How To Stop Websites From Tracking You On Google Chrome

google chrome tracking

These days, online privacy has become more like a myth. Websites can inject trackers into your device, allowing them to track your usage – what specific web pages you visit and how long you stayed on those pages. And you don’t even have to create an account with some of these websites in order for them to track you using cookies.

Google and Facebook are among those large companies who can do internet tracking even when you are not logged in to your account. Since majority of people have an account with either Google or Facebook (or both), then it is safe to say that these websites hold a massive amount of data about a lot of people.

The good news is that there are actually a number of ways to stop any website from performing browser tracking on you, especially on Google Chrome which is the most popular browser by far.

If you are one of the millions of people who want to keep their privacy and security, then this article is for you. Below are some ways to stop websites from tracking you on Google Chrome.

1. Stop Chrome Tracking By Using a VPN

Chrome Tracking - 01

VPN or Virtual Private Network is first on the list because this is the ultimate solution that will stop websites from tracking you. This not only works on Google Chrome, but on all browsers as well since a VPN provides a holistic security and privacy for you and your device.

A VPN works by encrypting all the data packets that are sent and received between your device and the server of the website you want to access. This means that nobody within or outside your network can know what you are doing online. In addition, when you use a VPN, you need to connect to a server of your choice. Thus, you have the freedom to connect to a server from another country which can give you access to contents specific to that country as well.

2. Turn Off Tracking

Chrome Tracking - turn off tracking

Google Chrome has recently launched a new feature that allows its users to opt out of chrome tracking. This is in response to new European General Data Protection Regulations, but Google has made it available also to users outside Europe. This new feature is friendly even to those who are not so tech savvy. Here are the steps:

  1. Go to Google’s Activity Tracking page.
  2. Tap the blue icon on the right side of the following category to turn off tracking:
  3. Web & App Activity
  4. Location History
  5. Device Information
  6. Voice & Audio Activity
  7. YouTube Search History
  8. YouTube Watch History

Click on “Turn Off” on the confirmation pop up box that will appear every time you tap on the icons. You know these are turned off when their icons become grey.

3. Turn Off Ads Personalization

Chrome Tracking - ads off

This tip will completely stop chrome tracking. Simply follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the Activity Controls page.
  2. Scroll down and click on Ads.
  3. Tap on the blue icon at the right side of the “Ads Personalization” category.
  4. Confirm the action by clicking on “Turn Off”.

4. Turn Off Tracking For Android Users

Chrome Tracking - android users

For people who are more comfortable in using a mobile device when browsing through the internet, you can make changing to your tablet or phone’s settings to disable internet tracking. Simply go to Settings > Accounts & Sync > Google > Ads. Mark the checkbox labeled “Opt out of interest-based ads”.

5. Turn Off Tracking For iOS Users

Chrome Tracking - ios

For iOS users, go to Settings > Privacy > Advertising and switch on the Limit Ad Tracking feature.

6. Go Incognito

Chrome Tracking - incognito

Google Chrome and other browsers have incognito modes that are available. Going incognito will tell the browser not to save data from the websites you access. Websites will not have access to cookies, search history, your address, name, and all other details that are sensitive and personal in nature.

In Conclusion

People who value privacy and security would never want websites or anyone to track them in the internet. It’s creepy to know that someone might be peeking over at your shoulders while you are shopping, transferring money, or chatting with friends online. The tips provided in this article can help ease your worry about being tracked. You can turn off tracking by tweaking your device and browser settings, or you can use the incognito mode.

The best solution, however, is a VPN. The protection that a VPN provides encompasses more than Google Chrome. Your applications and usage of other browsers are protected as well.

Written By Neha Shelar