Header Banner
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps
Home
Android

How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android

Mar 24, 2015 04:05 PM
"How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android" cover image

For some odd reason, the Chrome Browser on Android doesn't allow you to search selected text when you're in Incognito Mode. This must have been an oversight on Google's part, because the feature is definitely present with the browser in its normal viewing mode, allowing you to highlight text and quickly perform a Google search.

So developer PunchUp created an Xposed module that will fix this issue and allow you to perform a context menu search while in Incognito Mode. The module also enables search and share functionality for text that you select from an input field in Chrome, so you'll get the added bonus of being able to quickly look up a word that you've typed into a forum post, for instance.

Requirements

Install Chrome Selection Patch

First up, head to the Download section of your Xposed Installer app and search for Chrome Selection Patch, then tap the top result.

Chrome Selection Patch app description with search and share functionality in incognito mode.
How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android
Chrome Selection Patch app description with search and share functionality in incognito mode.
How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android

From here, swipe over to the Versions tab, then hit the "Download" button next to the most recent entry.

App update patch notes for version 1.1 and initial version 1.0.
Download history with version numbers and update details.
App update patch notes for version 1.1 and initial version 1.0.
Download history with version numbers and update details.

Within a few seconds, Android's installer interface should come right up, so tap "Install" on this screen.

Chrome selection patch installation prompt.
Chrome Selection Patch app installation confirmation message.
Chrome selection patch installation prompt.
Chrome Selection Patch app installation confirmation message.

When that's finished, you'll get a notification from Xposed telling you that the module hasn't been activated yet and that a reboot is needed. Just tap the "Activate and reboot" button on this notification, and Xposed will take care of the rest.

Notification screen indicating that Google services synchronization has not completed.
Notification error message on a smartphone screen.
Notification screen indicating that Google services synchronization has not completed.
Notification error message on a smartphone screen.

Use the New Search Functions

When you get back up, no further setup is needed. Just open an Incognito Mode tab in Chrome, then select any text. In a menu bar at the top of the screen, you'll now see a three-dot overflow button. Tap this, then select "Search" to perform a Google search for the selected text.

How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android
How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android
How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android
How to Enhance Chrome's Incognito Mode with Search Functions on Android

When you select text that you've entered in any input field, you'll see the same three-dot menu button. This allows you to search or share the selected text, whereas before your only options here would have been "Copy" and "Select All."

It's a simple module, but it brings much-needed functionality to Chrome for Android. How many times have you used the new search functions that this module provided? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!