How Do I Delete a Shortcut from the Google Main Page?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever opened Google Chrome and noticed shortcuts cluttering your main page (the New Tab page). These shortcuts, which appear as website thumbnails or favicons, are designed to help you quickly access frequently visited sites.

However, they can sometimes feel intrusive or outdated, especially if you want a cleaner browsing experience. Google Chrome offers straightforward options to manage these shortcuts, and this guide will walk you through the process of deleting them—step by step.

Whether you’re a casual user or someone who values privacy and minimalism, removing shortcuts from the Google main page is simple and doesn’t require advanced technical skills. Let’s explore the latest methods to ensure your browsing setup aligns with your preferences.

Why Remove Shortcuts from the Google Main Page?

Before exploring the “how,” let’s examine the “why.” Shortcuts on the Google main page (New Tab page) are automatically generated based on your browsing history or manually added by you. While they can be convenient, here are a few reasons you might want to delete them:

• Privacy Concerns: Shortcuts display sites you’ve visited, which might not be ideal if you share your device.
• Clutter Reduction: A cleaner New Tab page can improve focus and aesthetics.
• Outdated Links: Sites you no longer visit can linger as shortcuts, making the feature less useful.

How to Delete a Shortcut from the Google Main Page

Here’s a straightforward, updated guide to removing shortcuts from the Google New Tab page. Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience:

Step 1: Open the Google New Tab Page

• Launch Google Chrome on your desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
• Click the “+” icon in the tab bar or press Ctrl + T (Windows) or Cmd + T (Mac) to open a new tab. This is your Google main page.

Step 2: Locate the Shortcuts

• On the New Tab page below the Google search bar, you’ll see a grid of circular icons or thumbnails. These are your shortcuts, typically showing up to eight sites based on your browsing habits or manual additions.

Step 3: Remove a Specific Shortcut

• Hover over the shortcut you want to delete. A small three-dot menu (More icon) will appear in the top-right corner of the shortcut.
• Click the three dots, then select “Remove” from the dropdown menu.
• The shortcut will instantly disappear from the grid.

Step 4: Undo the Removal (Optional)

• If you accidentally remove a shortcut, Chrome displays a temporary “Undo” option at the bottom of the screen. Click it within a few seconds to restore the shortcut.

Step 5: Delete All Shortcuts (Advanced Option)

• Want a completely clean slate? You can clear all shortcuts by resetting your browsing data:
  1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
  3. In the “Advanced” tab, select Browsing History and set the time range to “All time.”
  4. Click Clear Data. This removes the history that generates shortcuts, though new ones may reappear as you browse.

Customizing the New Tab Page Further

Deleting shortcuts is just the beginning. Chrome’s 2025 updates allow additional customization for a tailored experience:

• Hide Shortcuts Entirely:
  1. Open a new tab.
  2. Click the “Customize Chrome” button (usually a pencil icon) in the bottom-right corner.
  3. In the menu, select “Shortcuts”.
  4. Toggle the “Hide shortcuts” option to ON. This removes the shortcut grid completely, leaving a minimalist Google search page.
• Switch to a Blank Page: For ultimate simplicity, set your New Tab page to about:blank:
  1. Go to Settings > On Startup.
  2. Choose “Open a specific page or set of pages”.
  3. Add about:blank as the URL and save.

Troubleshooting: Shortcuts Keep Reappearing?

If deleted shortcuts return after a while, it’s likely due to Chrome syncing your browsing history or cached data. Here’s how to fix it:

• Disable Sync: Go to Settings > Sync and Google Services and turn off sync for history.
• Clear Cache: In Clear Browsing Data, select Cached Images and Files alongside history for a deeper reset.

For more detailed troubleshooting, check Google’s official Chrome Help page.

Conclusion

Removing shortcuts from the Google main page is a quick way to declutter your browsing experience in 2025. Whether you delete one shortcut or overhaul the entire New Tab page, Chrome’s latest tools make it easy to personalize your setup. By following this guide, you’ll regain control over your browser and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient interface.