Introduction
By default, Google keeps a detailed history of everything you do using its services. And when you have Google Chrome search suggestions turned on, Google will leverage that information to deliver predictive results that Google thinks you’re looking for based on what it already knows about you combined with what you’re typing. While scary, it can also be a real time saver and help you find what you’re looking for faster.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Turn On Google Chrome Search Suggestions
- Launch the Google Chrome web browser on your computer, and then click the “Menu” icon in the top-right corner of the screen that features a vertical ellipses.
- Click “Settings” in this menu.
- Make sure that “You and Google” is selected in the menu on the left side of the screen, and then click “Sync and Google Services” in the menu on the right side of the screen. The Sync and Google Services screen is displayed.
- Find the Other Google Services section, and then click to turn on the toggle associated with “Autocomplete searches and URLs.” Going forward Google Chrome will autocomplete your searches and URLs entered into either the address bar or the search box.
Reasons to Turn On Search Suggestions in Google Chrome
1. Improved Search Query Accuracy
Search suggestions provide users with a list of relevant and popular search terms related to their query. This makes it easier for users to find exactly what they are looking for with fewer typos or errors. Utilizing search suggestions can improve the accuracy of your search results and save you time.
2. Increased Speed and Efficiency
With search suggestions, you can save time by quickly finding what you want without having to type out an entire query. This can improve your overall search experience and make it easier to get the information you need. By providing a list of popular and relevant search terms, search suggestions help you to save time and be more efficient.
3. Better Navigation
Search suggestions can help you discover new websites and information that you may not have known about otherwise. By exploring the search suggestions, you can broaden your knowledge and find new and useful information. By making use of search suggestions, you can improve your navigation and explore new information.
4. Personalization
Search suggestions can be tailored to your search history and preferences. This makes the search experience more personalized and can help you find the information you need faster. By personalizing search suggestions, you can get more relevant and useful information.
5. Reduced Typing Effort
Search suggestions help reduce the effort you need to put into searching. With less typing, you can find what you need quickly and easily. By utilizing search suggestions, you can reduce the amount of effort you need to put into searching and find what you need more efficiently.
Reasons to Turn Off Search Suggestions in Google Chrome
1. Privacy Concerns
Search suggestions can collect data on your search history, which can raise privacy concerns. By turning off search suggestions, you can protect your privacy by reducing the data collected by Google or other search engines. This can help ensure that your personal information and search history are not being collected or used without your consent.
2. Avoid Distractions
Search suggestions can sometimes be distracting, particularly if they show irrelevant or inappropriate content. By turning off search suggestions, you can eliminate these distractions and focus on the task at hand. Whether you’re working on a research project or simply browsing the web, turning off search suggestions can help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
3. Improving Typing Accuracy
Some users prefer to type out their search queries in full to ensure accuracy. Search suggestions may interfere with this process, however, by suggesting irrelevant or distracting terms. By turning off search suggestions, you can eliminate these distractions and improve your typing accuracy.
4. Reducing Clutter
For some users, search suggestions can add clutter to the search process and make it more difficult to find what they’re looking for. By turning off search suggestions, you can simplify the search process and reduce clutter. Whether you’re searching for information or trying to find a specific website, turning off search suggestions can help you find what you need more quickly and easily.
5. Better Control
Some users prefer to control their own search experience and not have it influenced by search suggestions. By turning off search suggestions, you can have more control over your search experience. Whether you’re searching for specific information or simply browsing the web, turning off search suggestions can give you more control over your online experience.
6. Troubleshooting
In some cases, search suggestions may not be functioning correctly or may be causing technical issues. By turning off search suggestions, you can troubleshoot these issues and resolve them more easily. Whether you’re experiencing issues with your search engine or simply want to optimize your browsing experience, turning off search suggestions can be a useful troubleshooting step.
