5 Ways to Install and Manage Google Chrome Extensions

PDF download Download Article
Easily install Chrome extensions on any device
PDF download Download Article

Adding extensions to Google Chrome can give your web browser all sorts of new functionality. Installing Chrome extensions is easy, and only takes a few moments on your Windows PC, Mac, or Chromebook. Unfortunately, it's not possible to install Chrome extensions on a phone or tablet. This wikiHow article will show you how to install, use, and manage extensions from the Chrome Web Store. We'll also teach you how to install third-party extensions from outside the web store, plus help you manage the extensions you've added.

Things You Should Know

  • Visit https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions to browse for and install extensions.
  • To view your Chrome extensions, click the puzzle piece icon at the top-right corner of Chrome.
  • Manage extensions at chrome://extensions, or by clicking the puzzle piece icon > "Manage extensions."
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Adding from the Chrome Web Store

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions in Chrome. No matter which type of computer you have, you can find a variety of extensions to add to Google Chrome at the Chrome Web Store.
    • You can also add Chrome extensions to other browsers built on Chromium, including Microsoft Edge , Opera , and Brave . [1]
    • While Chrome extensions aren't available for Chrome on Android, iPhone, or iPad, you can install some extensions in the Kiwi Browser for Android using these same steps. [2]
  2. If you know the name of the extension you want to install, type it into the "Search the store" field at the top-right, then press Enter or Return to search.
    • You can also search for a type of extension, such as " ad blocker " or "calendar," or browse by category using the tabs on the left side of the page.
    • If you downloaded an extension from outside of the Chrome Web Store, see this method to learn how to install it.
    Advertisement
  3. You'll now be able to see the extension's name, some screenshots, ratings, and reviews.
    • Before downloading the extension, it's best to read reviews to make sure users are satisfied.
    • You can also click the Privacy practices tab at the top of the extension's page to see what type of personal information the extension will collect from you.
  4. You'll see this blue button near the top-right corner of the page. A confirmation pop-up will appear.
  5. This adds the extension to Chrome.
    • To see your installed extensions, click the puzzle piece icon at the top-right corner of Chrome.
    • Read on to learn how to use extensions and pin them to your toolbar.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Finding and Using Your Extensions

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's to the right of the address bar at the top of the browser window. This is where you'll find all of your installed Chrome extensions.
  2. Each extension is different, so what happens next will vary. Some extensions will instantly perform a task, while others will display options that you can modify.
    • You can also click the three-dot menu next to an extension to access its options and permissions.
  3. If you use an extension often, you can pin its icon to the Chrome toolbar to make it easier to find. Here's how:
    • Click the puzzle piece icon at the top-right corner to view installed extensions.
    • Any extensions that are already pinned to the toolbar will have a blue-filled pushpin icon. Extensions that aren't pinned have empty pushpin icons.
    • Click an empty pushpin icon next to an extension to pin that extension to the toolbar. This fills the pushpin with blue and adds an icon for the extension to the upper-right corner of Chrome.
    • If there are certain extensions you use less often, you can unpin them from the taskbar. Just click the puzzle piece icon, then click the blue pushpin next to an extension to unpin it. You can still launch the extension by clicking its name in the puzzle piece menu.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Changing Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. Many extensions have options and preferences that you can manage. Start by clicking the puzzle piece menu to view your extensions.
    • If you don't see the toolbar at the top of Chrome, you might be in full-screen mode. Press F11 (PC), F4 (Chromebook), or Ctrl + Cmd + F (Mac) to toggle off full-screen mode.
  2. It's at the bottom of the puzzle piece menu. Now you'll see all of your installed extensions.
    • You can also get here by typing chrome://extensions in the address bar and pressing Enter or Return .
  3. This displays the extension's details, including its size and version, a description, permissions, and additional options.
  4. The options you can adjust for each extension will vary, but you can usually change:
    • Site access: This section tells you which sites the extension has permission to read and modify your data. For example, if you're using a translation extension , you'll want to give it access On all sites so you can translate websites on the fly.
    • Allow in incognito: By default, extensions are disabled in incognito mode . If you want to be able to use this extension incognito, you can click the switch.
    • Extension options: Many extensions also have different settings you can customize. If you see this option, click it to modify the extension or access your preferences.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Disabling & Removing

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you don't want to use an extension anymore, you can either disable it or delete it entirely.
  2. It's at the bottom of the puzzle piece menu. You'll see all of your installed extensions.
  3. If you don't want an extension to load in Chrome but don't want to delete it entirely, you can toggle the extension's switch to the Off position. You can then turn it back on at any time by moving the switch back to On.
  4. If you don't want to use an extension at all anymore, click Remove below the extension's name, then click Remove again to confirm.
    5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Installing Extensions from Outside the Chrome Store

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you need to install an extension that isn't available in the Chrome Web Store, such as extensions from Github, you can do so in Chrome Developer Mode.
    • Be careful when downloading extensions from outside of the Chrome store, as such extensions are not vetted by Google.
  2. It's at the bottom of the puzzle piece menu.
  3. You'll see it at the top-right corner. Once enabled, you can add extensions from other sources to Chrome. [3]
  4. It's at the top-left corner.
  5. If you downloaded the extension as a ZIP file, you'll need to unzip it first . Once selected, the extension will be added to Chrome.
    • You can now manage the extension as you would any other extension.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How to get rid of extensions?
    Community Answer
    To remove an extension, right-click on the extension's icon in the top right corner of the screen. From there, select 'Remove from Chrome."
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 4
  • Question
    What does it mean if I get the message 'FAILED_TO_COPY_EXTENSION_FILE_TO_TEMP_DIRECTORY?' and the extension doesn't install?
    Community Answer
    It may occur when your system doesn't match the software and hardware requirements for the specific extension.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you're using a school or work computer that's managed by an administrator, you may not be able to add extensions without permission from your administrator.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
      • All Chrome extensions are free to install, but some may require payment to use certain features.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add Blocked Extensions in Google Chrome
      How to
      Block Ads on Google Chrome
      Extensions and Sites for Downloading YouTube Videos in Chrome
      2 Simple Ways to Change Google Chrome Downloads Settings
      How to
      Install Google Chrome Using Terminal on Linux
      3 Easy Ways to Install the Google Chrome Web Browser
      Automatically Reload a Page in Chrome: Easy Extension & Script
      Turn Off and Disable Private Browsing on Any Web Browser
      3 Simple Ways to Save a Web Page as a PDF in Google Chrome
      Why Your Pinned Tabs Disappear & How to Fix It
      How to
      Add Google Drive to File Explorer in Windows
      How to
      Turn Any Website Into an App Shortcut With Chrome
      Easy Ways to View & Manage Bookmarks in Google Chrome
      How to
      Transfer Bookmarks from One Computer to Another
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.brave.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017909112-How-can-I-add-extensions-to-Brave
      2. ↑ https://kiwibrowser.com/knowledgebase/articles/kiwi-browser-2/
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/2714278?hl=en

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Chrome.
      2. Go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions .
      3. Search for an extension.
      4. Click Add to Chrome .
      5. Click Add extension .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 349,435 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement