Have you ever accidentally closed an important browser tab, and panicked? Learn how to open closed tabs and restore last session. I will share few ways to restore closed tabs across all major browsers, share handy shortcuts, and tips to prevent losing your browsing session in the first place. Whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, or even mobile browsers, I’ve got you covered.
Learn to Open Closed Tabs
Sometimes the smallest mistakes can cause the biggest panic. For example: You’re working on a client project, reading an important article, or filling out an online form — but then boom! You accidentally hit the wrong key or click the wrong part of the screen. The tab vanishes. That sinking feeling? Yeah, I’ve been there too. But the solution is simple. Most browsers come with built-in ways to recover closed tabs — you just need to know where to look and how to use them.
Keyboard Shortcuts to Open Closed Tabs
Use keyboard commands (keys combination) to bring back closed tabs in a flash. Keyboard shortcuts are handy when you’re in a hurry or you want to get things done quickly. Instead of digging through menus, you just press a couple of keys — and your closed tab reappears like magic.
For Windows Users
Use these keyboard shortcuts when you’re using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave on Windows:
- Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab
- Press again to open earlier closed tabs in order
For Mac Users
If you’re on a Mac, the commands are slightly different:
- Command + Shift + T: Reopen closed tabs
- Keep pressing to go back through your tab history
I often use these when I’m switching between tasks or accidentally close a tutorial I’m following. It works like a charm every time.
Open Closed Tabs in Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most popular browser — and it does a solid job helping you recover closed tabs.
Using Right-Click on the Tab Bar
- Right-click on the tab bar (any empty space next to your tabs)
- Click on "Reopen closed tab"
Through Chrome History
If you closed a tab hours ago, use this method:
- Click the three dots (top-right corner)
- Go to History
- You’ll see recently closed tabs and even tab groups from other devices
Tip
Enable Continue where you left off in Settings from ‘On Startup’. This ensures Chrome restores your last session automatically when you reopen the browser.
Restore Closed Tabs in Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is built with privacy and user control in mind, so it’s also great at helping you recover closed tabs.
Right-Click Method
- Right-click on the tab bar
- Select Reopen Closed Tab
Accessing Through History
- Click the menu (≡) in the top-right
- Choose History
- Select the tab you want to reopen from the list
Restore Previous Session
If you had multiple tabs open and Firefox restarted:
- Click History → Restore Previous Session
This has saved me many times — Firefox brings back everything.
Reopen Closed Tabs in Microsoft Edge
Edge has come a long way and offers similar functionality as Chrome (since both are Chromium-based).
Shortcut & Menu Method
- Use Ctrl + Shift + T or right-click the tab bar and select Restore Window
Use the History Menu
- Click the three-dot menu
- Go to History
- You’ll see a list of recently closed tabs and even tab groups
Edge also has Collections, which help you save groups of pages — something I recommend if you work on large research tasks.
Safari: Open Closed Tabs on Mac and iPhone
If you’re an Apple user, Safari has built-in tools to help you recover closed tabs easily.
On Mac
- Press Command + Z or Command + Shift + T
- You can also click History → Recently Closed and pick the one you want
On iPhone / iPad
- Tap the tab view button
- Long-press the “+” (plus) icon
- A list of recently closed tabs will appear
It’s honestly super helpful when you’re researching something on the go and close a tab by mistake.
Reopen Closed Tabs on Android or iOS Browsers
This is for mobile users who want to recover closed tabs on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge apps. Most mobile browsers also give you the power to bring back lost tabs, and here’s how to do it:
- Chrome Mobile: Tap the three dots → Recent tabs
- Firefox Mobile: Tap the menu (⋮) → History
- Edge Mobile: Tap the tabs icon → History
I use this regularly when I’m researching something in bed and accidentally swipe away the wrong tab.
What to Do If Your Browser Crashed
So how to recover tabs after a crash or system restart? Crashes happen. Whether your system froze, or your browser just gave up, here’s how to bring back your tabs.
After Restarting Browser
Most modern browsers show a “Restore tabs” option after an unexpected shutdown. Click it right away. If it doesn’t show:
- Go to History
- Look for Recently closed or Restore previous session option
Some browsers like Chrome also allow syncing tabs across devices. This helps if one device crashes but your tabs are still accessible from another.
How to Prevent Losing Tabs
Prevention is better than recovery. Let me show you how I save myself from the headache of losing tabs.
Use Extensions
There are awesome tools to help manage tabs:
- OneTab: Converts all tabs into a list you can reopen anytime
- Session Buddy: Automatically saves your browsing session
- Tab Manager Plus: Helps you organize large tab groups
Bookmark Tabs You Want to Revisit
Create a temporary folder in your bookmarks bar. Just drag your tabs there before closing the browser.
Sign in and Sync
Always sign in to your browser (Google account in Chrome, Microsoft in Edge, Apple ID in Safari). It helps keep your tabs synced across devices.
Can’t Reopen a Closed Tab?
Sometimes the tab you want just won’t come back. Maybe it was from a private window or it’s been too long. Here’s what you can do:
- Search browser history manually using keywords from that tab
- Check your bookmarks or synced device history
- Use Google Search with relevant phrases to find the page again
If you were filling a form or working on a post, consider using browser extensions to autosave form data next time.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a simple keyboard shortcut, digging into browser history, or using tools to manage your sessions, you now have multiple ways to stay in control. I’ve lost important tabs during live client calls, while making YouTube videos, and even while booking flights. Trust me, learning these tricks saves us from stress.
What About You?
- Have you ever lost an important tab and couldn’t recover it?
- Do you use any tab-saving extensions already?
- Which browser do you use the most and why?
Let me know in the comments or share this with someone who always has 47 tabs open (you know who I mean).