- Prioritize security: Install from the Web Store, review permissions, and use enhanced protection.
- Manage wisely: enable/disable, limit site access, and repair if there are any errors.
- Keep your browser lean: delete things you don't use and check for hidden extensions.
In this guide you will see, step by step, How to install, manage permissions, repair, and uninstall extensions In Chrome: how to act if an extension is corrupted or hidden; how to organize icons at the bar; what about the unsupported extensions; alternatives in Android; and how to do it in other browsers. We also include good practice to choose reliable extensions and not overload your equipment.
Install extensions in Chrome (desktop)
Key requirement: : you will not be able to add extensions if you browse in incognito mode or as Guest, so use a normal, signed-in Chrome window if you want to sync your data.
- Open Chrome Web Store (chrome.google.com/webstore).
- search and open the file of the extension that interests you.
- press Add to Chrome.
- If the extension requires permissions or data, Chrome will show a prompt: review and confirm with Add extension only if you trust the developer.
After installation you will see its icon to the right of the address bar; from there you can open it or access its settings. If you use a work or educational center team, your organization may block the installation of certain extensions.
Install extensions starting from the phone
Practical trick: If you are logged into Chrome with your Count of Google On mobile, you can start the installation so that it completes on your computer when you open it.
- On your phone, open Chrome and look for the extension in the Web Store.
- Toca Add to desktop o Add to computer to request remote installation.
- The next time you open Chrome on your PC, you'll see a prompt to complete or enable the extension and grant permissions if necessary.
This flow requires having the sync on in Chrome; otherwise, the reminder won't appear on your computer.
Installation that comes with a Windows or macOS app
Some applications of Windows o Mac They include a Chrome extension as a plug-in. The next time you open the browser you'll be able to Allow (Enable) the extension to use it or delete it if you are not interested.
Safe browsing with enhanced protection and trusted extensions
Enhanced Safe Browsing protection Chrome adds an extra layer when you install new extensions from the Web Store. If enabled, the browser will notify you when the extension is unreliable according to the Chrome Web Store Developer Program policies.
- If the message appears “Enhanced Safe Browsing does not trust this extension”, Can Continue with the installation under your responsibility or press Close To cancel.
- If it is considered reliable, it will be enough to select Add extension to finish the process.
Please note that the new developers It takes a few months for them to gain trusted status, and it's not uncommon for newer extensions to display this warning despite being legitimate.
Manage extensions: activate, repair, permissions and site access
To manage your add-ons, open Chrome and go to More > Extensions > Manage extensions (or write chrome: // extensions at the bar). From there you can enable / disable each, fix problems and adjust site permissions.
- Activate or desactivate: Use the switch to turn the extension on or off without uninstalling it.
- Allow incognito: go into Details tab and activate Allow incognito if you need it to work in that mode.
- Repair: If it appears damaged, press Repair and confirm with Repair extension to reset it.
- Access to sites: in Details, set “Allow this extension to read and change data from the websites you visit” to When selecting, In specific sites o Everywhere.
Grant or limit reading and changes to data on sites
Many extensions need read or modify the content of web pages to function. You can change these permissions at any time from the menu Extensions (puzzle piece icon) or from Details of each extension.
- Click on Extensions in the toolbar.
- Choose More on the extension and place the cursor on “Can read and change data from sites".
- Choose the level: When selecting the extension, En o Everywhere.
Important: This setting affects the host permissions (reading/changing site data). Does not modify extensions that alter low-level network access (e.g., VPN or proxy).
Add or remove access to a specific site
If you prefer full granularity, add or remove specific domains from Details > Permissions of the extension.
- Add site: Under “Allowed Sites,” tap Add and enter the domain. If you don't see this option, change "Read and change data..." to In specific sites.
- Remove site: to the right of the domain, click Remove.
Fix corrupted extensions and remove suspicious software
If after pressing Repair the extension still appears as corrupted, maybe some malicious program is modifying your files.
- En Windows, macOS or Linux, run your antivirus or antimalware and remove any software that affects Chrome.
- Go back to Repair the extension from chrome: // extensions and confirm the action.
- If it persists, consult the Chrome Help Forum and share your case.
Uninstall extensions
Removing extensions that you no longer use helps to speed up the browser and reduce the attack surface. You can do this from the icon in the bar or from the manager.
- From the bar: Right-click on the extension icon and choose Uninstall from Chrome (o Remove from Chrome according to the text you see) and confirm Remove.
- From chrome://extensions: press Delete on the extension card and confirm with Remove.
If you're on a Mac and the context menu doesn't appear, hold down the key. Control and click to display the options; in Windows, use the right button.
Organize icons: pin, hide, and reorder
Extension icons live to the right of the address bar. Drag and drop to change its position or use the puzzle piece menu to manage what is displayed.
- Hide: Right click on the icon and choose Do not fix to save it in the extensions menu.
- See hidden: opens Extensions (puzzle icon) to access those that are not fixed.
- Show: In the menu, press Setting next to the extension you want to see in the bar (some do not support pinning).
