[Tip] Remove or Change “New Tab” Button in Chrome Toolbar on Android

If you are using a Google Android smartphone, you might have noticed that Chrome app has suddenly started showing a “New Tab” (+) button on its toolbar next to the address bar. If you don’t like the new addition and want to remove New Tab button from Chrome’s toolbar, this article will help you. You can also change the New Tab button shortcut and replace it with other useful buttons such as Share or Voice Search with the help of this article.

The new versions of Google Chrome browser on Android operating system come with the addition of New Tab button on the toolbar. The button is displayed between the address bar and Tab Switcher icon.

Following image shows the New Tab button and other buttons showing in Chrome app on our Samsung Galaxy smartphone:

If you remember, we shared an article long time back to enable a secret bottom toolbar called Chrome Duet in Chrome app on Android which also introduced quick access to Share, Search, etc buttons. You can read more about it in this article.

If you don’t like the extra New Tab button and find it unnecessary, Google Chrome team has provided a way to disable or remove the New Tab button from the toolbar. Chrome also allows you to map the New Tab button shortcut with other useful buttons.

Following steps will help you in getting rid of the New Tab button from Chrome’s toolbar or replacing it with other buttons:

STEP 1:

The option to remove or replace New Tab button is present in Chrome Settings page. You can access the option using any of following 2 ways:

A. Tap and hold on the New Tab button or icon on Chrome’s toolbar and you’ll get an option to “Edit Shortcut” as shown in following screenshot:

Select the option and you’ll see Chrome Settings screen providing option to remove or replace New Tab button.

B. Tap on 3-dots Menu button present on Chrome toolbar and select Settings option from the main menu. Scroll down on Settings page and select “Toolbar Shortcut” option.

You’ll get the screen to remove or replace New Tab button.

STEP 2:

Now if you want to completely remove the New Tab button, set the toggle button given next to Toolbar shortcut to OFF.

It’ll immediately remove or hide New Tab button from Chrome toolbar.

If you want to replace New Tab button with other buttons, keep the toggle button to ON and select Share or Voice Search option from the given list and Chrome will change New Tab button with the selected button in the toolbar.

Also Check:

[Tip] Enable or Disable New Bookmarks Refresh UI in Chrome on Android

[Tip] Restore Classic Download Panel at Bottom in Chrome on Android