If you want to unlock the full power of your browser, learning how to install extensions in Google Chrome is one of the best places to start. Extensions can block ads, check grammar, manage passwords, take screenshots, improve productivity, and much more. In this complete guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to install, manage, enable, disable, and remove Chrome extensions safely.
We’ll walk through everything in simple language so even beginners can follow along.
Introduction: What Are Chrome Extensions?
Chrome extensions are small software programs that add new features or functionality to your browser. Think of them as mini-apps that live inside your browser.
For example, you can install extensions to:
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Block ads
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Check spelling and grammar
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Save passwords securely
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Capture screenshots
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Manage tasks
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Track time
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Translate web pages
All extensions for Chrome are downloaded from the official Google Chrome extension store called the Chrome Web Store.
Let’s now learn how to install them.
How to Install Extensions in Google Chrome (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome
First, launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
Make sure you’re connected to the internet because extensions are downloaded online.
Step 2: Open the Chrome Web Store
You can access the Chrome Web Store in two ways:
Method 1:
Type this in the address bar:
Method 2:
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Click the three dots (top-right corner)
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Go to Extensions
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Click Visit Chrome Web Store
This will open the official extension marketplace.
Step 3: Search for an Extension
At the top-left of the Web Store, you’ll see a search box.
Type the name of the extension you want.
For example:
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Grammarly
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Adblock
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Password manager
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Screenshot tool
Press Enter.
You’ll see a list of results.
Step 4: Choose the Right Extension
Click on the extension name to open its details page.
Before installing, check:
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⭐ Ratings and reviews
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👤 Number of users
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🏢 Developer name
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📋 Permissions required
Always choose extensions with good reviews and high user counts to stay safe.
Step 5: Click “Add to Chrome”
Once you’re ready:
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Click the blue Add to Chrome button.
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A pop-up will appear showing permissions.
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Click Add extension.
Step 6: Access the Installed Extension
After installation:
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You’ll see the extension icon in the top-right corner of Chrome.
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You can pin the extension by clicking the pin icon next to it.
That’s it! The extension is now ready to use.
How to Manage Installed Extensions
After installing extensions, you may want to manage them.
Here’s how:
Open the Extensions Page
You can open the extensions management page by:
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Clicking the three dots
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Going to Extensions
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Clicking Manage Extensions
OR type in the address bar:
You’ll now see all installed extensions.
Enable or Disable an Extension
Each extension has a toggle switch.
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Turn it ON to enable
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Turn it OFF to disable
This is useful if an extension is causing problems.
Remove an Extension
If you no longer need an extension:
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Go to chrome://extensions/
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Find the extension
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Click Remove
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Confirm
The extension will be completely deleted from your browser.
How to Install Extensions on Chrome Mobile
Here’s something important:
❗ You cannot install extensions in Chrome on Android or iPhone.
However:
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Android users can use browsers like Kiwi Browser (which supports extensions).
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Desktop Chrome fully supports extensions.
If you need extensions, it’s best to use Chrome on a computer.
How to Install Extensions Manually (Advanced Method)
Sometimes developers provide extension files manually.
These files end with:
To install manually:
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Open chrome://extensions/
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Enable Developer Mode (top-right)
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Drag and drop the extension file into the window
⚠️ Only install manual extensions if you trust the source. This method can be risky.
How to Stay Safe While Installing Extensions
Extensions can access your browsing data. So safety is very important.
Follow these tips:
1. Install Only From Chrome Web Store
Avoid downloading from unknown websites.
2. Check Reviews
Look at user ratings and comments.
3. Check Permissions
If a simple calculator extension asks for full browsing access, that’s suspicious.
4. Avoid Too Many Extensions
Too many extensions can slow down Chrome.
5. Remove Unused Extensions
Regularly clean up extensions you don’t use.
Why Extensions Sometimes Don’t Install
If you face problems installing extensions, here aresome common reasons:
1. Internet Issue
Check your internet connection.
2. Chrome Not Updated
Go to:
Settings → About Chrome → Update
3. Extension Blocked by Organization
If you’re using a school or office computer, extensions may be restricted.
4. Corrupted Profile
Try restarting Chrome or reinstalling it.
How to Update Extensions
Chrome usually updates extensions automatically.
To manually check:
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Go to chrome://extensions/
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Enable Developer Mode
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Click Update
Chrome will update all installed extensions.
Best Types of Chrome Extensions to Try
Here are popular extension categories:
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Ad blockers
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Grammar checkers
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Screenshot tools
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Dark mode extensions
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Password managers
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Productivity tools
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SEO tools
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VPN extensions
Choose based on your needs.
Does Installing Extensions Slow Down Chrome?
It can — if you install too many.
Each extension runs in the background and uses memory.
To keep Chrome fast:
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Install only what you need
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Disable unused extensions
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Regularly remove unnecessary ones
Final Thoughts
Installing extensions in Google Chrome is simple and takes less than a minute. With just a few clicks, you can completely transform your browsing experience.
Whether you want better productivity, improved privacy, or smarter browsing tools, Chrome extensions make it possible. Just remember to install from the official Chrome Web Store, check reviews carefully, and avoid unnecessary add-ons.
By managing your extensions wisely, you can keep Chrome fast, secure, and powerful.