How to Remove Reading List from Chrome (New Update)

The Reading List is a hidden gem on Google Chrome. As the name suggests, it allows you to save articles for later. 

But the feature comes enabled by default on the browser toolbar. As such, its icon creates unnecessary clutter, which you may find annoying.

Even worse, there’s no straightforward way to remove it. Luckily, we’ll show you several ways to disable the Reading List on Chrome.

Let’s kick things off.

What Is The Reading List on Google Chrome?

The Reading List is for keeping things for later viewing. It works similarly to bookmarks but looks tidier.

The feature helps you save important content from the web. As such, it offers convenience, especially when you don’t have time.

All the items you save are easily accessible from Chrome’s toolbar. Moreover, Google automatically syncs the list to your other devices.

This usually comes in handy when you’re on the move. You’ll switch from the PC to the phone and continue where you left off.  

The best part? 

Unlike bookmarks, websites on your Reading List are available for offline viewing. So you can access them whenever you lack an internet connection. 

You can mark articles as read when you’re done reading. Alternatively, deleting can be a better option for some users. 

Google first introduced the feature in Chrome 57 back in 2017. Since then, it now comes preactivated on the browser by design.

Think of the Reading List like bookmarks on steroids. But how do they stand apart?

Differences between Reading List and Bookmark in Google Chrome

Both Reading List and Bookmark look similar on the surface. However, they serve different functions on Google Chrome.

Here’s why: 

Bookmarks are for saving websites that you regularly visit. They’re available within reach to avoid remembering or typing their web addresses.

You also organize them into folders based on priority. Furthermore, there’s an option to add notes alongside the links you save.

To compare, the Reading List is for the temporary storage of websites. You can do it when running out of time for later access.

As said earlier, it saves entire web pages for viewing offline. Ultimately, deciding the feature that meets your needs is up to you.

Now to what you’ve been waiting for.

How to Remove Reading List From Chrome

The Reading List has undergone various changes since its initial release. Accordingly, its removal process varies by device and Google Chrome version.

Let’s jump into the details:

1. Disable Bookmarks Bar (Desktop)

Disabling the bookmarks bar in older versions of Chrome removes the Reading List. Just follow the steps below: 

1. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
   
2. Scroll down and click Settings.
   
3. Look for Appearance under the left-side menu options.
   
4. Turn off the Show bookmarks bar option. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + B on the keyboard.
   
5. Enjoy a clutter-free interface.

The above method works on the computer version of Google Chrome. You may need to relaunch the browser for it to take effect.

2. On The Bookmarks Bar (Desktop)

Earlier Chrome versions let you disable the Reading List from the bookmarks bar.

Here’s how:

1. Run Google Chrome.
2. Right-click anywhere on the bookmarks bar.
   
3. Locate and uncheck the Show Reading List option.
   
4. Relaunch Google Chrome.

This is perhaps the simplest way to do it. But it’s surprisingly missing on the latest Google Chrome browsers. 

3. Use Chrome Flags (Desktop/Mobile)

Another way to remove the Reading List is by using Chrome flags. It allows users to enable and disable features under development. 

This works as follows: 

1. Open your Google Chrome browser.
2. Type chrome://flags/ on the address bar and hit Enter.
   
3. Search for the Reading List on the Experiments page.
   
4. Select Disabled on the drop-down menu below it.
   
5. Relaunch your Chrome.
   

This workaround works on Android, iPhone and iPad devices apart from computers. The Reading List option won’t be visible when you restart Chrome.

4. Use Command Line (Desktop)

The command line is a straightforward process for removing Chrome’s Reading List. All it takes is a simple code to get it done. 

Here’s how: 

1. Right-click on the Google Chrome shortcut and select Properties.
   
2. Click on the Shortcut tab.
   
3. Enter the following script under Target:
   "C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --disable-features=ReadLater
4. Click Apply and select Okay for it to take effect.
   
5. Enjoy your browser without the Reading List. 

Ensure that you have the correct path for Google Chrome’s installation folder. Even a slight typo can make the command line method fail.

5. Delete Reading List One-by-One (Desktop/Mobile)

Sometimes, you may want to remove items on your Reading List. This should be okay if you need to keep it tidy. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Left-click on the Reading List button.
   
3. Click the dedicated Delete Button next to an item.
   
4. Alternatively, right-click on it and select Delete on the drop-down options.
   

The above procedure works on desktop and mobile devices. It’s ideal for doing some housekeeping on the Reading List.

6. Reset Google Chrome (Desktop/Mobile)

Resetting Google Chrome also helps to clear your Reading List without hassle.

The procedure is as follows: 

1. Run Google Chrome on your device.
2. Click the three dots on the toolbar.
   
3. Scroll down and select Settings.
   
4. Choose Reset Settings.
   
5. Click Restore settings to their original default.
   
6. Left-click Reset settings.
   
7. Relaunch Chrome. 

Use this to clear items on your Reading List. The method applies to all devices with the Google Chrome browser.

7. Switch to Brave Browser

Brave is a Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome. It offers the same features and benefits, including the Reading List. 

Unlike its rival, you can disable the feature pretty quickly.

Find out below:

1. Download and install Brave.
   
2. Locate the Reading List on the browser toolbar.
   
3. Right-click on it and select the Hide sidebar icon.
   
4. Relaunch the browser.

There’s no hurdle in switching from Chrome to Brave. You can use your Google account and sync data between devices. Moreover, it’s available for all computers, Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Wrapping Up

The Reading List offers a convenient way to save websites for later. But its permanent presence on Chrome’s toolbar is annoying to some users.

Even worse, there’s no clear way to get it out of sight. This can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the browser. 

The good news? 

You’ve learned from above how to remove the Reading List from Chrome. As you’ve seen, there are plenty of ways to do away with it.