PDF download Download Article
Remove Google Chrome from all your devices with this easy-to-use guide
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to uninstall the Google Chrome web browser from your computer or smartphone. If you're using an Android, you usually can't uninstall Google Chrome due to Chrome being the default browser; however, you can disable Chrome to hide it from your Android's App Drawer. It is also not possible to delete Chrome from a Chromebook.

Ways to Remove Google Chrome

  1. On Windows, open “Apps” in Settings, find Chrome, and click “Uninstall” twice.
  2. On Mac, locate Chrome in Applications and drag it to the trash icon.
  3. On iPhone, press and hold the Google Chrome app, then click “Remove App.”
  4. On Android, find Chrome under Apps, then hit “Uninstall.”
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

On Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. Windows will uninstall a program if it is currently running; closing Chrome will prevent this problem from occurring.
  2. To avoid errors saying that Google Chrome is still running even though you've closed all of its windows, you should check to make sure all Google Chrome processes have stopped and force-quit any Google Chrome processes still running Use the following steps to force-quit Google Chrome:
    • Press Ctrl+ Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager.
    • Click the Processes tab.
    • Click Google Chrome in the main window.
    • Click End task in the bottom-right corner of the Task Manager.
    Advertisement
  3. Click the gear-shaped Settings icon in the bottom-left corner of the Start window. This will open the Settings window.[2]
    • Alternatively, you can press "Ctrl + R" to open the Run utility. Type "appwiz.cpl" and press "Enter" to open the App Wizard in the Control Panel.
  4. It's in the Settings window.[3]
  5. You'll find Google Chrome in the "G" section of the list of currently installed apps.
    • If you don't see Chrome here, make sure you're sorting by name by clicking the "Sort by" option and then clicking Name.
  6. You'll click Uninstall once under Google Chrome's name, then you'll click it again when it pops up above Google Chrome's name.[4]
  7. This will allow Google Chrome to run its uninstaller.
  8. Doing so will prompt Google Chrome to uninstall.
    • You may also want to have Chrome delete your browsing history by checking the "Also delete your browsing data?" box.
  9. If you still see the Google Chrome icon in the taskbar, desktop, or Start menu, or you reinstall Google Chrome and continue to experience issues with it, you may need to delete the Google Chrome installation folders. First, make sure you have hidden files and folders showing in FIle Explorer. Then use the following steps to delete the Google Chrome installation folders:
    • Press "Windows key + E" to open File Explorer.
    • Click your Windows Installation (C:) drive.
    • Open the following folders: users > Your Username > AppData > Local > Google.
    • Right-click the Chrome folder and click Delete.
    • Click your Windows Installation (C:) drive.
    • Open the following folders: Program Files (x86) > Google.
    • Right-click the Chrome folder and click Delete.
  10. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

On Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hold down "Control" while clicking the Google Chrome app icon in your Mac's Dock, then click Quit in the resulting pop-up window.[5]
    • If Google Chrome is already closed, you won't see Quit in the menu.
  2. If you're receiving errors that say Chrome is running even though you've closed it, do the following before attempting to uninstall Google Chrome:[6]
    • Press Option+ Command+Esc at the same time.
    • Select Google Chrome in the pop-up window.
    • Click Force Quit in the bottom-right corner of the pop-up window.
    • Click Force Quit when prompted.
  3. It's a menu item at the top of your Mac's screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
  4. You'll find this option in the drop-down menu. Doing so opens a list of your Mac's installed applications.
  5. Google Chrome is the red, green, yellow, and blue app here, though you may have to scroll down to find it.
  6. Click and drag the Chrome app icon onto the Trash icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, then release it there. This will remove Chrome from your Mac.[7]
  7. If you still see the Google Chrome icon in the Dock or Applications folder, or you try to reinstall Google Chrome and it has the same issues as before, you may need to delete the installation folder. Use the following steps to delete the installation folder:
    • Open Finder.
    • Click Go.
    • Hold "Option" and click Library.
    • Open the Application Support folder followed by the Google folder.
    • Drag and drop the Chrome folder into the Trash.
  8. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

