Auto Hide Page

Auto Hide Page Chrome Extension

Auto Hide Page is a privacy utility that instantly disguises chosen websites with realistic “System Error” decoy screens. Instead of scrambling to close tabs when someone walks by, your page can be hidden in a click (or automatically) and unlocked with your password when you’re ready.

What it does

When a protected site is opened, Auto Hide Page overlays the content with a convincing, randomized error screen (e.g., “503 Service Unavailable”, “DNS Failure”, “Connection Lost”). To anyone glancing at your screen, it looks like the site is down — but you can restore access with your master password.

How to Use

Set your Master Password
Open the extension popup and create your password.

Add sites to Always On (optional)
Add domains you want automatically hidden.

Browse normally
Visiting a protected domain triggers a decoy error overlay.

Unlock when needed
Use the unlock flow (e.g., “Reload/Unlock” on the decoy) and enter your password to restore the page.

Use the Timer for temporary access
Enable a timed window where protected pages are visible, then automatically re-hide.

Key Features
Realistic Decoy Error Screens

Replaces page content with randomized “system error” overlays

Multiple variants to look natural and believable (not repetitive)

Master Password Protection

Set a master password to unlock hidden tabs

Optional recovery code support (if enabled in settings)

Hidden pages cannot be revealed without authentication

Always-On Automatic List (Domain Based)

Add domains (e.g., youtube.com, reddit.com) to your Always On list

The extension hides those sites automatically on visit

Temporary Access Timer

Need a short break? Start a timer (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes)

All protected pages are temporarily unhidden

Protection automatically re-enables when the timer ends

Dark Mode Support

Decoy screens and settings UI support dark mode

Manual “Hide This Tab”

Instantly hide the current tab from the popup

Useful for one-off pages that aren’t in your Always On list

Privacy
Your data stays local

Password and settings are stored locally in your browser

No tracking, no analytics, no remote servers

The extension does not sell, share, or transmit browsing history

Permissions & Why They’re Needed (Chrome Web Store Review-Friendly)
storage

Purpose: Save settings locally
Why needed: Stores your master password (or its protected form), Always On domain list, timer state, and UI preferences (like dark mode).

activeTab

Purpose: Manual hiding on the current page
Why needed: Allows you to use the popup action (“Hide this Tab”) on the page you’re currently viewing, without needing broader access than necessary.

tabs

Purpose: Detect navigation and manage hidden state per tab
Why needed: Monitors tab URL changes to apply hiding rules for the Always On list, and sends hide/unhide messages to the correct tab when needed.

alarms

Purpose: Temporary Access Timer
Why needed: Runs a background timer so that when your temporary access window expires, protected pages automatically return to hidden mode.

Host permissions: <all_urls>

Purpose: Apply hiding to the domains you choose
Why needed: Lets the extension detect when you visit a site from your Always On list and apply the decoy overlay immediately on page load across any website you choose to protect.

scripting

Purpose: Show the decoy overlay and password prompt
Why needed: Injects the decoy UI (content script + CSS) into protected pages to render the error screen and handle unlock interaction.

Remote code

Not used
Statement: The extension does not load or execute remote code. All scripts are packaged inside the extension.

Perfect For

Keeping surprises (gifts, plans, bookings) private in shared spaces
Discreet browsing in offices, coworking, or open environments
Locking distracting sites behind a password for focus and productivity