Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

To stop Chrome tabs from appearing on another device, change the tab setting on each affected platform. On a computer, go to More > Settings > You and Google > your account name > Choose what to save in your Google Account, then turn off History and tabs if that option is available. On Android, open More > Settings > Sync and uncheck Open Tabs. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Tabs and tab groups and turn off Automatically open tab groups from other devices. These controls are not identical: Android exposes an Open Tabs sync switch, while Google’s iOS instructions specifically cover automatic opening of tab groups.

What Chrome is syncing

When you sign in to Chrome with the same Google Account on several devices, Chrome can make selected information available on all of them. Depending on the platform and your choices, that information includes bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, open tabs and tab groups. A tab opened on a phone can therefore appear in Chrome’s other-device views, and a tab group can be offered or opened on another signed-in device.

The phrase “Chrome tabs showing on another device” can describe several different behaviors:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Open-tab data: tabs from another device appear in Chrome’s history or other-device list.
  • Tab-group synchronization: a group and its tabs are available on devices using the same account.
  • Automatic opening: Chrome opens a tab group from another device without you first selecting it.

Chrome documents separate controls for these behaviors. Identify which one you are seeing before changing settings; turning off an automatic-opening option does not necessarily remove every open tab from the account, and turning off a tab-sync choice is different from disabling all Chrome sync.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.

Quick setting by platform

Device Path Control What it addresses
Windows, macOS, Linux or Chromebook desktop More > Settings > You and Google > account name > Choose what to save in your Google Account Turn off History and tabs, when shown Stops the selected history-and-tab data from being saved to the account while allowing other selected categories to remain enabled
Android phone or tablet More > Settings > Sync Uncheck Open Tabs Stops open tabs and tab groups from automatically syncing across devices
Android phone or tablet, automatic group opening More > Settings > Tabs and tab groups Turn off Automatically open tab groups from other devices Stops groups from opening automatically; this is separate from the Open Tabs sync choice
iPhone or iPad Settings > Tabs and tab groups Turn off Automatically open tab groups from other devices Stops tab groups from automatically opening from other devices; Google does not describe this iOS control as a general Open Tabs checkbox

Stop tab syncing on a computer

Change only the tab and history choice

  1. Open Chrome on the computer.
  2. Select the three-dot More menu in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Open You and Google.
  5. Select the signed-in account name.
  6. Choose what to save in your Google Account.
  7. Turn off History and tabs, if the choice is displayed.

This is the narrowest desktop change documented by Google. It is useful when you want bookmarks, passwords or other selected Chrome information to continue syncing but do not want browsing history and open-tab information saved with the account. Chrome’s labels and the exact arrangement of these controls can change between versions, so look for the account-level choice that lists the data categories rather than assuming every installation has identical wording.

Because History and tabs is a combined category, turning it off can affect both browsing-history synchronization and tab-related data. It is not a tab-only switch on every desktop version. Review the categories shown in your account settings before saving the change if retaining synchronized history is important to you.

Check whether another device is the source

On desktop Chrome, select More > History > Tabs from other devices. This view can show which tabs Chrome is receiving from other signed-in devices. Use it as a diagnostic: it helps distinguish account-synced tabs from a tab that was opened locally, restored after a crash or supplied by a browser extension. Seeing a tab in this list does not mean the desktop setting failed; it may reflect data already present before the setting changed.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Stop Chrome tabs syncing on Android

Turn off the Open Tabs sync choice

  1. Open Chrome on the Android phone or tablet.
  2. Tap the three-dot More menu.
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Open Sync.
  5. Clear the checkbox for Open Tabs.

Google’s Android instructions identify Open Tabs as the setting to uncheck when you want tab groups to stop automatically syncing across devices. This setting is inside Sync, not inside the general tab-layout controls. After changing it, allow Chrome a moment to apply the account setting while the device is online.

If you do not see a checkbox, look for a list of data categories under Sync rather than the separate tabs-and-groups page. The wording and layout can vary by Chrome release, but Open Tabs is the control name to look for. Do not substitute the Android automatic-opening switch if your goal is to stop the tab data from syncing.

Also stop automatic tab-group opening

If the problem is that a group opens by itself, change the second control as well:

Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
  1. In Chrome, open More > Settings.
  2. Tap Tabs and tab groups.
  3. Turn off Automatically open tab groups from other devices.

The two Android settings have different jobs. Open Tabs controls the sync selection, while Automatically open tab groups from other devices controls automatic opening. A user who wants no cross-device tab activity may need to disable both, but someone who only dislikes unexpected group openings may need only the second.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Stop tab groups opening on iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Chrome on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open Chrome’s Settings.
  3. Tap Tabs and tab groups.
  4. Turn off Automatically open tab groups from other devices.

