Is Google Chrome Safe For iPads? (Checked)

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers on the Internet today and has transcended to the mobile platform, with its versions for tablets, including the iPad.

The user interface is relatively easy to use and has become a default for many when it comes to mobile web browsing.

But Google, as a company, has been known for using advertising as one of its income sources, which is why many wonder if Chrome is safe to use, including on iPads.

Is Google Chrome safe for iPads?

Here’s If Google Chrome Is Safe on iPads:

Google Chrome is safe for iPads. It can be downloaded from the App Store. Google Chrome is a safe app. It doesn’t contain any spyware or adware. The security aspect of the OS depends on how the developers implement it into their development process.

Chrome uses a good security level, but it has some security weaknesses, as many have observed how Chrome seems to drive related content after searching for content quickly.

That said, it may not be at all that secure when it comes to data handling.

When is it Safe to Use Chrome on iPads?

Using Chrome on an iPad is best used for casual browsing, where you shall exchange no sensitive information in the process.

That means browsing the news or any blogs you like checking out without logging in.

If you have any transactions that involve money, then it’s best to use the app of your bank or financial institution.

Does Chrome protect my iPad when browsing?

Unfortunately, Chrome doesn’t offer much protection when browsing on an iPad. As an app that collects user data for advertisers, the iPad can only do so much in protecting your data.

This is a flaw, considering that Apple has made it a strict policy to seek your permission to access the information and hardware of your iPad.

Why is Chrome Not Ideal for iPads?

While Google packaged Chrome initially as all about privacy, unfortunately, there are gray areas that cause concern. For one, Chrome has done away with cookies and cracked down on cross-site tracking. It still collects more data than other browsers, such as Firefox and Safari.

The data Chrome collects may not be related to user information, but it does have a say over your browsing habits.

That’s because much of Google’s revenue comes from ad targeting based on your browsing habits. And with iPads being a tool to kill time, using Chrome will allow Google to gather as much data that it wants.

The data Google collects can then be used to put you in a demographics based on the content you browse on Chrome. If it sees you browsing much football-related content, it will push more ads related to sports.

What is The Safest Browser on iPads?

There are plenty of privacy-oriented browsers for iPad, so it will be hard to pinpoint which one is the best. Your mileage varies here. It would be best to check which one matches your browsing habits.

That said, here are suggested browsers worth looking into:

Onion Browser 

The Onion Browser allows you to web surf anonymously with the help of the TOR system made by the same developers. If you’re looking at a secure browser for communication or want to be tracker free, then the Onion Browser gives you all that.

Aside from anonymous browsing, The Onion Browser also allows for protection from insecure networks and service providers and auto-switch to HTTPS when possible.

This browser is also free to use and comes with support for over 25 languages.

Aloha Browser

The Aloha Browser takes pride in its speed and built-in VPN that ensures anonymity while browsing the web. It comes with the option of a free-to-use service or a monthly $2.99 fee that locks premium features.

Some of the notable features of the Aloha Browser include an ad blocker, built-in media player, and download manager.

The user interface is easy to navigate, and you won’t have a problem adapting to it.

Brave Browser 

The Brave Browser allows you to block trackers and unnecessary ads that appear when you browse.

Your browser can perform faster by blocking these contents while maintaining a secure connection.

One notable feature of the Brave Browser is the rewards system you earn when watching privacy-respected ads. You can then use these points to spend on gift cards or support for your content creators.

Mozilla Firefox Browser

Mozilla Firefox is one of the long-standing browsers on the Internet. Its browser can block over 2000 trackers, including company-deployed trackers that keep retargeting you.

Its default private browsing allows for automatic deletion of history and cookies once you exit the browser.

Other notable features of Firefox include synchronizing passwords, tabs, history, and bookmarks among your devices. It also can block ads and Facebook trackers. The nice thing about Firefox is that it’s completely free.

Private Browsing Web Browser

The name itself implies secure browsing, making it the choice of over 8 million users. It clears history, cache, and cookies automatically upon closing the app.

If you love the Safari browser by Apple, then the Private Browsing Web Browser will be your new favorite, as its user interface is not that far apart from the Apple browser. This browser also boasts speed and is free to use.

How Do You Protect Yourself When Browsing on iPads?

There are many things you can do to ensure a secure browsing experience on your iPad. Some of these need not spend a dime, while others give you premium security for a small amount each month.

Check this blog out about will uninstalling Google Chrome remove malware?

Improve passwords

Many websites now require a password that’s at least eight digits long and a combination of an alphanumeric character.

Alphanumeric codes are much more complex to break than a series of letters and numbers. In an eight-character alphanumeric password, that’s already over 3.3 billion possible combinations, which will take years to break.

The same can be said for the unlock screen of your iPad. Instead of going for a numeric PIN, try using an alphanumeric passcode instead.

You may also want to conduct a password auditing, which you can do by going to the iPad settings, and opening Website and App Passwords. If you find a small gray triangle beside a service, the password is shared among different services. From here, you can change passwords for these accounts.

Install a VPN 

A virtual private network, or VPN, helps you mask your online activity. You can use this to hide from trackers and even browse as if you are not in your current location.

There are a lot of VPN providers that provide free and paid subscriptions. Even by using a free VPN service, you get to prevent trackers from knowing what sites you usually jump to, font size, and even the products you were browsing recently.

And while Apple is taking steps to prevent thus snooping, it pays to add a layer of protection.

Change the search engine you use 

If you are using the Safari browser, you can switch from Google to other search engines, such as DuckDuckGo. To change the search engine, go to your iPad Settings and click on Safari.

Then open Search Engine settings and select the search engine you want to replace Google with.

Use Private Browsing

Private browsing mode in Safari allows you to stop trackers and any other app from fishing out information from your browsing history and selling them.

All you need to do is tap the square icon at the bottom right of your browser, click private to switch modes and click the Plus button to begin browsing.

Limit Ad Tracking 

Under the Settings of your iPad, you can make ad trackers have a hard time tracking your activity. Go to Privacy, then Advertising, and select Limit Ad Tracking.

Then tap Reset Advertising Identifier to make you anonymous during browsing.

Be mindful of permissions

Your browser and other apps may ask for permission to perform specific commands. These include access to the camera, microphone, and even location.

While some would need these permissions, you should be mindful of what key you give.

If you are in doubt, you can always deny access.

Final Thoughts 

Using Google Chrome on an iPad is okay, as long you are not dealing with sensitive information. While Chrome adds layers of protection, it’s highly recommended to use a more secure browser when dealing with important data that you don’t want to fall into the wrong hands.

That said, you can employ any of the suggestions listed to ensure a safe browsing experience, whether on Chrome or any other browser on your iPad.

Read our blog about is Google Chrome safer than Safari?

Sources

Forbes: Why iPhone, iPad And Mac Users Should Avoid Google Chrome’s FLoC Update

Geekflare: 9 Best Private Browsers for iOS and Android

Computer World: How to stay as private as possible on Apple’s iPad and iPhone