Auto Tab Discard

About

Auto Tab Discard is a lightweight extension that automatically reduces Chrome’s memory usage by discarding inactive tabs — safely and transparently. It uses Chrome’s native tab discarding API, so your tab state is preserved and instantly restored when you return. No hacks, no session loss, no tracking.

Why it’s different

Native & reliable: Built on Chrome’s discard API for speed and stability.

Preserves flow: Keeps your tab groups and window layout intact.

Privacy-first: No analytics, no external servers. Settings sync across your devices via Chrome Sync.

Key features

Auto discard: Choose an inactivity timer (e.g., 10 minutes by default).

Smart detection: Skip discarding when a tab is playing audio, is pinned (configurable), or has unsaved form input.

One-click control: Discard current/all tabs or release all discarded tabs from the popup.

Visual indicator: Optional badge on discarded tabs for quick scanning.

Exclusions: Whitelist/blacklist specific URLs or domains.

Shortcuts:

Alt+Shift+D — Discard current tab

Alt+Shift+A — Discard all tabs

Alt+Shift+R — Release all discarded tabs

How it works

When a tab has been inactive longer than your configured timer, the extension asks Chrome to discard it. Discarded tabs keep their title and position, but free most memory. Clicking the tab reloads it instantly with its previous state.

Privacy

No data collected.

No tracking or analytics.

No network requests to third-party servers.

Settings are stored locally (and optionally synced via Chrome Sync).

Requirements

Chrome 88+ (Manifest V3)