The fullscreen mode is a preferable choice to view content on a much larger scale. Many popular browsers, including Google Chrome, includes this feature to enhance the browsing and/or watching experience. But when you are done with it, how to exit the mode?
Going out from Chrome’s fullscreen view is easy. There are at least four different ways you could do depending on the situation.
Let’s dig into it!
Table of Contents
#1 Press F11 on the keyboard to exit the full-screen mode
To enter the fullscreen view on popular browsers, including Chrome, you only need to press the F11 button on a keyboard. For keyboards without a dedicated function row may need to press a combination of Fn+F11 (the function buttons are often merged with the number buttons).
Right-click on any empty area on the web page, and select Exit full screen to deactivate the view mode. Again, be sure to right-click on an empty area, otherwise the context menu may show you a different set of menu.
#3 Hover the cursor to the top and hit the X icon
Move the cursor to the most top area of the screen until the X icon appear. Click on the icon to exit full-screen.
#4 To exit fullscreen Youtube, just press F
Especially on Youtube, and perhaps other video streaming services, pressing F will lead you to enter or exit the fullscreen mode in an instant. This shortcut only applicable when you streaming a video, not viewing a Youtube web page.
If none of these solutions help you or Chrome randomly goes fullscreen, you probably want to check my previous tips to fix Chrome that goes fullscreen when it’s not supposed to.
Extra Tips for Managing Fullscreen Mode in Chrome
What to Do When Fullscreen Mode Gets Stuck
Sometimes, Chrome’s fullscreen mode can become unresponsive or fail to exit properly. If this happens, here are a few additional solutions you can try:
- Force Restart Chrome: Close the browser completely using Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows or Command + Option + Esc on Mac). Reopen Chrome afterward.
- Clear Cache and Cookies: Accumulated data can sometimes cause glitches. Navigate to “Privacy and Security” in Chrome settings and clear your browsing data.
- Disable Extensions: Certain extensions may interfere with fullscreen functionality. Disable them temporarily by visiting
chrome://extensionsand toggling them off. - Check for Updates: Ensure Chrome is running the latest version by going to “Help” > “About Google Chrome” in the menu.
Enable Experimental Features for Easier Exiting
For users who want a quicker way to exit fullscreen, consider enabling experimental features like “Hold Escape to Exit Fullscreen.” This feature is available in Chrome Canary and can be activated through chrome://flags. Search for “Escape” and enable the relevant flag.
FAQ
How do I exit fullscreen mode on a tablet without a keyboard?
On touch devices, long-press anywhere on the screen until an “X” icon appears. Tap it to exit fullscreen mode. Alternatively, swipe down from the top edge of the screen if supported by your device.
Why does Chrome randomly enter fullscreen mode?
This could be due to a malfunctioning extension or a stuck keyboard shortcut. Disable extensions one by one to identify the issue, or check if your F11 key is physically stuck.
Can I customize fullscreen shortcuts in Chrome?
Chrome does not natively allow customization of shortcuts. However, third-party apps like AutoHotkey (for Windows) or Karabiner-Elements (for Mac) can help remap keys for specific functions.
What should I do if none of the methods work?
If all else fails, try reinstalling Chrome. Before doing so, ensure your bookmarks and settings are synced with your Google account to avoid losing data.
By following these tips and solutions, you’ll have full control over Chrome’s fullscreen mode without unnecessary interruptions!
