To add webpages to Chrome homepage, you need to understand that Chrome treats the page that opens when you launch the browser (startup pages) and the page that opens when you click the Home button as two separate features. This guide covers both methods so you can set a specific website to open automatically when you start Chrome or press the Home icon.
What 'homepage' means in Chrome: startup pages vs. the Home button
Google Chrome distinguishes between a "startup page," which opens when Chrome launches, and a "homepage," which opens when you click the Home button. Many users call both features a "homepage," but they are controlled in different settings. The startup page is managed under "On startup," while the Home button is managed under "Appearance." This guide explains how to set both, so you can choose the behavior that matches your workflow. If you prefer a single news-focused destination for both, you can also make msn my homepage in Google Chrome.
How to set a startup page that opens when you launch Chrome
To set a webpage as your Chrome startup page, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three vertical dots (More) in the top-right corner, then select "Settings."
- In the "Settings" menu, navigate to "On startup" in the left sidebar.
- Select the option "Open a specific page or set of pages."
- Click "Add a new page," enter the desired web address (URL), and then click "Add."
When you launch Chrome, the page or pages you added will open automatically. You can add multiple pages to create a set that loads each time you start the browser.
How to set a webpage for the Home button
To set a webpage for the Home button, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome.
- In the "Settings" menu, navigate to "Appearance" in the left sidebar.
- Turn on the "Show Home button" toggle.
- Under "Show Home button," choose "Custom web address" and enter the desired URL.
The Home button now opens that page whenever you click it. This is ideal if you want a single click to return to a specific website without affecting what opens when Chrome starts.
How to add webpage shortcuts to the Chrome New Tab page
The New Tab page, which appears when you open a new tab, can display shortcuts to websites you choose or frequently visit. This is a different feature from the startup page or Home button. To add a shortcut to the New Tab page:
- Open a new tab.
- Under the search box on the New Tab page, click "Add shortcut."
- Enter the shortcut name and URL, then click "Done."
You can switch between showing "My shortcuts" or "Most visited sites" on the New Tab page by clicking "Customize Chrome" (pencil icon) at the bottom right, then selecting "Shortcuts." This is how you can add websites to Google Chrome most visited, as the "Most visited sites" option automatically populates with your frequently accessed pages. For more control over which sites appear, you can manage your shortcuts manually. If you want to dive deeper into customising the Chrome homepage and shortcuts, the dedicated article "How to Customise the Chrome Homepage and Shortcuts" covers all available options.
How to change the homepage on Chrome for Android
On Android, you can change the homepage by opening the Chrome app, tapping the three vertical dots, going to "Settings," then "Homepage," and entering a custom URL. This sets the page that opens when you tap the Home icon within the mobile browser. Note that this is separate from the startup behavior on mobile, which is controlled by the "Open a specific page" option under "Settings" > "On startup."
Troubleshooting: when your homepage setting won't save
If your homepage setting does not persist after restarting Chrome, a common cause is third-party software that forcibly changes your browser settings. Programs like adware or toolbar installers can override your preferences. To fix this, check Chrome's "Reset settings" option under "Settings" > "Advanced" > "Reset and clean up." If the issue continues, run a malware scan on your computer. For detailed steps, refer to the dedicated troubleshooting sibling articles that cover specific scenarios like settings not saving or unwanted homepage changes.
