It’s pretty common to need a webpage to refresh itself, like if you’re waiting for new messages or data. While our devices are super powerful these days, Chrome doesn’t have a built-in auto-refresh feature. But don’t worry, it’s totally doable, and I’ll show you how.
Auto Refresh Using a Chrome Extension
The easiest way to get auto-refresh working is with an extension. Many clever people have made them, so you don’t have to figure it out yourself. Let’s check out a good one called “Page Refresher”.
First, open Chrome from your desktop, start menu, or taskbar.
Next, head over to the Chrome Web Store at chrome.google.com/webstore. Type Page Refresher in the search box on the left, and press Enter.
Click on the “Page Refresher” option when you see it.
Then, click the “Add to Chrome” button on the page.
Confirm by clicking “Add extension” in the popup.
Chrome will confirm that the extension has been added and also shows where the extension can be located on the menu bar.
How to use the Page Refresher Extension
Now that you’ve got the Page Refresher extension, let’s go through how to use it.
Pin the Extension for Easy Access
If you don’t see the extension in your menu bar, click the ‘Extensions’ icon (looks like a puzzle piece). Then, click the ‘Pin’ icon next to “Page Refresher”.
Now you’ll see the “Page Refresher” icon right in your menu bar.
Set Refresh Intervals
This extension lets you set different refresh times for different tabs, which is super helpful.
Click the “Page Refresher” icon on your menu bar.
Select the tab you want to refresh from the “Choose tab for edit” list.
Enter the refresh interval in seconds in the “Refresh Interval” box, then hit the play button. The page will now refresh based on the time you set.
To setup auto refresh for another tab, simply select the next tab from the “Choose tab for edit” list on the extension menu.
Enter the time interval for this new tab in the “Refresh Interval” field and click the play button again. You can use a different time if needed.
Repeat these steps for each tab where you need auto refresh functionality.
Delete an Auto Refresh Routine
To delete a refresh routine you set up for a tab, it’s just as easy.
Click the “Page Refresher” extension icon in your menu bar.
Choose the tab you want to turn off, and then click the trash can icon next to it.
Pause Auto Refresh
If you want to temporarily stop all refreshing without losing your settings, the extension has a pause option.
Click on the “Page Refresher” icon in your Chrome menu bar.
Toggle the switch to the “Off” position at the top right of the window. This will pause all refreshing, and your settings will be saved.