Google says tab groups can be saved and synced across devices signed in to the same Google Account. The documented iPhone and iPad control is specifically for automatic opening of tab groups. Google’s iOS help does not present it as the Android-style Open Tabs sync checkbox, so do not assume that switching it off removes every open-tab reference from Chrome’s account data or from the other-device list.

That distinction matters when an iPhone or iPad is paired with an Android phone. Turning off automatic opening on iOS can stop a group from appearing in the current browsing session, while the Android device may still have its own Open Tabs sync selection enabled. In a two-device setup, check both platforms and use the control each one actually provides.

Choose the least disruptive fix

Disabling all Chrome sync is broader than most people need. If you still want bookmarks or passwords available on your devices, use the most selective control your platform provides.

Goal Preferred change Data you can continue to sync Limitation
Keep bookmarks and passwords, but stop desktop tab/history sharing In the desktop account settings, turn off History and tabs Other categories that remain selected, such as bookmarks and passwords The exact category list depends on the Chrome version and account interface
Stop Android open-tab synchronization Turn off Open Tabs under Settings > Sync Other enabled sync categories Automatic group opening has its own setting and may need a separate change
Stop Android groups from opening unexpectedly Turn off Automatically open tab groups from other devices Other sync behavior may remain enabled This does not by itself document removal of all open-tab data
Stop groups from opening automatically on iPhone or iPad Turn off the same automatic-opening control under Tabs and tab groups Other Chrome data that remains enabled Google’s iOS instructions do not confirm a separate general Open Tabs checkbox
Stop every category from syncing Disable Chrome sync altogether, where that option is available None of the categories covered by sync Bookmarks, passwords and other selected information will no longer be kept in sync

Use the broad option only when you want to stop all account-based Chrome synchronization. It is not necessary to sacrifice synchronized bookmarks or passwords merely because tabs are unwanted. Conversely, changing only automatic opening is not enough if your aim is to prevent tabs from being available in another-device lists.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why changing both devices can matter

Sync is account-based, but the controls are changed inside each platform’s Chrome app. If a phone and an iPad are producing the unwanted behavior, apply the relevant setting on both devices rather than assuming a change on one device rewrites every platform’s interface. A Google Chrome Community question dated August 13, 2025 described Android tabs appearing on an iPad and closing on one device closing them on the other. A Product Expert suggested turning off Open Tabs on both devices or disabling sync entirely. That advice is useful corroboration for a two-device symptom, but the platform-specific Google Help instructions remain the authoritative route, especially because iOS and Android expose different controls.

Rank #3
Sale
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black | LED mouse pad with 14 lighting modes, covers keyboard & mouse, anti-slip rubber base, waterproof surface, USB powered
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

When closing a tab on one device also closes it on another, treat that as evidence that the devices are operating on shared tab or group data, not as a reason to repeatedly close tabs. Closing a shared item changes the shared state. Disable the relevant synchronization or automatic-opening control first, then decide whether any remaining tabs should be closed separately on each device.

What happens to tabs that are already visible?

Changing a sync or automatic-opening preference controls future behavior; it may not instantly erase a tab that another device has already received. Existing entries can remain visible until Chrome refreshes its account state, the tab is closed locally or the account data is otherwise updated. Give each device an internet connection, reopen Chrome and check the relevant list again before concluding that the setting had no effect.

Do not delete a tab group merely as a way to prevent future sharing. Google warns that deleting a tab group removes it on the device and on other devices using the same Google Account. Deletion is an action on the shared group, not a privacy-preserving replacement for changing the sync or automatic-opening setting.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If you need to preserve a group, note that changing the setting and deleting the group are separate actions. The setting determines whether future tab information is shared or opened; deletion removes the group itself wherever that account is using it. Make sure everyone using the account understands that consequence before deleting anything.

Troubleshoot when tabs keep appearing

Confirm the account

Check the account name shown in Chrome’s settings on every affected device. Tabs can appear to be “from another device” when two devices are signed in to the same account intentionally, or when a different Chrome profile is active than the one you expected. The setting must be changed in the profile that is actually receiving the tabs.

Separate a list entry from an automatically opened group

If tabs appear only under Tabs from other devices, review the desktop History and tabs choice or Android’s Open Tabs choice. If a tab group opens into the current window without being selected, review Automatically open tab groups from other devices. Treating these as the same symptom can leave the relevant switch enabled.

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.

