How to remove an extension from Chrome

To delete a Google extension, open Chrome and select the puzzle-piece icon in the top right corner of your browser. Click the trash or remove icon next to the extension you want to delete. Chrome will ask you to confirm — click "Remove" and the extension is gone. The whole process takes about five seconds.

If you do not see the puzzle-piece icon, it may be hidden. Look for a chevron or arrow icon next to your address bar, click it, and you should see your extensions listed there. The remove button works the same way.

Removing an extension stops it from running immediately. Any data it stored — like saved passwords or settings — is deleted along with it. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall the same extension from the Chrome Web Store, though you will need to set it up again from scratch.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the puzzle-piece icon in Chrome's top right corner, then click the trash icon next to any extension to remove it.
  • Deleted extensions stop running right away and their stored data is erased.
  • You can reinstall a deleted extension later from the Chrome Web Store, but you will need to reconfigure it.
  • If an extension is causing problems, disabling it first lets you test whether removing it will fix the issue.
  • Some extensions are installed by other programs or your workplace — these may reappear after deletion until you uninstall the program that added them.

Disable an extension instead of deleting it

If you are not sure whether you want to permanently remove an extension, you can turn it off without deleting it. Click the puzzle-piece icon, then click the toggle switch next to the extension's name. It will turn gray, and the extension stops running.

A disabled extension takes up almost no resources and does not appear in your browser. You can turn it back on anytime by clicking the same toggle. This is useful if an extension is slowing down your browser or interfering with a website — you can test whether disabling it fixes the problem before you decide to delete it permanently.

Remove extensions installed by other programs

Some extensions are installed by other software on your computer, not by you directly. Antivirus programs, password managers, and shopping tools often add extensions to Chrome automatically. If you delete one of these extensions, it may come back the next time you restart your computer or update the program that installed it.

To permanently remove an extension that keeps reappearing, you need to uninstall the program that added it. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find the program in the list, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, find the program, and drag it to the Trash. After you uninstall the program, restart your computer and the extension should stay gone.

If you are not sure which program installed an extension, right-click the extension icon and select "Manage extension." The details page will sometimes show where it came from. You can also search the extension's name online along with the word "bundled" to see if other users report which programs install it.

Remove extensions your workplace installed

If you use a work computer managed by your company's IT department, some extensions may be installed and locked in place by your organization. You will not see a remove button next to these extensions — instead you will see a message saying the extension is "managed by your administrator."

You cannot delete a managed extension yourself. You will need to contact your IT department or help desk and ask them to remove it. They can do this remotely from their management console. If the extension is causing problems with your work, explain the issue to IT and they can decide whether to uninstall it for everyone or just for you.

Clear extension data and reset Chrome

Deleting an extension removes the extension itself, but sometimes leftover data or settings remain in Chrome. If an extension was causing problems and you want to make sure all traces are gone, you can clear your browsing data. Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data. Check the box for "Cookies and other site data" and click Clear Data.

If an extension has caused serious problems — like changing your homepage, adding unwanted toolbars, or redirecting your searches — you can reset Chrome to its default settings. Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and Clean Up > Restore Settings to Their Original Defaults. This removes all extensions, clears your homepage and search engine back to Google, and deletes any other changes the extension made. Your bookmarks and saved passwords stay intact.

Find and remove malicious extensions

Most extensions in the Chrome Web Store are safe, but some are designed to steal data, show unwanted ads, or track your browsing. If your browser suddenly has new toolbars, your searches are redirected, or you see ads you did not ask for, a malicious extension may be the cause.

Open the puzzle-piece icon and look at your installed extensions. If you see anything you do not recognize or do not remember installing, delete it. Check your browser's homepage and search engine settings — go to Settings > Search Engine and Settings > On Startup to see if they have been changed. If they have, change them back to what you want.

To prevent malicious extensions in the future, only install extensions from the official Chrome Web Store, and check the reviews and number of users before you add one. Extensions with very few users or mostly negative reviews are more likely to be problematic. You can also turn off automatic updates for extensions you do not use often, so they do not change behavior without your knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting an extension remove my saved passwords or data?

Yes. When you delete an extension, Chrome removes all data it stored, including saved passwords, settings, and browsing history specific to that extension. If you reinstall the extension later, you will start with a blank slate and need to set it up again.

Can I delete an extension that came with Chrome?

Chrome does not come with any extensions pre-installed. Any extension in your browser was either installed by you, by another program, or by your workplace. All of these can be deleted using the method described above.

What if I accidentally delete an extension I need?

You can reinstall it from the Chrome Web Store. Search for the extension by name, click "Add to Chrome," and confirm. You will need to log in and reconfigure it, but the extension itself is easy to restore.

Why does an extension keep coming back after I delete it?

The program that installed it is reinstalling it automatically. Uninstall that program from your computer's control panel or Applications folder, then restart your computer. The extension should stay deleted after that.

How do I know if an extension is safe to delete?

If you do not recognize it or do not remember installing it, it is safe to delete. You can also disable it first to test whether it is causing problems. If disabling it fixes the issue, delete it permanently. If you are unsure, search the extension's name online to see what other users say about it.