Mysterious "Google from iPhone" icon

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Mysterious "Google from iPhone" icon

I was using my Mac mini as normal, running Chrome, Bluetooth on, when switching apps I noticed a 2nd Google Chrome icon next to the normal one, only this one had a small iPhone icon in the center. It was labeled "Google Chrome from iPhone". The thing is, I do not have Google Chrome installed on my iPhone (which was sitting nearby), so I'm not sure what this was. I was not connected to any Bluetooth device. I have never seen this icon before.

After turning off Bluetooth, I haven't seen it again, but am still perplexed by what this was. Should I be concerned? Was this an outside device? (As I said, I don't have Chrome installed on my iPhone.)

iPhone 6s

Posted on Sep 25, 2019 12:31 PM

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Leanne_68

Community Specialist

Sep 27, 2019 12:27 PM in response to mrmoose18

Hello mrmoose18,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities!

I understand from your post that while on your Mac you saw a Chrome browser icon that was labeled, "Google Chrome from iPhone". What you are describing sounds like the Handoff feature of Continuity which allows you to user the browser on your Mac and then switch to your iPhone. So even though you don't have Chrome installed on your iPhone, you have the opportunity to install it and pick up where you left off of the Mac.

The reason it went away when you turned off Bluetooth is that Handoff uses Bluetooth to allow this feature. This article has additional information about Handoff you may find helpful:

Pick up where you left off with Handoff on Mac - Apple Support

Best Regards.

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Mysterious "Google from iPhone" icon

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