How to Remove Search Suggestions from Chrome

Do you want to know how to remove search suggestions from Google Chrome when you type a search query in the address bar or search box?

When you type any query in the address bar or search box, Chrome sends what you type to your default search engine to get/show better suggestions. However, this feature is turned off in Incognito mode.

Sometimes you might need to remove search suggestions for some reasons, such as privacy concerns, distraction and clutter, or irrelevant suggestions.

No matter what the reasons are, you can easily disable this feature to avoid search suggestions from the Google Chrome browser.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to remove search suggestions from Chrome.

Google Chrome maintains its position as a well-known browser through fast performance together with a user-friendly design and seamless integration with Google services.

Search suggestions function as one of the browser’s major features. It is the dropdown list that appears as you type in the address bar.

While this feature can improve browsing efficiency, not everyone finds it useful. In fact, for some users, this feature can be annoying, distracting, or even a privacy concern.

What are Search Suggestions in Chrome?

Before jumping into the removal process, it’s helpful to understand why search suggestions appear.

When you type a word, phrase, or search query in Chrome’s address bar (also known as the Omnibox), the browser tries to assist you by showing a list of predicted searches or website URLs.

Why Chrome Shows Search Suggestions

These suggestions can come from several sources:

1. Search Engine Suggestions

By default, Chrome uses the Google search engine, and it uses real-time data from Google’s servers to predict what you’re trying to type.

If you’ve set a different search engine (such as Bing or DuckDuckGo), Chrome may use that engine’s suggestions instead of Google’s search engine.

This feature is designed to:

• Save your time.
• Offer search ideas you may not have thought of.
• Help you find popular or trending searches.

2. Your Browsing History

Chrome stores your past searches and websites. If you visited a site or searched a term previously, Chrome may show those as suggestions.

3. Bookmarks

Chrome also considers your saved bookmarks to display suggestions.

Why do you need to remove search suggestions from Chrome?

Search suggestions create a beneficial experience for users, but they cause difficulties for certain users. The following list specifies reasons why you should either disable or remove this feature:

1. Privacy Concerns

If your computer is used by others, then other users may view your previous searches and websites displayed as suggestions during other people’s sessions.

The feature exposes private information, which creates uncomfortable moments when you search for intense personal stuff.

2. Distraction and Clutter

The dropdown suggestion box can sometimes feel intrusive or cluttered, especially if you prefer a minimalist browsing experience. The suggestions drop-down breaks focus for people who prefer an uncluttered screen.

3. Irrelevant Suggestions

Sometimes, the Chrome browser shows you search suggestions that don’t match what you want to explore anymore. Your past search history fills up the suggestion panel.

4. Avoid Search Engine Influence

Some users like to find what to look for on their own without considering what’s popular or trending on the internet.

If you’re concerned about privacy, dislike the suggestions, or simply dislike the fact that Chrome co-decides for you, you may find that turning off suggestions can make Chrome feel more personal and secure.

How to Remove Search Suggestions from Chrome

The steps are given below to remove and turn off search suggestions from Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots from the top right.
2. Now you’ll see the list of options. Open the Settings option.
3. After that, the settings page will be open. By default, the You and Google options will be open.
4. From the You and Google settings, click on the Sync and Google services option.
5. Toggle off the “Improve search suggestions” option from under Other Google services.
6. That’s it.

How to Delete Cached Search Suggestions in Chrome

The above method turns off the search suggestion. But your Chrome browser may already cache some search suggestions. For this, you need to delete browsing history and cached files from the Chrome browser. The steps are given below:

1. Open the Google Chrome browser and click on the three vertical dots from the top right.
2. Click on the “Delete browsing data” option from the list, and the Delete browsing data pop-up window will open.
   Note: You can also use the “Ctrl+Shift+Delete” (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac) keyboard shortcut to open the “Delete browsing data” pop-up window.
3. From the Advanced tab, select All Time from the Time range. After that, select Browsing History and Cached images and files.
4. Click on the Delete Data button, and that’s it.

Final Words

I hope this article helps you learn how to remove search suggestions from Chrome. Chrome’s search suggestions can be helpful for many users, but they aren’t for everyone.

Whether you are worried about privacy, distractions, or simply want to get a cleaner browsing experience, you can easily remove or disable search suggestions.