How to Easily Remove the Reading List Sidebar in Google Chrome

Key takeaways:

• The Reading List sidebar in Google Chrome allows you to save articles for later reading
• You can easily remove the Reading List sidebar if you find it distracting or unnecessary
• Disabling the Reading List feature will not delete your saved articles

Google Chrome’s Reading List feature is a convenient way to save articles and webpages for later reading. It appears as a sidebar on the right side of your browser window, providing quick access to your saved content. However, some users may find the Reading List sidebar distracting or unnecessary. If you want to declutter your browsing experience, here’s how you can easily remove the Reading List sidebar in Google Chrome.

Disabling the Reading List Feature

The simplest way to remove the Reading List sidebar is by disabling the feature altogether. Here’s how:

1. Open Google Chrome and type chrome://flags in the address bar.
2. In the search bar, type “Reading List” and press Enter.
3. Click on the dropdown menu next to “Reading List” and select “Disabled”.
4. Click the “Relaunch” button at the bottom of the screen to apply the changes.

Once Chrome restarts, the Reading List sidebar will be gone, and the feature will be disabled. Don’t worry, disabling the Reading List feature will not delete your saved articles. They will still be accessible if you choose to re-enable the feature in the future.

Hiding the Reading List Sidebar

If you want to keep the Reading List feature enabled but don’t want the sidebar to be visible all the time, you can easily hide it. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Reading List icon in the top-right corner of your Chrome window (it looks like a pair of glasses).
2. The Reading List sidebar will appear. Click on the “X” button in the top-right corner of the sidebar to close it.

The Reading List sidebar will now be hidden, but you can still access your saved articles by clicking on the Reading List icon whenever you need them.

Customizing the Chrome Toolbar

Another way to remove the Reading List sidebar is by customizing the Chrome toolbar. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on an empty space in the Chrome toolbar (near the address bar).
2. Select “Customize toolbar” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the “Customize” window, locate the Reading List icon and drag it out of the toolbar.
4. Click “Done” to save your changes.

The Reading List icon will now be removed from the Chrome toolbar, and the sidebar will no longer appear when you click on it.

Using Chrome Extensions

If you want more control over your browsing experience, you can use Chrome extensions to manage the Reading List feature. Here are a couple of popular options:

• Reading List Manager: This extension allows you to manage your Reading List articles, including the ability to delete individual items or clear the entire list.
• Reading List Organizer: This extension provides additional features for organizing your Reading List, such as the ability to create folders and tags for your saved articles.

To install a Chrome extension, simply visit the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension you want, and click “Add to Chrome”.

Conclusion

The Reading List sidebar in Google Chrome can be a useful feature for saving articles to read later, but it’s not for everyone. If you find the sidebar distracting or unnecessary, you can easily remove it by disabling the feature, hiding the sidebar, customizing the Chrome toolbar, or using Chrome extensions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can declutter your browsing experience and focus on the content that matters most to you.

FAQ

Will disabling the Reading List feature delete my saved articles?

No, disabling the Reading List feature will not delete your saved articles. They will still be accessible if you choose to re-enable the feature in the future.

Can I hide the Reading List sidebar without disabling the feature?

Yes, you can hide the Reading List sidebar by clicking on the “X” button in the top-right corner of the sidebar. The feature will still be enabled, but the sidebar will be hidden until you click on the Reading List icon again.

Are there any Chrome extensions that can help me manage my Reading List?

Yes, there are several Chrome extensions that can help you manage your Reading List, such as Reading List Manager and Reading List Organizer. These extensions provide additional features for organizing and managing your saved articles.

Can I customize the Chrome toolbar to remove the Reading List icon?

Yes, you can customize the Chrome toolbar by right-clicking on an empty space in the toolbar, selecting “Customize toolbar”, and dragging the Reading List icon out of the toolbar.

Will removing the Reading List sidebar affect my other Chrome settings or extensions?

No, removing the Reading List sidebar will not affect your other Chrome settings or extensions. It is a standalone feature that can be enabled or disabled without impacting other aspects of your browsing experience.