If you’re tired of seeing recent searches pop up under the search bar along with other quick links every time you open Google Chrome on your Android device, you’re not alone. Many users have been frustrated by this feature, which sometimes feels more intrusive than helpful. Luckily, there’s one nifty way to try to remove these recent search suggestions, though Google has made it trickier with recent updates. That said, first let’s check out what the problem is exactly.

Why did this problem start?

Google Chrome occasionally refreshes its user interface and features, often in ways that keep things dynamic but can sometimes make popular options harder to find. Recently, Google removed the flag (hidden Chrome setting) called “#organic-repeatable-queries,” which used to let users disable recent searches under the search bar. This unexpected change has left users searching for new ways to turn off the recent search feature. If you’re one of them, then follow the steps below.

Steps to get rid of the recent searches

With the #organic-repeatable-queries flag removed, some users have found a workaround by enabling “Temporarily unexpire M130 flags” in Chrome’s experimental settings, but this may not work for everyone.

  1. Type chrome://flags in Chrome’s address bar and hit enter.
  2. In the search bar at the top, type “Temporarily unexpire M130 flags.”
  3. Enable this flag if you see it.
  4. Restart Chrome.
  5. Now the #organic-repeatable-queries flag should be back. Just search for it and toggle it off.

Just keep in mind that Chrome flags often change with each update, so there’s no guarantee this option will stick around. 

This isn’t the only recent change users are upset with. Many Chrome users were recently also looking to get back the two-line home page shortcuts and ways to bypass the new Chrome UI that began rolling out last year. Unfortunately, Google made it harder, and in some cases, even impossible to revert changes. So as I mentioned above, it’s possible that the workaround to remove recent searches from Chrome might not work in the future. 

Feel free to drop a comment below to let me know if this workaround did the trick for you or not.

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Dwayne Cubbins
377 Posts

For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.

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