Google constantly adds new icons to the top-right corner of the Chrome browser. One of the most prominent additions is a large, square icon that opens the “Side Panel” (which contains your Reading List, Bookmarks, and search history). For users who prefer a clean, minimalist interface, this bulky icon sits right next to your profile picture and wastes valuable visual space.
Unlike standard extensions, you cannot simply right-click this icon and select “Hide.” It is hardcoded into the browser’s user interface. However, Google Chrome contains a hidden, experimental developer menu that allows you to bypass the standard UI limitations and forcefully remove the Side Panel button from your toolbar.
How to Safely Bypass the Chrome Side Panel Icon
You must use Chrome’s hidden “Flags” menu to disable the specific UI element.
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Click inside the top URL address bar, carefully type the following exact text, and press Enter:
chrome://flags - You are now in the experimental developer menu. At the top of the page, there is a “Search flags” box.
- Click inside the search box and type: side panel
- The list below will filter down to show relevant options. Look specifically for the flag labeled Side panel (or in some versions, it may be called Customize Chrome Side Panel).
- To the right of the flag name, click the drop-down menu that currently says Default.
- Change the selection to Disabled.
- A large blue button will appear at the very bottom of the window that says Relaunch. Click it.
Chrome will instantly close and reopen itself. Look at the top-right corner of your browser window. The bulky square Side Panel icon has been completely eradicated, restoring your clean, distraction-free toolbar.