Opening links in new tabs is one of the simplest yet most powerful browsing habits you can use to stay organized and navigate the web more efficiently. Whether you want to compare pages, keep your current tab active, or multitask while researching, Google Chrome offers several built-in ways to open a link in a new tab—on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPhone.
This step-by-step guide explains every method to open a link in a new tab in Google Chrome, along with shortcuts, advanced tips, and troubleshooting solutions.
Why Open a Link in a New Tab?
Opening links in new tabs helps you:
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Keep your current page active
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Avoid losing unsaved information
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Open multiple sources for research
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Compare products or articles side-by-side
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Organize your browsing flow
Now let’s explore how to do it on different devices.
1. How to Open a Link in a New Tab on Chrome (Windows & Mac)
Google Chrome offers multiple ways to open links in new tabs depending on your preference.
Method 1: Middle-Click (Mouse Wheel Click)
This is the fastest method.
Steps:
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Hover your mouse over the link.
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Press the middle mouse button (scroll wheel).
✔ Instantly opens the link in a background tab
✔ Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Method 2: Right-Click → Open Link in New Tab
Steps:
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Right-click the link.
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Select “Open link in new tab.”
✔ Ideal when using a touchpad
✔ Great for exact link control
Method 3: Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl/Command + Click)
Steps:
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Windows/Linux: Hold Ctrl and click the link
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Mac: Hold Command (⌘) and click the link
✔ Opens link in a background tab
✔ Very fast and convenient for power users
Method 4: Open Link in a New Foreground Tab
If you want the new tab to open AND switch to it immediately:
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Windows/Linux: Shift + Ctrl + Click
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Mac: Shift + Command + Click
This is useful when you want to view the new page right away.
2. How to Open a Link in a New Tab on Chrome Mobile (Android & iPhone)
Even on mobile, Google Chrome makes it easy to open links in separate tabs.
Method 1: Long-Press the Link
Steps:
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Press and hold the link for 1–2 seconds.
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Tap “Open in new tab.”
✔ Works on all mobile devices
✔ Offers extra options like “Open in Incognito tab”
Method 2: Enable “Open in New Tab” from Search Results
When browsing Google search in Chrome:
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Long-press a result
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Choose “Open in new tab”
Useful when researching without losing your search page.
Method 3: Open in a New Grouped Tab (Android Only)
Chrome on Android supports tab groups.
Steps:
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Long-press the link
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Tap “Open in new tab in group”
This adds the new tab to a group at the bottom for multi-page browsing.
3. How to Force Chrome to Always Open New Tabs (Advanced Users)
If you want Chrome to open new tabs by default:
Option 1: Use Chrome Extensions
Extensions like:
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Open link in new tab
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Open link in background
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Tab modifier
These allow custom rules for how links behave.
Option 2: Use Middle-Click for Everything
Chrome treats middle-click as “always open in new tab,” even for buttons, images, or even bookmarks.
4. How to Open Bookmarks in a New Tab
By default, bookmark links open in the current tab—but you can override this.
Ways to open bookmarks in a new tab:
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Ctrl + Click (Windows/Linux)
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Command + Click (Mac)
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Middle-click the bookmark
Works the same as opening normal links.
5. How to Open Multiple Links in New Tabs Quickly
If you’re doing research or product comparisons:
Fast Method:
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Hold Ctrl (or Command)
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Click every link you want
Each one opens in a background tab instantly.
6. Troubleshooting: Chrome Won’t Open Links in a New Tab
If you’re having issues, here’s what to check:
Problem 1: Middle-Click Not Working
Possible causes:
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Mouse wheel button is disabled
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Touchpad middle-click isn’t enabled
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Hardware issue
Fix:
Check mouse settings or enable three-finger click on touchpad settings.
Problem 2: Chrome Opens Pop-Ups Instead of Tabs
Some sites use scripts that override link behavior.
Fix:
Right-click → Open link in new tab
Problem 3: New Tab Opens but Doesn’t Switch Automatically
Use:
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Ctrl + Shift + Click or Command + Shift + Click
Conclusion
Opening a link in a new tab in Google Chrome is one of the simplest ways to browse more efficiently—whether you’re on a PC, Mac, Android phone, or iPhone. With several methods including middle-click, right-click menus, keyboard shortcuts, and touch gestures, Chrome makes it easy to stay organized and multitask smoothly.
