How to Close Tabs in Web Browsers on Android Devices

Web browsers for Android keep on getting better. They are incredibly responsive, load stuff quickly, and handle pages well. But with great browsing power also comes the inevitable pile-up of tabs, leading to clutter and potentially slower performance.

Whether you’re a serial tab opener who loses track or someone who just wants a cleaner browsing experience, knowing how to close browser tabs on Android can be a game changer.

This tutorial will help you cut down your list of open tabs in Google Chrome and other browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

Close Browser Tabs via the Tab Switcher

Every Android-based browser lets you delete browser tabs through its tab-switching interface. Just:

1. Tap the icon that denotes the number of open tabs to invoke the tab switcher. For example, Google Chrome features this on the top-right corner next to the address bar, while Mozilla Firefox has it on the bottom right.
2. Tap the X button next to a tab preview to close the relevant tab.

Another—and faster—way to close tabs involves swiping the preview cards within the tab switcher to the left. Opera is an exception, where you must swipe them up.

Delete All Browser Tabs at Once

If you have dozens of browser tabs and want to start over, you can trash all of them at once. Just:

1. Look for a three-dot icon or a stack of horizontal lines within the tab switcher.
2. Tap the Close all tabs menu option.

If you use Microsoft Edge, you should find an option to close all tabs on the tab switcher’s bottom left corner.

Shut Down the Current Browser Tab

You do not have to visit the tab switcher on your browser to close the tab you’re currently on. Instead, there’s a hidden gesture you can use. Just:

1. Long-press the tab number indicator.
2. Tap Close tab.

This method does not work on some browsers. For example, long-pressing the tab indicator in the Samsung Internet Browser opens up a new tab. In that case, use the tab switcher to close the tab.

Close Tabs in Chrome’s Tab Groups

Google Chrome supports tab groups, and closing individual tabs within them is even more convenient. Just:

1. Load a tab group.
2. Tap the site favicon of a tab on the bottom bar, and then tap the X icon to close it.

Alternatively, you can head over to Chrome’s tab switcher, tap a group, and select the X button next to a tab preview to close it. Tap X next to the group within the main tab switching area to close everything inside quickly.

Tabs Closed

Web browsing on an Android phone becomes a vastly improved experience when you know how to manage those ever-multiplying tabs. The instructions above also work when browsing anonymously in your browser—e.g., while using Incognito Mode in Chrome.