Chrome lets you replace the default new tab page with a custom URL, a blank page, or your homepage

When you open a new tab in Chrome, you normally see Google's search box, shortcuts to your most-visited sites, and news cards. You can change this to show a blank page, your homepage, a specific website, or a custom HTML file stored on your computer. The setting takes about one minute to change and applies across all your devices if you sign into Chrome with the same account.

The new tab page is separate from your homepage — changing one does not affect the other. Your homepage is what loads when you click the home button or start Chrome. Your new tab page is what appears when you press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac), or click the plus icon next to an open tab.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Chrome Settings, go to Appearance, and find the "New tab page" section to choose between Google's default, a blank page, your homepage, or a custom URL.
  • If you choose a custom URL, Chrome will load that website every time you open a new tab, so pick something that loads quickly.
  • You can also install a Chrome extension that replaces the new tab page with a custom design, dashboard, or productivity tool without changing settings.
  • Changes sync across devices if you are signed into the same Google account in Chrome.

How to change the new tab page in Chrome settings

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. On the left sidebar, click Appearance.

Under the "New tab page" section, you will see four options. Click the radio button next to your choice:

  • Google — Shows the default new tab page with search, shortcuts, and news.
  • Blank page — Opens a completely empty tab with no content.
  • Open your homepage — Loads whatever you set as your homepage.
  • Open a specific page or set of pages — Lets you enter a custom URL.

If you choose the custom URL option, a text field appears below. Type the full web address (for example, https://www.example.com) and press Enter. Chrome will load that page every time you open a new tab.

Using a custom URL for your new tab page

A custom URL is useful if you want to see a dashboard, note-taking app, or productivity tool every time you open a new tab. Popular choices include Notion, a personal wiki, a local news site, or a custom HTML file you create yourself.

If you use a local file (stored on your computer rather than online), you can enter a file path like file:///C:/Users/YourName/Desktop/newtab.html on Windows or file:///Users/YourName/Desktop/newtab.html on Mac. This works for simple HTML pages but may not load external images or stylesheets depending on how Chrome's security settings handle local files.

Keep in mind that Chrome loads your custom URL every time you open a new tab, so choose something that loads quickly. If the page is slow or requires an internet connection, you may experience a delay before the tab fully appears.

Using Chrome extensions to change the new tab page

Extensions offer an alternative to the settings method and often provide more design options. Extensions like Momentum, Tabliss, and New Tab Redirect replace your new tab page with custom layouts, backgrounds, to-do lists, or weather widgets.

To install an extension, open the Chrome Web Store, search for a new tab extension, and click Add to Chrome. The extension will ask for permission to change your new tab page. Grant the permission, and the extension takes over the next time you open a new tab.

Extensions are more flexible than the built-in settings because they can add interactive features, save data locally, and update their design without you having to change anything. However, they do use a small amount of memory and may slow down your browser slightly if you install many extensions.

What happens if you use both a custom URL and an extension

If you install a new tab extension, it overrides whatever you set in Chrome Settings. The extension's page will appear instead of your custom URL or homepage. You can disable the extension in Chrome's extension menu (click the puzzle piece icon in the top right) if you want to go back to your settings choice.

Some extensions let you customize their appearance or behavior through their own settings page. Check the extension's options menu to see what you can change.

Syncing your new tab page choice across devices

If you sign into Chrome with a Google account, your new tab page setting syncs to all devices where you use that account. This means if you change the setting on your laptop, the same choice appears on your phone or tablet the next time you open Chrome.

To check that sync is turned on, open Chrome Settings, click You and Google on the left sidebar, and look for Sync and Google services. Make sure the toggle next to Sync everything is on, or that Appearance is checked if you use selective sync.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different new tab pages for different profiles in Chrome?

Yes. Chrome lets you create multiple profiles, and each profile has its own settings. Open Settings, click You and Google, and look for Manage other people. Create a new profile, sign into it, and change the new tab page setting for that profile only. The setting will not affect your other profiles.

Why does my custom URL not load on the new tab page?

Check that you entered the full URL including https:// at the start. If the page requires you to be logged in, make sure you are signed in before testing. If you are using a local file, verify the file path is correct and that the file exists. Some local files may not load due to Chrome's security restrictions on file:// URLs.

Does changing the new tab page affect my homepage?

No. Your new tab page and homepage are separate settings. Changing one does not change the other. Your homepage is what loads when you click the home button or start Chrome. Your new tab page is what appears when you open a new tab.

Can I use multiple URLs for my new tab page?

The built-in Chrome setting only accepts one URL. However, you can create a custom HTML page that contains links to multiple sites, or use an extension that supports multiple pages or tabs on the new tab screen.