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 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.
Is SameSite=None safe?
SameSite=None does not provide built - in CSRF protection; it only forces the Secure flag, so it must be used with HTTPS and additional defenses.