Repeat the route for the correct platform

Do not apply Android instructions to iOS or desktop instructions to a phone. Android’s Open Tabs checkbox is under Sync; iPhone and iPad documentation instead points to Tabs and tab groups and its automatic-opening switch. On desktop, the documented selective choice is under the signed-in account’s “what to save” controls. If a label is missing, update Chrome through your device’s normal app or system update process and look again; interface placement can change with Chrome releases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Allow the account state to refresh

Keep the affected devices online, leave Chrome open briefly and then close and reopen the app. Recheck the setting after reopening. If the behavior continues, sign out only after considering the consequences for locally stored or unsynced information; signing out is broader than changing the tab preference and can affect access to other synced categories.

Look for a non-sync explanation

A tab restored after a crash, a startup-page configuration, a shared device profile or an extension can resemble cross-device syncing. The desktop Tabs from other devices view is a useful clue: a tab absent from that view may not be coming from Chrome Sync at all. Investigate startup and extension behavior only after confirming that the account and tab settings are correct.

Important limits of the platform controls

  • There is no single universal path: Chrome’s desktop, Android and iOS settings are documented separately and do not expose identical choices.
  • Automatic opening is narrower than synchronization: turning off automatic group opening prevents an automatic action, but it is not documented as a promise that all shared tab data disappears.
  • Selective sync is preferable when available: it lets you retain useful categories such as bookmarks and passwords instead of disabling Chrome sync wholesale.
  • Closing or deleting is not a settings fix: deleting a shared group affects other devices using the account.
  • Labels can move: Chrome’s interface changes over time, so match the documented control name rather than relying only on its position in a menu.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

A practical decision sequence

  1. Write down exactly what happens: a tab appears in a list, a group opens automatically, or closing a tab on one device closes it elsewhere.
  2. Identify every platform involved: desktop, Android, iPhone or iPad.
  3. On desktop, turn off History and tabs in the account’s “what to save” controls if you want a selective change.
  4. On Android, uncheck Open Tabs; if groups still open automatically, also disable the automatic-opening control.
  5. On iPhone or iPad, disable Automatically open tab groups from other devices, while recognizing that this is not documented as a complete open-tab sync switch.
  6. Apply the relevant change on both devices in a two-device complaint, then reconnect and recheck.
  7. Use desktop More > History > Tabs from other devices to diagnose whether remaining entries are account-synced.

These steps stop the specific sharing behavior without requiring you to delete groups or sacrifice unrelated Chrome data. The correct endpoint depends on whether you want to remove tab data from sync, prevent automatic group opening, or disable Chrome sync more broadly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off Chrome sync delete my bookmarks and passwords?

Not if you use a selective control. On desktop, turning off History and tabs leaves other selected categories, such as bookmarks and passwords, available to continue syncing. Disabling Chrome sync entirely is broader and stops synchronization for all covered categories.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What is the difference between Open Tabs and Automatically open tab groups from other devices?

Open Tabs is the Android sync choice for tab data. Automatically open tab groups from other devices controls whether a group opens by itself. Android documents these as separate settings, and the iPhone and iPad instructions specifically document the automatic-opening control rather than an Android-style Open Tabs checkbox.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Why do tabs still appear after I turned off automatic opening?

Automatic opening and tab synchronization are different behaviors. Turning off the automatic-opening option can stop a group from opening by itself without removing every tab reference from account data or from an other-device list. Review History and tabs on desktop or Open Tabs on Android when those controls are available.

Do I need to change the setting on every device?

For a complaint involving two devices, changing the relevant setting on both is the safest approach. The controls are located in each platform’s Chrome app, and Android, iOS and desktop do not expose identical choices.

Can I stop tabs from one phone while keeping tabs from another device?

The documented controls are tied to the selected account data or platform behavior, not to an individual source device. Use selective tab controls where available, but do not assume Chrome provides a separate per-device exclusion switch.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Will closing a tab on one device close it everywhere?

It can when the devices are working with shared tab or tab-group data under the same Google Account. Closing or deleting is not a general fix for unwanted sharing; change the relevant sync or automatic-opening setting instead.

What should I do if I cannot find History and tabs?

Open Chrome’s account settings through More > Settings > You and Google, select the account name and look for the choice to decide what to save in the Google Account. Chrome labels and layouts can change, so the category may be arranged differently or unavailable in a particular version.

How can I tell whether a tab is really coming from another device?

On desktop, open More > History > Tabs from other devices. A tab listed there is a useful sign of account-based tab data. A tab absent from that view may instead have been restored after a crash, opened locally, supplied by an extension or caused by another startup setting.

The Bottom Line

Use the narrowest control that matches the symptom: turn off History and tabs on desktop, uncheck Open Tabs on Android, and disable Automatically open tab groups from other devices on Android or iPhone/iPad when automatic opening is the problem. Apply the relevant setting on both devices, and do not delete shared tab groups just to stop future syncing.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.