Install and manage extensions

You can customize Chrome on your desktop by adding extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

Install an extension

Important: You can't add extensions when you browse in Incognito mode or as a guest.

  1. Open the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Find and select the extension you want.
  3. Click Add to Chrome.
  4. Some extensions will let you know if they need certain permissions or data. To approve, click Add extension.
    • Important: Make sure you only approve extensions that you trust.

To use the extension, click the icon to the right of the address bar.

If you're using a computer through your work or school, your organization might block some extensions.

Install on your phone

  1. On your phone, open the Chrome app Chrome. If you haven't yet, sign in to Chrome.
  2. Find the extension you want.
  3. Tap Add to Desktop.
  4. Confirm by tapping Add to Desktop.

The next time you open Chrome on your computer, you'll see a message that the extension was installed. If the extension needs some permissions, you'll be asked. To approve, click Enable extension.

Install with a Windows or Mac application

Sometimes, when you install an application on Windows or Mac, it also installs a Chrome extension. The next time you open Chrome:

  • To grant permissions and use the extension, click Enable.
  • To delete the extension, click Remove.

Install with Enhanced Safe Browsing

For additional protection when you install a new extension from the Chrome Web Store, you can use Enhanced Safe Browsing. If you enable Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome, it warns you when an extension you want to install isn't trusted. Extensions are considered trusted when they're built by a developer who follows the Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies.

For new developers, it generally takes a few months to become trusted. Eventually, we strive for all developers with compliant extensions to reach this status upon meeting our developer program policies.

Install trusted extensions

When you try to install an extension, a dialog appears.

  • If the extension you're about to install isn't trusted by Enhanced Safe Browsing, it says "This extension is not trusted by Enhanced Safe Browsing."
    • To install the extension anyways, click Continue to install.
    • To abort the installation, click Close.
  • If the extension is trusted by Enhanced Safe Browsing, click Add extension to complete the installation.

Manage your extensions

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More More and then More tools and then Extensions.
  3. Make your changes:
    • Turn on/off: Turn the extension on or off.
    • Allow incognito: On the extension, click Details. Turn on Allow in incognito.
    • Fix corruptions: Find a corrupted extension and click Repair. Confirm by clicking Repair extension.
    • Allow site access: On the extension, click Details. Next to "Allow this extension to read and change all your data on websites you visit," change the extension's site access to On click, On specific sites, or On all sites.

Remove possible malware

Let extensions read and change site data

Some extensions need permission to read and change site data. You can change your extensions' permissions anytime.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome .
  2. At the top right, click Extensions .
  3. Click More Organize and then point to "This can read and change site data."
  4. Decide which permission to give the extension:
    • When you click the extension: This setting only allows the extension to access the current site in the open tab or window when you click the extension. If you close the tab or window, you'll have to click the extension to turn it on again.
    • On [current site]: Allow the extension to automatically read and change data on the current site.
    • On all sites: Allow the extension to automatically read and change data on all sites.

Add or remove access to a specific site

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More More and then More tools and then Extensions.
  3. On the extension, click Details.
  4. Under "Permissions," add or remove a site:

Uninstall an extension

To the right of your address bar, look for the extension's icon. Right-click the icon and select Remove from Chrome.

If you don't see the extension's icon:

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More More and then More tools and then Extensions.
  3. On to the extension you want to remove, click Remove.
  4. Confirm by clicking Remove.

Use extensions on any computer

Arrange on your toolbar

To the right of your address bar, find your extensions' icons.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Drag the extension's icon to its new place.

Hide extensions

  • To hide individual extensions:
    1. Right-click the icon.
    2. Select Unpin.
  • To see your hidden extensions: Click Extensions .

Show extensions

To bring hidden extensions back to your toolbar:

  1. Select Extensions .
  2. Find the hidden extension.
  3. Select Pin Pin.
    • Important: Some extensions don't have this option​.

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