Unsupported or disabled extensions
Chrome and the Web Store can disable extensions that don't meet current privacy and security requirements. If this happens to you, you have three options.
- Find an alternative: : it is best to replace it with a similar and reliable one.
- Remove: since Manage extensions, locate the unsupported extension and press Remove.
- Temporarily enable: during a limited period After disabling it, you can reactivate it from the extension card (not always available). In managed environments, the administrator You can reactivate them using Chrome Enterprise policies.
Extensions on Android: alternatives that do support them
Chrome for Android It does not support extensions natively, but there are Chromium-based browsers with support. Kiwi Browser y Yandex Browser are two of the most popular options for installing add-ons from the Chrome Web Store on mobile.
- Kiwi Browser: fast and secure, allows you to add extensions directly from the Web Store without advanced settings.
- Yandex Browser: Simple interface and compatibility with Chrome extensions, valid if you are looking for an alternative with support.
Typical steps: install Kiwi or Yandex from Google Play, open it, visit chrome.google.com/webstore, find the extension and press Add to Chrome, confirming the installation when the warning appears.
Please note that many extensions designed to desktop screen They may look bad or not adapt to touch controls, and using several at the same time on less powerful mobiles can slow down the system; limits the active ones to the essential ones.
Reasons to uninstall or review your extensions periodically
Beyond the order, there are compelling reasons: privacy, security and performanceSome extensions abuse permissions, display pop-ups annoying, spy on browsing habits or, in extreme cases, cover up malware.
- Unlimited: Each extension consumes memory and can affect the stability of the browser if it is poorly programmed (crashes or freezes).
- Abusive notifications: If they flood you, disable them from the extension settings or uninstall it if it doesn't improve.
- Data collection: If they ask for more permissions than necessary, consider remove it.
Temporarily disable extensions
If you just want a break, you can deactivate extensions without deleting them. Go to chrome: // extensions and use the switch of each one to turn it off (it will be gray) and turn it back on when it suits you.
There are also advanced shortcuts: with the extension “Disable Extensions and Apps"You can alternate them all at once with Ctrl+Shift+E, and on Windows you can start Chrome with the parameter –Disable-extensions so that none of them will run until you remove that flag.
Remove “hidden” extensions on Windows and macOS
Some extensions leave a trace on the disk or do not appear clearly. You can delete your folders from the Chrome profile after identifying their IDs.
Windows: Folders and Identification
With Chrome closed, go to C:\Users\your_user\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions. Each subfolder represents an extension (with a 32-character ID) and inside you will see another one with the version number.
- Open the file manifest.json with Notepad to identify the name of the extension.
- Compare IDs by activating Developer mode en chrome: // extensions (shows the ID under each card).
- When you locate the one you want to remove, delete the folder of your ID and reopen Chrome.
macOS: Paths and Profiles
On Mac, open Finder > Go > Go to folder and sticks ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/ExtensionsIf you use multiple profiles or accounts, you'll see subfolders for each Chrome user.
- Active Developer mode en chrome: // extensions to see the IDs.
- Compare and delete the folder of the ID that you do not need or does not appear in the manager (hidden).
If the strange behavior persists, run a antimalware and check that there are no applications that re-inject the extension.
Reset Chrome to remove all extensions
When extensions refuse to go away or you suspect a hijacker, you can reset Chrome at original values: visit chrome: // settings / reset, enter “Restore the original default settings" and confirms in Reset Settings. This remove all extensions and restores default settings.
Remove and manage extensions in other browsers
If you switch browsers, the process is similar. In Microsoft Edge, open the menu (three dots), enter Extensions > Manage extensions, and press Remove to uninstall.
En Firefox, go to the menu (three lines), enter Plugins & Themes > Extensions, press the three points next to the extension and choose Delete.
En safari (macOS), in the top bar go to Safari > Settings/Preferences > Extensions, select the extension and press uninstall.
En Opera, opens View > Show Extensions and press the X from the extension card to remove it or disable it if you just want to pause it.
Good practices for choosing and maintaining extensions
Before installing, check who develops it, the listing in the Web Store, ratings and number of users. Avoid third-party sources and be wary of permissions that don't fit the extension's function.
- Update frequently: Google makes it automatic, but you can force it from chrome: // extensions activating the Developer mode and pressing Update, for example to see the extensions that increase productivity.
- Less is more- The more extensions, the more memory consumption and more risk vectors. Keep only the ones that you really use.
- Manage permissions: use “When selecting" or "In specific sites”when possible to limit exposure.
Browsers with built-in security features
If you are looking to reduce your dependence on extensions, there are Chromium-based browsers that integrate Tracker blocking, anti-phishing protection, and ad filters. Options like Brave o Avast Secure Browser incorporate proactive measures against malicious extensions and improve the privacy without having to add so many third-party add-ons.
Managing extensions wisely is the key: install only what you need, limit permissions, review from time to time what you have and do not hesitate to repair, disable or remove Anything that doesn't add value; this way, you'll keep Chrome more agile, secure, and with the features that truly make your daily life easier.
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