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If you removed a website tile from Chrome’s New Tab page, the dependable fix is to add the site again. The tile is usually a shortcut—not a bookmark—and Google’s current help documentation does not describe a universal Undo or Restore command for removed desktop shortcuts. The website itself has not been deleted.
First, identify what disappeared
People often call the tiles beneath Chrome’s New Tab search box “thumbnails.” Chrome generally calls them site shortcuts. Depending on the page’s settings, they may be shortcuts you chose or automatically generated Most visited sites.
- New Tab shortcut: A tile that opens a website. Removing it removes the tile, not the website.
- Most visited site: A suggested tile generated from browsing activity. It may change as that activity changes.
- Bookmark: A saved entry in Chrome’s bookmarks system. Removing a New Tab tile does not remove a separate bookmark.
- Discover article or Chrome Card: New Tab content distinct from a website shortcut.
Chrome’s New Tab page settings describe the shortcut and Most visited options.
Restore the shortcut on a computer
- Open a new tab. Use Ctrl+T on Windows, Linux, or Chromebook, or Command+T on Mac. Google lists these shortcuts in its Chrome tab and keyboard shortcut help.
- Select Add shortcut beneath the search box.
- Enter a name and the site’s full URL, such as
https://example.com. - Select Done.
Google’s Chrome tabs and shortcuts guide documents this desktop creation flow. If the tile row or button is missing, use the page settings instead: open a new tab, select Customize Chrome at the bottom right, choose Shortcuts, select My shortcuts, and turn on Show shortcuts if it is off. Labels or placement can vary by Chrome release and setup.
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Restore it on Android
- Open Chrome and go to a New Tab page.
- Tap Add new. If it is not immediately visible, swipe through the shortcut row.
- Enter the shortcut name and URL, then tap Save.
Google says a removed site can be added again manually. Its Android instructions also say custom shortcuts do not sync to other devices. An invalid URL or a duplicate can prevent a shortcut from being added, so check the address and existing tiles if saving fails.
Restore it on iPhone or iPad
- Open Chrome and tap New Tab.
- Tap Add new beside the shortcut row.
- Enter the name and URL, then tap Save.
Google’s iPhone and iPad instructions distinguish ordinary removal from Never Show This Site, which is an option for permanently removing a suggested shortcut. If that is what you selected, use Add new to create a custom shortcut rather than expecting the suggestion to return.
If Chrome does not show the site again
Check which shortcut mode is selected
On supported desktop New Tab pages, Chrome can show either My shortcuts or Most visited sites. If you want a specific site to stay in the row, choose My shortcuts and add it manually. With Most visited sites, Chrome generates suggestions from browsing activity, so visiting the site again might make it reappear, but that is not guaranteed.
Check the address and duplicates
Enter the complete address and look for typos, accidental spaces, or an existing shortcut to the same destination. On Android, Google specifically notes that an invalid or duplicate URL can prevent adding a shortcut.
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Look for a bookmark separately
If you only need reliable access to the page, check Chrome’s bookmarks; the removed tile and bookmark are separate. You can bookmark an open page with Ctrl+D on Windows, Linux, or Chromebook, or Command+D on Mac. A bookmark does not recreate the New Tab tile.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If “Add shortcut” or “Customize Chrome” is missing
These controls apply to Chrome’s standard New Tab page, and Google notes that customization depends on using Google as the default search engine and, generally, being signed in to a Google Account. A different New Tab page, a settings restriction, or an interface variation may explain why controls differ.
- Type
chrome://newtabin the address bar and check whether Chrome’s standard New Tab page opens. - Open Chrome Settings → Search engine and check the default search engine.
- Open
chrome://extensionsand temporarily disable extensions that change the New Tab page or search, then open a new tab again. - If this is a work- or school-managed device, ask its administrator whether New Tab settings are restricted.
Google notes that managed devices can control or add some New Tab content. Extensions and management are possible explanations for missing controls, not a diagnosis of a particular device. See Google’s New Tab customization guidance.
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- Use My shortcuts for sites you want to choose yourself instead of relying on browsing-based suggestions.
- Bookmark pages you want to keep in Chrome’s bookmarks system as a separate, more durable access route.
- Pin an open tab if you want it to remain readily available in the current browser window.
- Avoid unnecessary New Tab extensions if Chrome’s built-in page meets your needs.
Do not confuse the New Tab page with the homepage
Chrome’s New Tab page, homepage, and startup page are different settings. Recreating a tile changes the shortcut row; it does not change the homepage button or what opens when Chrome starts. Google explains the distinction in its homepage and startup page help.
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