The Google Chrome browser’s default background is boring. It’s plain white by default and black if you use the browser in dark mode. Either way, the theme is clean and provides a clear contrast with text and other elements when you’re browsing. If you’re a minimalist who doesn’t care for distracting designs, it’s okay to stick with it. You’ll find many customization options for a personalized look.

Google slowly introduced Material You into the Chrome browser, along with the ability to customize your browser’s appearance from a side panel via the Google homepage. You don’t get this feature on mobile devices, but yourpersonal Chromebooksand other computers are eligible. Some of the preset themes change the color of the background, tabs, and toolbar. Uploading your own image is also an option, or you can get themes from the Chrome Web Store. Here’s how to change your browser’s theme using different methods.

Customizing the Google Chrome browser theme with preset colors with a red arrow pointing to the Customize Chrome button and a red box around the present color combinations

How to change Google Chrome’s background

you may change Chrome’s background only on the desktop version of Google Chrome, which is available on Chromebooks, Windows, and macOS computers. On the Android or iOS apps, you can only switch the theme from light to dark. A system default option automatically applies light or dark mode based on your device’s settings.

Chrome offers preset colors to spice up its look. If you find them bland, there are others surrounding many themes, including art, cityscapes, and textures. You can also upload an image from your computer and use it as the background. The Chrome Web Store isn’t limited to extensions. It offers themes for categories such as Dark and Space Exploration, as well as popular games like Grand Theft Auto and The Legend of Zelda.

Changing the theme option in the Customize Chrome sidebar with red arrows pointing to the Customize Chrome button and the Change theme button

You must be on the Google homepage to see Chrome’s customization button. If youchange your Chrome homepage, open a new tab and visitgoogle.comto change your browser’s background. Use the following methods to apply the different themes.

The methods mentioned below apply only to Google Chrome. Other Chromium-based browsers have their own customization settings. Google Chrome themes may work on them but have limited functionality.

Artist themes on the Google Chrome browser with a red arrow pointing to the Refresh Daily toggle

Customize Google Chrome’s background with color presets

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Change Google Chrome’s background using the Chrome Web Store

Unlike previous versions of Chrome, it no longer creates a collection of your downloaded themes. If you change your theme, you must visit the Chrome Web Store to re-download and use them.

you’re able to also access the Chrome Web Store through Chrome’s settings menu. Click theoverflow menu(the three dots) in the upper-right corner near your profile photo. Then, go toSettings>Appearance>Theme(Open Chrome Web Store).

The Google Chrome logo inside a stack of file folders

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Revamp Chrome to suit your style

Theme customization features on Google Chrome help you beautify the browser. Beyond aesthetics, you’re able to change other things to make Chrome your own. For instance, you canswitch Chrome’s languageif it doesn’t use your native language, which makes understanding web content, menu options, settings, and prompts easier. You can alsochange the search engineif you prefer an option other than Google.

A red arrow pointing to the Chrome Web Store option in the Customize Chrome sidebar in the Google Chrome browser