How to enable global media controls in Chrome

You can now control videos and audio on different tabs using the new Global Media Controls, and in this guide, you'll learn the steps to enable it.

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@Pureinfotech
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Chrome Global Media Controls
Chrome Global Media Controls

On Google Chrome, Global Media Controls is a new feature available starting with version 77, which allows you to play, pause, rewind, and fastforward videos and music playing on any tab.

The controls are currently available as an experimental feature, but once enabled, a play button will appear next to address bar. Clicking the button will open a menu listing all the playing videos and tracks, even if you’re not in the tab.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to enable Google Chrome Global Media Controls on Windows 10.

How to enable global media controls in Chrome

Use these steps enable global media controls to control videos and music, even on different tabs:

  1. Open Chrome.

    Quick tip: You must be running Google Chrome version 77 to use the new global media controls. You can check if you’re running the latest version on main menu > Help > About Google Chrome.

  2. Type the following path in the address bar and press Enter:

    chrome://flags/#global-media-controls

  3. Use the drop-down menu on the right and select the Enabled option.

    Enable Global Media Controls in Chrome
    Enable Global Media Controls in Chrome

  4. Click the Relaunch now button.

Once you complete the steps, the media controls (play button) will appear next to the address bar allowing you to control any a video (for example, YouTube and Vimeo) or music playing (for example, Spotify) on any website, even on a different tab. 

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].