Remove an extension in three steps
You can remove any extension from your browser in less than a minute. The exact steps depend on which browser you use — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all work slightly differently — but the process is the same idea: open your extensions menu, find the one you want gone, and delete it.
Removing an extension stops it from running immediately. It does not delete your browsing history or affect your saved passwords. The extension's data stays on your computer until you clear your browser cache, but most people never need to worry about that step.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you remove extensions through a settings menu that takes under a minute to reach.
- Removing an extension stops it from running right away, but does not automatically delete the data it collected.
- If you cannot find an extension in your browser's menu, it may be installed as part of another program on your computer.
- Some extensions hide themselves or reinstall automatically — if one keeps coming back, you may need to uninstall the program that installed it.
Remove an extension from Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Extensions, then Manage extensions. You will see a list of every extension installed in Chrome, with a toggle switch next to each one.
Find the extension you want to remove and click the trash icon in the bottom right corner of its box. Chrome will ask you to confirm — click Remove. The extension is now gone and will not run the next time you open a new tab.
If you want to turn off an extension without removing it completely, click the toggle switch instead of the trash icon. A grayed-out toggle means the extension is off but still installed. You can turn it back on later by clicking the toggle again.
Remove an extension from Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three-line menu (called the hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Select Add-ons and themes. Firefox will open a new tab showing all your installed add-ons and extensions.
Find the extension you want to remove. Click the three dots next to its name and select Remove. Firefox will ask you to confirm — click Remove again. The extension is now deleted.
Like Chrome, Firefox also lets you disable an extension without removing it. Click the three dots next to the extension and select Disable. The extension stays installed but will not run. Click Enable to turn it back on.
Remove an extension from Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the very top of your screen. Select Settings (or Preferences on older Macs). Click the Extensions tab.
You will see a list of all installed extensions on the left side. Click the extension you want to remove, then click the Uninstall button. Safari will ask you to confirm — click Uninstall again. The extension is now removed.
To turn off an extension without removing it, click the extension in the list and uncheck the box next to Enable this extension. The extension stays installed but will not run until you check the box again.
Remove an extension from Edge
Open Edge and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Extensions, then Manage extensions. Edge will show you a list of every extension you have installed.
Find the extension you want to remove and click the trash icon. Edge will ask you to confirm — click Remove. The extension is now deleted and will not run.
You can also disable an extension without removing it by clicking the toggle switch next to its name. A grayed-out toggle means the extension is off but still installed. Click the toggle again to turn it back on.
What to do if an extension will not go away
Sometimes an extension keeps coming back after you remove it, or you cannot find it in your browser's extensions menu even though you know it is there. This usually means the extension was installed by another program on your computer, not by you directly through the browser.
If an extension keeps reinstalling itself, look for the program that installed it. On Windows, open Control Panel, click Programs, then Programs and Features. Look through the list for any program you do not recognize or do not use. Right-click it and select Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications in Finder, find the program, and drag it to the Trash.
If you cannot find the program or the extension still will not go away, restart your computer in Safe Mode. On Windows, hold Shift while clicking the restart button. On Mac, restart and hold Command-S. Then try removing the extension again. Safe Mode stops many programs from running, which can make hidden extensions visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing an extension delete my saved passwords or browsing history?
No. Removing an extension only stops that extension from running. Your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history stay in your browser. If you want to delete your browsing history, you have to do that separately through your browser's settings.
Can I remove an extension and then add it back later?
Yes. You can remove an extension and reinstall it anytime by going back to your browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, Safari App Store, or Edge Add-ons). Search for the extension by name and click the install button.
What if I see an extension I do not remember installing?
It may have been installed by another program on your computer, or it may have come with your browser. Click on it to see what it does. If you do not recognize it and do not use it, you can remove it safely. Most built-in browser extensions are harmless, but removing them will not hurt anything.
Will removing an extension speed up my browser?
Possibly, but only if the extension was using a lot of your computer's memory or slowing down your internet connection. Most extensions have very little effect on speed. If your browser feels slow, removing unused extensions is worth trying, but it may not make a noticeable difference.
Can I remove multiple extensions at once?
No. All four major browsers require you to remove extensions one at a time. There is no bulk remove option. If you have many extensions to remove, it will take a few minutes, but each one only takes about 10 seconds.