Decloak is an AI-powered web security intelligence platform that scans a site's HTTP/TLS posture, JavaScript, and third-party scripts to produce a report anyone can read. This guide is part of Decloak's library of practical, source-backed security guidance.
In this guide
- Key takeaways
- Why does disabling SameSite matter?
- How do I disable SameSite in Chrome versions older than 91?
- How can I turn off SameSite in Chrome 91 to 94?
- How do I revert to legacy SameSite behavior in Chrome 94 and newer?
- How can I verify which method is active?
- What are the security implications of turning off SameSite?
- Quick cheat - sheet for all Chrome versions
Key takeaways
- Chrome < 91: disable two flags in
chrome://flags. - Chrome 91 - 94: add
--disable-features=SameSiteByDefaultCookies,CookiesWithoutSameSiteMustBeSecureto the launch command. - Chrome ≥ 94: only enterprise policies (
LegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabledorLegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabledForDomainList) can revert to legacy behavior. - Verify your configuration with
chrome://policyorchrome://flags.
Why does disabling SameSite matter?
Disabling SameSite lets legacy applications that set cookies without the SameSite attribute work without code changes, but it also removes a built - in CSRF mitigation. Use the steps below only for testing or controlled environments.
How do I disable SameSite in Chrome versions older than 91?
Open chrome://flags, search for "SameSite", set Same - site - by - default - cookies and Cookies - without - SameSite - must - be - secure to Disabled, then relaunch Chrome. This UI method fully disables the new SameSite checks for Chrome 80 - 90.
chrome://flags
# Search "SameSite"
# Set both flags to "Disabled"
# Relaunch Chrome
How can I turn off SameSite in Chrome 91 to 94?
Add a command - line switch to the Chrome shortcut or launch command. The switch disables the two features that enforce SameSite.
Windows shortcut target
"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --disable-features=SameSiteByDefaultCookies,CookiesWithoutSameSiteMustBeSecure
Linux/macOS
google-chrome --disable-features=SameSiteByDefaultCookies,CookiesWithoutSameSiteMustBeSecure
The UI flags were removed in version 91, but the command - line switch works through version 94.
How do I revert to legacy SameSite behavior in Chrome 94 and newer?
Only enterprise policies can change the behavior. Deploy one of the following JSON policies via GPO, master preferences, or a JSON file on the machine.
Global legacy mode
{
"LegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabled": true
}
Per - domain legacy mode
{
"LegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabledForDomainList": ["example.com", "[*.]legacy.com"]
}
After deployment, open chrome://policy to confirm the policy shows OK. This reverts all cookies (or the listed domains) to the pre - May - 2019 handling where cookies without SameSite are treated as None.
How can I verify which method is active?
- For flag - based disabling, open
chrome://flagsand ensure the two SameSite flags are set to Disabled. - For command - line disabling, open
chrome://versionand check the "Command Line" entry includes--disable-features=SameSiteByDefaultCookies,CookiesWithoutSameSiteMustBeSecure. - For policy - based disabling, open
chrome://policyand look forLegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabledorLegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabledForDomainListwith status OK.
What are the security implications of turning off SameSite?
SameSite provides a default CSRF defense by restricting cross - site cookie transmission. Disabling it restores the older, less secure behavior and can expose your site to CSRF attacks. Google recommends fixing server - side cookie attributes (SameSite=None; Secure) instead of disabling the browser feature.
Quick cheat - sheet for all Chrome versions
| Chrome version | Disable method | How to apply |
|---|---|---|
| < 91 | Flags UI | chrome://flags → disable both SameSite flags |
| 91 - 94 | Command line | Add --disable-features=SameSiteByDefaultCookies,CookiesWithoutSameSiteMustBeSecure |
| ≥ 94 | Enterprise policy | Deploy LegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabled or LegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabledForDomainList |
| Any (testing) | Verify | Use chrome://policy, chrome://flags, or chrome://version |
References
- StackOverflow - SameSite flags removed in Chromium 91 - shows flag method for older versions.
- ExchangeTuts - Command - line syntax for Chrome 91 - 94.
- Chromium policy documentation - LegacySameSiteCookieBehaviorEnabled policies.
- Chrome testing guide - pre - 91 flag locations.
- StackOverflow - disabling SameSite in Chrome 80.
- ProgrammerAH - Shortcut example for disabling flags up to Chrome 94.
- Google Chrome Community thread - discussion of post - 91 disabling options.
Related guides
What Happens When a Cookie Lacks a SameSite Attribute?
Modern browsers default missing SameSite attributes to Lax, which changes CSRF protection. Learn how to check, set, and verify SameSite for all cookies.
What does SameSite do in cookies?
SameSite tells browsers when to send a cookie, protecting against CSRF and cross - site tracking. Choose Strict, Lax, or None + Secure and test your flows to avoid breaks.
What is the difference between SameSite Lax and SameSite None cookies?
SameSite=Lax blocks cookies on most cross - site requests while allowing link navigation, whereas SameSite=None sends cookies everywhere but requires the Secure flag. Choose the right setting to balance CSRF protection and cross - origin functionality.