Get Reader Mode back in Chrome beta for Android

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Getting access to all the newest features in an app may come with a side of disappointment. As features are added or adjusted, others may disappear, even if they are new. Such is the case with the Reader Mode that Chrome beta introduced in its last update. However, as AndroidPolice points out, this feature that was once in the main menu, is now something you have to enable to access. Here’s how:

Step 1: In your Chrome beta app, navigate to chrome://flags

If you’re using the Chrome beta to read this post, you can just click this link to get to the setting and skip to Step 3.

This is the chrome://flags settings area.
Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: Press the menu button and then “Find in page.” Type Reader in the search box.

Step 3: Tap the Enable link and then tap the Relaunch Now button at the bottom of the screen.

Left: Normal website. Right: Reader Mode enabled. Not a huge difference for CNET’s mobile site, but will be more noticeable on sites with many mobile ads.
Nicole Cozma/CNET

When you open a webpage with paragraphs of text, there will be a new Reader Mode button that appears to the left of the tab count. One tap will enable it, and if you want to return to normal reading mode, just scroll back to the top and tap it again.

Were you using the Reader Mode before the most recent update to the app? Do you prefer the button placement to the menu? Share your thoughts in the comments below.