If you’re looking to enhance your browsing security or take more control over privacy and security in Google Chrome, there’s a hidden treasure trove of settings waiting for you—called Chrome Flags.
These flags unlock powerful experimental features that aren’t yet part of Chrome’s standard settings. Some of them can improve your online safety, prevent malicious downloads, and even block insecure connections.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Chrome Flags to unlock advanced privacy tools, and which ones are best for improving security and privacy in 2025.
Also see Chrome Flags for performance.
What Are Chrome Flags?
Chrome Flags are experimental features hidden in Google Chrome that let you test advanced browser functionality. These features are in testing or under development, and they’re not enabled by default.
Because they’re experimental, flags can sometimes cause bugs or unexpected behavior—so use them with caution. That said, many are stable and safe to enable, especially if you’re trying to tighten your browser’s security.
How to Access Chrome Flags
Follow these steps to open the Chrome Flags menu:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the address bar and type:
chrome://flags - Press Enter.
- You’ll now see a list of experimental features. Use the search box at the top to find specific flags.
- Once you find a flag, click the dropdown next to it and choose “Enabled.”
- After enabling your flags, click the “Relaunch” button at the bottom to restart Chrome and apply the changes.
Best Chrome Flags to Improve Security & Privacy
Here are the top security-related flags you should consider enabling:
1. Enable HTTPS-First Mode
- Flag:
#https-only-mode-setting
This forces Chrome to try loading websites over HTTPS before falling back to HTTP.
Why use it?
It protects you from insecure connections and helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
2. Block Insecure Downloads
- Flag:
#block-insecure-downloads
Blocks files from being downloaded via HTTP links—even if the page is HTTPS.
Why use it?
Stops risky downloads from unsecured connections that could contain malware.
3. Extension Install Justification
- Flag:
#extension-workflow-justification
Adds an extra step before an extension is installed, asking for justification.
Why use it?
Makes it harder for malicious extensions to sneak into your browser.
4. Enable Enhanced Safe Browsing (Flag Variant)
- Flag:
#enhanced-safe-browsing-in-preferences
This flag reveals more advanced options within Safe Browsing.
Why use it?
It strengthens Chrome’s real-time detection of phishing sites and dangerous files.
5. Enable Secure DNS (DNS-over-HTTPS)
- Flag:
#dns-over-https
Forces Chrome to resolve domains using secure DNS protocols.
Why use it?
It hides your browsing activity from your ISP and helps prevent DNS hijacking.
6. Password Leak Detection
- Flag:
#password-leak-detection
Alerts you if a password saved in Chrome has appeared in known data breaches.
Why use it?
It helps you act quickly and change credentials before accounts get compromised.
7. Strict Origin Isolation
- Flag:
#strict-origin-isolation
Enables full origin-level process isolation to defend against speculative execution attacks.
Why use it?
It adds another layer of defense against attacks like Spectre.
Important Notes About Chrome Flags
- These features are experimental. They may change, break, or be removed in future Chrome versions.
- Always restart Chrome after enabling or disabling flags.
- Use caution: only enable features you understand, especially when it comes to networking or security.
How To Use Chrome Flags – Conclusion
Using Chrome Flags is one of the best-kept secrets for taking control of your browser’s security settings. While they’re technically experimental, many of them are stable and provide meaningful improvements in privacy and protection.
By enabling HTTPS-first mode, blocking insecure downloads, and activating enhanced protections, you’re transforming Chrome into a much safer browser—without needing any extra software.
Stay safe, stay informed, and happy browsing.
