Chrome can look plain by default, but you can change its toolbar color, new tab background, or overall theme. You can also reset everything back to the default gray look in a few clicks if a theme is distracting or does not display correctly.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Google Chrome on Windows or Mac when you want a new Chrome theme, a simple accent color, or a reset to the original Chrome appearance. Managed work or school accounts may block theme changes.
Install a theme from the Chrome Web Store
Themes can change the toolbar color and add a new tab background.
- Click the three-dot menu in Chrome.
- Open Settings.
- Choose Appearance.
- Under Theme, open the Chrome Web Store theme gallery.
- Browse or search for a theme.
- Open the theme and click Add to Chrome.
The theme applies immediately and stays active until you choose another theme or reset it.
Pick a custom color instead of a full theme
A color change is faster and does not install a full theme.
- Open Chrome Settings.
- Choose Appearance.
- Find the theme or color controls.
- Pick a color swatch or use the custom color option if shown.
This changes the browser accent color without adding a background image from the Web Store.
Reset back to Chrome default look
Use reset when a theme looks wrong or you want the original appearance again.
- Open Settings.
- Choose Appearance.
- Find Theme.
- Click Reset to default.
This affects Chrome colors and background only. It does not remove extensions, bookmarks, passwords, or other settings.
More control
Dark mode is separate
A theme changes the toolbar and new tab styling, but Chrome menus and settings may follow the browser or system appearance setting. If you want a full dark interface, choose Dark under Appearance where available.
Managed themes may be locked
If the theme option is missing or unavailable on a work or school computer, an administrator may control Chrome appearance. There is no normal user-side override for that policy.
Remove lingering themes
Themes install similarly to extensions. If a theme still appears after you thought you removed it, open chrome://extensions and check whether it is listed there.
Sources
- Google Chrome Help – Customize your Chrome browser theme (2025)
- Chrome Web Store – Themes collection (2025)
- Google Chrome Help – Add, turn off, or remove extensions and themes in Chrome (2025)