How to Search Open Tabs in Google Chrome
Since tabbed browsing was introduced, it’s remained a staple feature and requirement for any browser. People are used to having several tabs open when browsing the web.
However, sometimes the number of open tabs at a given moment gets overwhelming. You might find yourself lost in an array of tabs and unable to find the one you need.
Google includes a remedy that you might not be using. You can search open tabs in Google Chrome to locate URLs and keywords that match the available pages. If you are unfamiliar with this helpful ability, here’s how to use it.
How to Search Tabs in Google Chrome
Once you have a ton of tabs open, you don’t need to scroll the cursor over each tab and hunt and peck your way to the one you need. A small button allows you to search for an open tab easily. And it works with Chrome on most platforms, i.e., Windows, Mac, iOS, and Chrome OS.
To search tabs in Google Chrome, use these steps:
- Launch Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click the Search tabs icon in the top right corner. It is the small downward-facing arrow button in the top right corner.
- In the Search tabs field at the top, type in the keyword, phrase, specific URL, or whatever you are looking for.
- The results will appear below the search field as you type what you want to find. When you see what you need, click on the result to go to that tab.
- If you want to close a tab, click the X button next to it under the search results.
- When you can’t find an open tab you need, scroll down the menu to view more tabs under the Recently Closed section.
It’s also worth noting that if you prefer the keyboard, you can open the Search tabs menu by pressing Ctrl + Shift + A. Type in your query and use the arrow keys on the keyboard to scroll through results and press Enter to go to the open tab.
How to Search Open Tabs in Chrome on iPhone or iPad
The ability to search open tabs on Chrome isn’t reserved for desktops. You can also use the feature in Chrome on your iPhone or iPad.
To search open tabs in Chrome on iPhone or iPad:
- Launch the Google Chrome app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Switch tabs button at the bottom of the screen.
- A screen will come up with all your currently open tabs. Tap the Search button in the top left corner.
- Type in what you are looking for in the search field that appears. The results will appear as you type your query.
Tab Management in Google Chrome Made Easy
The Search tabs menu will show your recent history of the tabs you have open, which is helpful. However, having the ability to search for a specific page you have open allows for easier management. And if you’re an iOS user, finding your open tabs is a few taps away which is helpful while on the go. Searching open tabs in Google Chrome is straightforward and accessible from multiple platforms.
If you are new to Chrome or want to get the most from the browser, there is more to check out. For example, you can enable battery saver mode in Chrome to reduce battery strain. Also, consider enabling memory saver tabs in Chrome to help reduce battery use on your laptop.
To ensure your privacy and security are more protected while using Chrome, learn to perform a safety check in Chrome. Similarly, if you don’t want to use Google for search, check out how to add custom search engines to Chrome.
And while Google Chrome does work well most of the time, there can be problems with the browser. For instance, learn about fixing an ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error or how to fix the ERR_CACHE_MISS error in Chrome if you encounter it.
