Separate Tabs from Apps in Chrome for Android Lollipop

Android Lollipop is the newest version of Android operating system and brings many new features along with a complete overhaul of the user interface. One of the features of the Android Lollipop is that it merges the tabs in Chrome browser with the apps, so that when you open the app switcher (by long pressing on the home button), all the open tabs are shown as apps but at the same time you cannot switch to different tabs from inside the Chrome browser. While this could be an interesting new feature, it can also be a little annoying for everyone who is accustomed to switching the tabs from inside the Chrome browser itself.

If you want to go back to the old behavior of Chrome browser and want to be able to switch to different tabs using the Chrome’s in-built tab switcher, then you can follow these simple steps:

  1. Open Chrome browser in Android Lollipop. Press the menu button and select Settings from the menu displayed.
  2. In the Settings, choose Merge tabs and apps from under the Basics section.Chrome Merge Apps and Tabs
  3. Touch the toggle switch shown on the next screen to turn off merging of tabs and apps. Select OK when a confirmation dialog is displayed.Chrome Merge Apps and Tabs
  4. Now the Chrome browser shall restart and you will be able to switch from one tab to another from within the Chrome itself.Chrome Merge Apps and Tabs

Conclusion: If you do not like the merging of tabs with apps in the new Android Lollipop, then you can always go back to the old style of web browsing by changing a few settings. Either way, the Chrome browser gives you great web browsing experience.