Getting Chrome ready for a drop

Chrome can put inactive tabs to sleep to save memory, and a slept queue tab can lose its place. Chrome documents this behaviour, so this is a supported setting rather than a workaround.

Open Chrome, then Settings, then Performance. Under Memory Saver, add the retailer's site to the list that always stays active — or turn Memory Saver off for the session and back on afterward.

Content blockers and privacy extensions have been reported to interfere with queue scripts and reCAPTCHA. Open your extensions menu and pause ad blockers and privacy tools for the drop, or better, allowlist the retailer's site so your protections stay on elsewhere. Re-enable everything once you're done. On iPhone, Chrome has no extensions, so this step only applies on desktop.

Memory pressure can close tabs mid-queue, especially on a laptop with many windows open. Before the drop, close what you don't need and leave only the retailer tab open while you wait.

Datacenter IP addresses — the kind many VPNs use — are reported to draw extra captchas and, in some cases, queue resets. Disconnecting the VPN before you join the queue is the commonly suggested move; reconnect once you're done.

The queue needs a steady connection more than a fast one. On Wi-Fi, sit close to your router and prefer the 5GHz network if you have one. On a wired connection, confirm the cable is seated and that your computer is actually using Ethernet rather than falling back to Wi-Fi. Avoid large downloads or streaming on the same connection while you wait.

Guest checkout means typing your details while a cart timer runs, so having them ready to autofill saves the scramble. In Chrome, open Settings, then Autofill and passwords, and confirm your address and payment details are saved. Then test that they appear on a normal checkout form before the drop, so there are no surprises on the day.