Last Tab Back

Use the back key to close the tab if there are no pages to go back to. When it closes, go to the tab that created it.
What is Last Tab Back?
'Last Tab Back' is a Chrome extension that enhances web surfing by tailoring tab and 'back' key interaction. The extension allows the Backspace key to close tabs if there are no pages to go back to, redirecting you to the originating tab. This ensures a smooth and intuitive browsing journey regardless of the tabs opened and pages viewed. With the ability to customize keys and modified tab behavior, 'Last Tab Back' is the perfect tool for efficient web navigation.

Extension stats

By: oowildcat
Users: 781 ▲ 7
Rating: 2.80 (20)
Version: 0.8.0.4 (Last updated: 2024-06-24)
Creation date: 2020-04-13
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Low risk likelihood
Manifest version: 3
Permissions:
  • tabs
  • activeTab
  • webNavigation
  • scripting
  • storage
  • alarms
Host permissions:
  • http://*/*
  • https://*/*
Size: 99.96K

Other platforms

Not available on Firefox
Not available on Edge
Want to check extension ranking and stats more quickly for other Chrome extensions? Install Chrome-Stats extension to view Chrome-Stats data as you browse the Chrome Web Store.

Extension summary

This extension allows using the back key to go back to where you came from if it would normally have no pages to go back to.

To try it, open a new tab from a link, and then press the backspace key (note: this will not work within the web store; and if a form field is selected you need to tab out of it. It also obviously cannot work when Adobe Flash (or another plugin) is focused, as this captures key presses).

-- Tip: if you use a keyboard key or mouse button that does not appear to work in Last Tab Back, you can set up a custom key in the options page. Click on the box and try your key. If this still doesn't work, you might be able to set up a custom key in the keyboard or mouse software (possibly only for Chrome) and then try setting the custom key again in the options page. --

Pressing backspace / a custom key / clicking the LastTabBack button will go back as usual, until there are no such pages. Then it will close the tab and go back to the tab that opened this one.

This allows you to open new tabs and then go back where you came from without having to remember whether it was a new tab or a normal click to navigate - pressing backspace will take you back to the results either way.

You can also press Ctrl+Backspace to just go back to the tab that opened this one without closing the current tab, if you wish to leave this page to view later.

The extension also modifies the usual tab behavior to go back to the tab that opened this one when you close a tab.

--

See more

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Provides a special back button functionality.
  • Some users appreciate the attempt to offer an alternative to standard back navigation.
Cons
  • Does not work with mouse back buttons.
  • Cannot replace the standard back button.
  • Limited functionality and often considered useless by users.
  • Poor performance, often failing to work as expected.
Most mentioned
  • Doesn't work with mouse back buttons.
  • Limited value as it doesn't replace the default back button.
  • Many users feel it is poorly coded and lacks key functionalities.
Recent reviews
Not working m1 air
by András Bihari, 2024-03-17

Doesnt work with MacBook Pro swipe.
by Charlie Eastwood, 2023-08-14

doesn't work anymore
by Josh Kinnison, 2018-07-12
View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

Last Tab Back requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk likelihood

Last Tab Back has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Upgrade to see risk analysis details

Promo images

Last Tab Back small promo image
Small promo image

Similar extensions

Here are some Chrome extensions that are similar to Last Tab Back: