left corner of the Chrome Android address bar.
(And if you don't see this icon, open your browser's settings, tap "Home Page," and toggle the switch to the on position. Then make a loud "CAW!" sound for good measure.)
Long press this home button and you will discover a hidden option to change Chrome home page. This will take you to a screen where you can set this default New Tab Page however you like, whether it's a site you open frequently from your phone, a Google Image results page that displays images of my face, or it can even be a dove. -specific social network.
Either way, remember this shortcut and you can change your Chrome Android home page anytime you want.
Android Chrome Shortcut #5: The Browser Settings Path
Speaking of Chrome's home page, as long as you stick to Google's standard New Tab page settings, you have a handy option to directly access your browser's settings at any time without having to search for the menu or lose track of your browser. effort.
Just tap on your profile picture in the top right corner of this screen.
JR One flick of your trusty heel, and that's it—you'll be looking through Chrome's settings faster than you can say "Seriously, what's up with that guy and those birds?"
Android Chrome Shortcut #6: The Custom Address Bar Button
This next Android Chrome shortcut might be my favorite. Not too long ago, Google added the ability to create your own custom shortcut button right in the Chrome address bar on any Android phone you're swiping on.
And if you haven't already enabled and/or configured it to match your workflow, let me tell you: you're really missing something.
To get started, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of Chrome, select “Settings,” then scroll down and select “Toolbar Shortcut.”
Now consider which Chrome command would be most useful to have available in an ever-present location with a single click. The browser has the ability to automatically adjust the icon based on what it thinks you're likely to need at some point, but I personally think consistency is key to making the shortcut useful and letting the memory muscle do it. steer to it, and I find the share command to be the most efficient use of this space for my personal work style.
JR Whatever you choose, get used to using it, and within seconds they'll be registered.
Ah, one more thing...
Android Chrome Shortcut #7: The Extra Custom Address Bar
If you're not entirely convinced that you've picked the best custom Chrome address bar action for your Android typing needs, don't worry about your scruffy face, because that handy little button has a handy little shortcut inside.
Long-press your new custom button in the browser's address bar, and what's up?
JR It will invoke a one-click command to redefine your function on demand and change it to any target, at any time.
All you have to do is congratulate yourself and consider calling yourself Mr. Wigglesby. Hey, you deserved it.
If you learned even one thing from this journey, keep going. by subscribing to my completely free android shortcuts supercourse. You will recover countless precious moments, and I promise you: I will not make any more references to pigeons.
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