Prevent Embarrassing Moments: How to Turn Off Google Autocomplete

Google is the most popular search engine for PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, and Android users. Even if you are thinking of switching from Google, it’s intuitive, responsive, and a search behemoth. However, you might want to know how to turn off Google autocomplete.

When you start typing, Google intuitively displays recommendations for what it thinks you’ll type. Sometimes, the autocomplete feature displays inappropriate, wrong, or personal recommendations based on what you’ve searched for. This can lead to embarrassing situations while giving a presentation or when a colleague looks over your shoulder.

Whether you are on a computer or your phone, don’t like the feature, or want to disable it temporarily, this guide will show you how. For instance, you can turn it off while giving a presentation and turn it back on later when needed.

Disable Autocomplete on Chrome on the Desktop for Trending Search

Google is the default search engine for Chrome. So, if you haven’t changed the default search engine, these steps can be used to turn off the autocomplete feature on the desktop. Note that you can use these steps for other browsers.

Launch Google Chrome (or another browser), head to Google.com, and sign into your account if you haven’t already. Click your profile icon in the top right corner.

Click Other Settings from the left panel.

Scroll down to the Desktop section and toggle off the Autocomplete with trending searches switch.

Turn Off Google Autocomplete for Related Searches

Launch Google Chrome (or any other browser) and go to Google.com. Click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select More Settings from the menu that appears. Click the Privacy & Safety button in the right panel.

Scroll to the Content section and click the Search Personalization option.

Toggle off the Personalize Search switch on the next page to disable it.

Turn Off the Chrome Autocomplete Feature on Android

If you use Chrome on your PC and are an Android (or iPhone) user, you might want to disable autocomplete on your phone.

Launch Chrome on your Android device.

Click your profile icon in the top right corner.

Tap the Google Services option from the menu.

Toggle off the Improve Search Suggestions switch from the menu.

Taming Google’s Autocomplete feature

Having your previous search terms pop up while using Chrome can be an annoyance in certain situations. Luckily, you can turn off the feature to have peace of mind knowing your personal search terms won’t pop up while using Chrome.

It’s also worth noting that your settings will sync with any browser you sign in with the same Google account. So, the settings will be the same if you use Google in Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or on your mobile device. Suggestions may still appear, but when you turn off the above settings, at least your search history won’t display.

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