On iPhone

PDF download Download Article
  1. After a second, its app icon will begin wiggling.[8]
  2. It's in the top-left corner of the Google Chrome app.[9]
  3. It's a red button on the right side of the pop-up window. Doing so will remove Chrome from your iPhone.
    • This process will also work on an iPad or iPod touch.
  4. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

On Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. Swipe down from the top of your Android's screen, then tap the gear-shaped "Settings" icon in the top-right corner of the resulting drop-down menu.
    • On some Androids, you must use two fingers to swipe down.
    • If Google Chrome came pre-installed on your Android phone, you cannot uninstall it. You can only disable it. If you need to clear space on your Android phone, you can delete the cache, cookies, and history.
  2. It's in the Settings menu. Doing so opens a list of your Android's installed apps.
  3. This option is below the "Google Chrome" heading at the top of the screen.
    • If you instead see DISABLE here, Chrome cannot be uninstalled from your Android. To disable and hide Chrome, tap DISABLE and then tap DISABLE when prompted.
  4. Doing so will uninstall Chrome from your Android.
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What should I do if I have performed all of the steps to uninstall Chrome, but it is still not uninstalling?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you're using Windows, try stopping Chrome's background service and uninstall. Start task manager and locate Details. Now search for chrome.exe. You'll find several of them. Press one of them and click "End task". (Note you may be prompted to delete the task, just click "End process") Quickly open up control panel and uninstall Chrome. And hopefully that should be able to remove Chrome.
  • Question
    How do I uninstall Google Chrome on Windows 10?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go to control panel, select "programs and features", find and select Google Chrome and click the uninstall button.
  • Question
    I’ve checked the task Manager and no Chrome processes are running. But I still get a message telling me to close all Chrome windows. Chrome won’t open, so I can’t access clean-up tools. What else can I do to uninstall Chrome?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Just try to reboot your PC, then open Chrome. Uninstall any extensions you have installed and then try.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you notice that Chrome doesn't appear to uninstall all the way from your computer, try restarting your computer to complete the process.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Since Chrome is the default browser on most Android smartphones and tablets, it usually cannot be permanently removed.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Disable Images in Google ChromeDisable Images in Google Chrome
Install Google Chrome Using Terminal on Linux
Download and Install Google Chrome3 Easy Ways to Install the Google Chrome Web Browser
Turn Off Private or Incognito BrowsingTurn Off and Disable Private Browsing on Any Web Browser
Auto Refresh in ChromeAutomatically Reload a Page in Chrome: Easy Extension & Script
Save a Web Page as a PDF in Google Chrome3 Simple Ways to Save a Web Page as a PDF in Google Chrome
Make Pinned Tabs ReopenWhy Your Pinned Tabs Disappear & How to Fix It
Turn Your Favorite Website Into Desktop Apps With Google Chrome Turn Any Website Into an App Shortcut With Chrome
Access Bookmarks on Google ChromeEasy Ways to View & Manage Bookmarks in Google Chrome
Add Google Drive to File Explorer Add Google Drive to File Explorer in Windows
Transfer Bookmarks from One Computer to AnotherTransfer Bookmarks from One Computer to Another
Remove Suggestions on Chrome Remove Suggestions on Google Chrome: 2 Easy Ways
Remove Bing from Chrome2 Fast Ways to Remove Bing from Chrome: PC, Mac, & Mobile
Disable Ctrl Shift Qq Override the Ctrl+Shift+QQ Shortcut in Google Chrome
Advertisement

About This Article

Travis Boylls
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 1,137,013 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 26
Updated: December 11, 2024
Views: 1,137,013
Categories: Google Chrome
Article SummaryX

1. Open Start, then click the Settings gear.
2. Click Apps.
3. Scroll down and click Google Chrome.
4. Click Uninstall twice.
5. Click the blue Uninstall button when prompted.

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,137,013 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement