Chrome on iOS does not have a Do Not Track feature, and it never did. If you are an iPhone or iPad user wondering why the setting is missing, the official Google Chrome Help page states that "Do Not Track" isn't available for iPhones or iPads at this time.
Chrome on iOS does not have Do Not Track, here's what to know
Do Not Track is a web browser setting that sends a signal to websites asking them not to track your browsing activity for advertising or analytics. Google's own help documentation confirms that this feature is not available on Chrome for iPhone or iPad. The setting was never removed because it was never present on these devices to begin with. On desktop versions of Chrome, the setting is off by default, and many websites ignore the signal entirely, which is why Google has not prioritized it for iOS.
Do Not Track on Android vs. iOS: the current state
On Android, Chrome still offers the Do Not Track setting. To find it, open Chrome, tap More to the right of the address bar, then go to Settings > Privacy and security > Send a "Do Not Track" request. You can turn the switch on or off from that screen. On iOS, there is no equivalent menu path because the feature is unavailable. This is a platform difference, not a recent removal or update.
How to protect your privacy on Chrome for iOS
Even without Do Not Track, Chrome for iOS includes several tools to limit tracking and secure your browsing. Follow these steps:
- Use Incognito mode. Open Chrome, tap More, then tap New Incognito Tab. Pages you view in Incognito tabs are not saved to your browsing history, and cookies are deleted when you close the tab.
- Hide Incognito tabs with device authentication. Tap More > Settings > Privacy and security > Hide Incognito tabs. Choose to lock immediately with device authentication, hide after a few minutes, or not hide them at all.
- Run Safety Check. Tap More > Settings > Safety check, then tap Check now. This reviews your saved passwords, Safe Browsing status, and whether harmful extensions are installed.
- Choose a Safe Browsing level. Tap More > Settings > Privacy and security > Safe Browsing. Select Enhanced protection for proactive warnings about dangerous sites, Standard protection for warnings based on known threats, or No protection.
- Enable Always use secure connections. Tap More > Settings > Privacy and security, then turn on Always use secure connections. This forces Chrome to use HTTPS whenever possible.
These settings help reduce tracking and protect your data, even though they do not send a Do Not Track signal. For broader privacy, consider reviewing Chrome's permissions for location tracking and NFC in your iPhone's system settings, as apps can request access to these sensors independently of the browser.
What you cannot do on Chrome for iOS
Chrome for iOS has documented limits that affect privacy control. There is no Do Not Track setting and no workaround to enable it, as the feature is simply not supported on the platform. Chrome on iOS does not support browser extensions, so you cannot install ad blockers or tracker-blocking add-ons directly. These limits are consistent across all iOS versions and device models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Do Not Track removed from Chrome on iOS?
No. Do Not Track was never available on Chrome for iPhone or iPad. Google's support page states it is not available for these devices at this time.
Does Do Not Track work on Chrome for Android?
Yes.
Does Incognito mode stop all tracking?
No. Incognito mode prevents Chrome from saving your browsing history and cookies, but websites and your internet service provider can still see your activity. It does not send a Do Not Track signal.
Do other iOS browsers offer Do Not Track?
Some browsers, such as Safari, include a "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" setting that functions similarly. However, Do Not Track as a specific signal is not widely supported by websites, and its effectiveness varies by browser.
