How to Reinstall Google Chrome on a Computer or Mobile Device

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A complete guide to uninstalling and reinstalling Google Chrome
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If you're having issues with Google Chrome, reinstalling it may be the simplest way to solve your problems. Reinstalling Chrome requires you to uninstall it first, and then download the latest installation file from the Chrome website. You may not be able to reinstall Chrome on Android if it came installed on the device. This wikiHow guide covers everything you need to know about the process.

Things You Should Know

  • Open the Control Panel in Windows to uninstall Chrome. Be sure to enable hidden files so you can delete all files associated with the browser.
  • Reinstall Google Chrome on Windows or macOS by visiting google.com/chrome.
  • Some Android devices may come preloaded with Google Chrome, in which case you will only be able to uninstall updates for the Chrome app.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Windows

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  1. Before reinstalling Chrome, you'll want to uninstall the original copy. You can do this from the Control Panel.
  2. The wording will vary depending on your current Windows version. This will open a list of your installed programs.
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  3. By default, the list should be organized in alphabetical order.
  4. You'll find the Uninstall button above the list of programs after selecting one.
  5. This will ensure that all of your data is deleted completely before installing a fresh copy of Chrome.
  6. To completely eradicate Chrome data, you'll need to enable viewing of hidden files:
    • Open the Control Panel and select Folder Options.
    • Click the View tab and check "Show hidden files, folders, and drives."
    • Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files."
  7. Now that hidden files are visible, find and delete the following folders on your computer: [1]
    • C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome
    • C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome
    • XP only: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome
  8. Open Microsoft Edge or another installed browser and visit google.com/chrome .
  9. It should be written in blue text across the center of the page. A pop-up will appear with the terms and conditions.
    • Consider checking the box that allows Google to receive crash and usage reports. This will help enhance your own Chrome experience, as well as that of others.
    • Click Accept and Install . Your computer will download the necessary files and begin to run the installation wizard.
    • Chrome will also set itself as the default browser after installation, which you can change by unchecking the box.
  10. This will allow your computer to download the installation files from Google.
  11. The necessary files will download and Google Chrome's installer will begin. This installer will download more files, and then begin installing Chrome once the download is finished.
  12. When you launch Chrome after installing, you may be prompted to select your default browser. Choose Chrome or any other installed web browser on the list to make it the default browser for your computer.
  13. After the Chrome window opens, you'll be taken to the sign in page. Signing into Chrome with your Google account allows you to sync your bookmarks, extensions, themes, saved passwords , and form data. This is not required in order to use Chrome.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

macOS

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  1. Before reinstalling Chrome, you'll need to remove the old version. You can find this in your Applications folder.
  2. It may be in the base Applications folder, or it may have been moved to another folder.
  3. Drag the app to the Trash to delete it from your computer.
  4. If you want to completely remove your Chrome data before reinstalling, you'll need to find and delete your profile. This will delete your preferences, bookmarks, and history. [2]
    • Click the Go menu and select "Go to Folder."
    • Enter ~/Library/Google and click "Go."
    • Drag the GoogleSoftwareUpdate folder to the Trash.
  5. Open Safari or any other installed browser and visit google.com/chrome .
  6. It should be written in blue text across the center of the page. A pop-up will appear with the terms and conditions.
    • Consider checking the box that allows Google to receive crash and usage reports. This will help enhance your own Chrome experience, as well as that of others.
    • Click Accept and Install . Your computer will download the necessary files and begin to run the installation wizard.
    • Chrome will also set itself as the default browser after installation, which you can change by unchecking the box.
  7. [3] It may take a few minutes to finish downloading.
  8. [4] This will install Google Chrome to your Applications folder.
  9. If prompted, click "Open" to confirm that you want to start it.
  10. When you first start Chrome, you'll be prompted to log in with your google account. This will sync your Chrome bookmarks, settings, themes, bookmarks, and extensions. This isn't required in order to start using Chrome.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

iOS

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  1. After a moment, the icons will begin wiggling.
  2. You'll be asked to confirm that you want to completely delete Chrome and all of its data.
  3. The app icons will stop wiggling and you'll be able to open apps again.
  4. Once Chrome has been deleted, you can download it again from the App Store.
  5. It should be the first result for your app search.
  6. This will begin downloading the Chrome app to your iOS device. You may be prompted for your Apple ID password before Chrome begins downloading.
  7. Once the app has finished installing, you can launch it by tapping the Chrome icon on your Home screen. This will open the Chrome browser.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Android

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  1. You can uninstall Chrome from the Settings app of your device. You won't be able to uninstall Chrome if it came installed on your Android.
  2. This will open a list of applications installed on your Android device.
  3. This will open the Chrome app details screen.
  4. If you see "Uninstall," you'll be able to remove Chrome completely from your device. If you see "Uninstall Updates," Chrome came preloaded and you can only uninstall subsequent updates.
    • If you cannot uninstall Chrome, you will not be able to reinstall it either. Still, uninstalling updates and then updating the app again could help rectify any issues you may be experiencing.
  5. Once Chrome is removed, you can download it again from the Play Store.
  6. Google Chrome should be the first result that appears.
  7. If you were able to completely remove Chrome, tap the Install button to download the latest version to your device. If you were only able to remove the updates, tap "Update" to download and install the latest updates.
  8. You can find Chrome in your device's App Drawer. Depending on your settings, you may be able to find a shortcut on your Home screen as well.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Some websites are not loading. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You can always reset your computer or you can re-install Google Chrome again. Also, check to make sure that your internet connection is good.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Will reinstalling affect my bookmarks/saves?
    Community Answer
    Nope! I have reinstalled before and all of my bookmarks were still there.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
  • Question
    I'm getting a message saying that Google Chrome is ending support for Windows XP soon. Will reinstalling Google Chrome solve my problem?
    Community Answer
    No, Google is ending support for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and OS X 10.8 in April, 2016. Once support ends, you will no longer receive Chrome updates if you're using one of these operating systems. It's recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of Windows before support ends. See How to Install Windows 7 for instructions on upgrading Windows.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      • If you've reinstalled Chrome and are still experiencing the same problems that you were before removing it, you may have a malware infection. See Remove Malware for instructions on getting rid of a malware infection.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.wintips.org/how-to-completely-uninstall-re-install-google-chrome/
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95319
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95346
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95346

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Control panel .
      2. Click Uninstall a program .
      3. Click Google Chrome .
      4. Click Uninstall .
      5. Choose whether to delete your data.
      6. Go to https://google.com/chrome in another browser.
      7. Click Download Chrome .
      8. Follow the on-screen instructions to install.

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