Duplicating tabs in Chrome on your iPad can be a huge productivity booster, especially when you're researching, comparing information, or just want to keep a specific page open while exploring related content. While Chrome on desktop offers a straightforward "Duplicate Tab" option, the mobile experience is a bit different. Don't worry, this guide will walk you through the various ways to effectively duplicate tabs and enhance your Browse on the iPad!
Mastering Tab Duplication in Chrome on iPad
Are you tired of constantly copying and pasting URLs just to open the same webpage in a new tab? Wouldn't it be great if you could just duplicate a tab with a simple gesture or two? You're in luck! While there isn't a direct "Duplicate Tab" button on Chrome for iPad, there are clever workarounds that achieve the same result, and even some features that offer similar benefits. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the "Why" – Why Duplicate a Tab?
Before we jump into the "how," let's consider why you might want to duplicate a tab on your iPad. Engaging with this question helps you appreciate the usefulness of the following steps:
- Researching a Topic: Imagine you're researching a complex topic. You find a great article, but it references another crucial piece of information. Instead of losing your place in the first article, you can duplicate the tab to open the new link, keeping both resources easily accessible.
- Comparing Products or Services: Shopping online? You might want to open several product pages side-by-side (or easily switch between them) to compare features, prices, and reviews without having to navigate back and forth constantly.
- Filling Out Forms: If you're filling out a form online and need to reference information from another part of the same website, duplicating the tab allows you to have both views open simultaneously.
- Saving Your Place: Sometimes, you just want to "save" a specific page in its current state (like a partially filled form or a zoomed-in map) while you open something else. Duplicating it prevents you from losing your progress.
Now that we're on the same page about the benefits, let's explore the methods!
Step 2: The Core Method – Drag and Drop in Tab Overview
This is arguably the most efficient and intuitive way to duplicate a tab in Chrome on your iPad, although it's not a direct "duplicate" command. It leverages iPadOS's powerful multitasking features.
Sub-heading: Getting to the Tab Overview
- Open Chrome: Launch the Chrome app on your iPad.
- Access Tab Grid: Tap the Tab Switcher icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. This icon looks like two overlapping rectangles. This will bring up the "Tab Grid" view, showing all your open tabs as thumbnails.
Sub-heading: The Duplication Gesture
- Tap and Hold the Desired Tab: In the Tab Grid view, press and hold the thumbnail of the tab you wish to duplicate.
- Drag Towards the "New Tab" Icon: While still holding the tab, drag your finger towards the '+' (New Tab) icon located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Release Your Finger: When you see a new, blank tab appear or an indication that a new tab will be created, release your finger.
Voila! The website from your original tab will now open in the newly created tab. It's not a perfect duplicate (it won't retain scroll position or form data), but it's the closest to an "open in new tab" function with the same URL.
Step 3: The "Copy & Paste URL" Method (The Classic Workaround)
This method is universal across most browsers and devices, including Chrome on iPad. It's a bit more manual but always reliable.
Sub-heading: Copying the URL
- Navigate to the Desired Tab: Open the tab you want to duplicate.
- Tap the Address Bar: Tap once on the address bar at the top of the screen. This will highlight the URL.
- Copy the URL: Tap the "Copy" option that appears (or tap and hold again to reveal the "Copy" option if it doesn't appear immediately).
Sub-heading: Opening a New Tab and Pasting
- Open a New Tab: Tap the '+' (New Tab) icon in the bottom-left corner of the Chrome interface (or within the Tab Grid view).
- Tap the Address Bar of the New Tab: Tap the address bar in the newly opened, blank tab.
- Paste the URL: Tap the "Paste" option that appears.
- Go to the Page: Tap "Go" on the keyboard or the blue arrow to load the duplicated page.
This method ensures you get an exact copy of the URL, though again, it's a fresh load of the page.
Step 4: Using Split View for Side-by-Side Browse (A Similar, Powerful Alternative)
While not strictly "duplicating a tab," iPad's Split View feature allows you to open two Chrome windows side-by-side, effectively letting you view two different tabs (or even the same website if you navigate to it in both windows) simultaneously. This is incredibly useful for comparing information.
Sub-heading: Initiating Split View
- Open Chrome: Start with Chrome open.
- Access the Multitasking Menu: At the top of the Chrome window, you'll see three small dots (
...). Tap these dots. - Select Split View: From the menu that appears, choose the Split View icon (it looks like two rectangles side-by-side).
- Choose Your Second App (or another Chrome Window): The current Chrome window will move to one side, revealing your iPad's Home Screen or Dock. Drag another Chrome app icon from the Dock or Home Screen to the other side of the screen.
- Pro Tip: If you want two instances of Chrome open, make sure you have Chrome in your Dock for easy dragging.
Sub-heading: Managing Tabs in Split View
Now you have two Chrome windows open. You can:
- Open different tabs in each window: Use the tab switcher or the '+' button in each Chrome window independently.
- Resize the windows: Drag the vertical divider in the middle to adjust the size of each Chrome window.
- Drag tabs between windows: You can even drag and drop tabs between the two Chrome windows if you need to reorganize them.
This isn't duplication in the sense of one tab becoming two identical tabs, but it's an incredibly effective way to work with two active instances of Chrome, offering a similar benefit for many use cases.
Step 5: Utilizing the "Open in New Window" Option (For True Multi-Window Browse)
Similar to Split View, Chrome on iPad allows you to open a link in an entirely new browser window, which can then be used in Split View or as a standalone window.
Sub-heading: Opening a Link in a New Window
- Find a Link: On any webpage, tap and hold on a link you want to open in a separate window.
- Select "Open in New Window": From the contextual menu that appears, choose the option "Open in New Window."
This will create a brand new Chrome window with that link open. You can then use the Split View or Slide Over features to arrange these windows as needed, providing a powerful way to manage multiple Browse contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related "How to" questions with quick answers to further enhance your Chrome on iPad experience:
How to quickly switch between tabs in Chrome on iPad?
- Tap the Tab Switcher icon (two overlapping rectangles) in the bottom right, then tap the desired tab thumbnail. You can also swipe left or right on the address bar at the top to quickly navigate between active tabs.
How to close a tab in Chrome on iPad?
- In the Tab Grid view, tap the 'x' icon in the top right corner of the tab thumbnail you wish to close. Alternatively, swipe the tab thumbnail left or right to dismiss it.
How to open a new Incognito tab on Chrome iPad?
- Tap the three dots (...) in the bottom right corner, then select "New Incognito tab."
How to view Browse history in Chrome on iPad?
- Tap the three dots (...) in the bottom right corner, then select "History."
How to add a page to your Reading List in Chrome on iPad?
- Tap the three dots (...) in the bottom right corner, then select "Add to Reading List."
How to manage downloaded files in Chrome on iPad?
- Tap the three dots (...) in the bottom right corner, then select "Downloads."
How to enable or disable desktop site view on Chrome iPad?
- Tap the three dots (...) in the bottom right corner, then select "Request Desktop Site" or "Request Mobile Site."
How to clear Browse data (history, cookies, cache) in Chrome on iPad?
- Tap the three dots (...) in the bottom right corner, then "Settings" > "Privacy and Security" > "Clear Browse Data."
How to use tab groups in Chrome on iPad?
- In the Tab Grid view, tap and hold a tab, then drag it on top of another tab to create a group. You can then name the group and add more tabs.
How to open links in new tabs automatically on Chrome iPad?
- This is usually the default behavior when tapping on links within a webpage. If not, a tap and hold on the link will offer the option to "Open in New Tab."
