Google Chrome's Memory Saver mode is a feature designed to optimize your browser's performance by deactivating tabs you aren't actively using. This can help free up memory and improve the efficiency of your device, especially if you tend to keep multiple tabs open. In this guide, we'll explore how to change Chrome's Memory Saver settings to suit your browsing habits.

How to enable Memory Saver in Chrome

To adjust the Memory Saver mode settings in Google Chrome, follow these steps:

  1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
  2. Click on the three-dot menu icon at the top-right corner of the browser window.
  3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Chrome Settings Menu
  1. In the left sidebar, click on Performance.
  1. Under the Memory Saver section, toggle the switch to turn the feature on or off as desired.
Memory Saver Settings

Customizing Memory Saver settings

You can further customize how Memory Saver mode works by adjusting the tab deactivation level and setting exceptions for specific websites.

Changing memory saver mode

Chrome allows you to choose how aggressively it deactivates inactive tabs:

In the Memory Saver section of the Performance settings, select the desired deactivation level:

  • Moderate: Tabs become inactive after a longer period.
  • Balanced (recommended): Tabs become inactive after an optimal period.
  • Maximum: Tabs become inactive after a shorter period.

Adding Exceptions for specific sites

If there are websites you always want to keep active, you can add them to an exceptions list:

  1. In the Performance settings page, find the Always keep these sites active option under General section.
  2. Click on the Add button.
  1. Select sites from currently open tabs or click on the 'Add sites manually' tab and enter the URL of the site you want to exclude from Memory Saver mode.
  2. Click Add to save the exception.

Tips for using Memory Saver

  • To identify inactive tabs, enable Inactive tabs appearance in the Performance settings. Inactive tabs will display a tab icon inside a ring.
  • Memory Saver mode may not deactivate tabs that:
    • Are playing audio or video.
    • Have active downloads.
    • Contain partially filled forms.
    • Are pinned tabs.
    • Are connected to external devices like USB or Bluetooth.
  • If you experience issues with specific websites, consider adding them to the exceptions list.

Adjusting Chrome's Memory Saver mode can help optimize your browsing experience by managing how the browser uses system resources. By customizing these settings, you can ensure that Chrome runs smoothly while keeping important tabs readily accessible.