Chrome extensions install from the Chrome Web Store in about two minutes
To add an extension to Chrome, you visit the Chrome Web Store, find the extension you want, click "Add to Chrome", and confirm the permission prompt that appears. The extension then shows up in your toolbar or in the Chrome menu, ready to use. Most extensions work immediately after installation with no setup required.
The process is the same whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux. You need to be logged into a Google account to install extensions, but you don't need to pay for most of them — the Web Store is free to browse and most extensions are free to download.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Chrome Web Store by searching "Chrome Web Store" or going to chrome.google.com/webstore in any browser, then search for the extension you want.
- Click the "Add to Chrome" button on the extension's page, then click "Add extension" in the permission popup to confirm.
- The extension appears in your toolbar (the row of icons to the right of the address bar) or in the Chrome menu if toolbar space is full.
- You can remove an extension by right-clicking its icon and selecting "Remove from Chrome", or by going to Settings > Extensions and clicking the trash icon.
- Only install extensions from the official Chrome Web Store — extensions from other websites can contain malware or steal your data.
Finding and installing an extension step by step
Start by opening the Chrome Web Store. The easiest way is to type "Chrome Web Store" into Google search and click the first result, or type chrome.google.com/webstore directly into your address bar. You'll see a page with a search box at the top and categories like "Productivity" and "Shopping" below.
Search for the extension you want by typing its name into the search box. For example, if you want a password manager, search "password manager" or the name of a specific one like "Bitwarden" or "1Password". The results show you extensions that match, with a star rating and number of users for each one.
Click on the extension you want to install. This opens its detail page, which shows a description of what it does, screenshots, reviews from other users, and information about the developer. Read the description and reviews to make sure it does what you need.
Click the blue "Add to Chrome" button. A small popup appears asking you to confirm the permissions — this is the data and browser features the extension needs to work. For example, a password manager needs permission to see what you type in forms, while an ad blocker needs permission to see the content on web pages. Click "Add extension" to confirm and finish installing.
Where your extension appears after installation
After you install an extension, it usually appears as an icon in your toolbar — the row of small icons to the right of your address bar. Click the icon to open the extension's menu or settings. Some extensions run in the background and don't have a visible icon until you interact with them.
If your toolbar is full, Chrome automatically moves the extension to a menu. Click the puzzle-piece icon at the far right of your toolbar to see all your extensions. You can also pin frequently used extensions to your toolbar by clicking the pin icon next to their name in this menu.
To see all your installed extensions at once, click the three vertical dots (menu button) in the top right corner of Chrome, then select "Extensions" > "Manage extensions". This page shows every extension you have installed, whether it's turned on or off, and when you last used it.
Understanding permissions before you install
When you click "Add extension", Chrome shows you a list of permissions the extension is asking for. These tell you what data and features the extension can access. A password manager needs permission to see what you type in forms. A shopping extension needs permission to see product prices on websites. An ad blocker needs permission to see and modify the content on every page you visit.
Read the permission list carefully. If an extension is asking for permissions that don't match what it claims to do, that's a red flag — don't install it. For example, a calculator extension should not need permission to see your browsing history. If you're unsure whether a permission is necessary, check the extension's reviews or description to see if other users mention it.
You can change permissions later. Go to "Manage extensions", click on the extension, and scroll down to "Permissions". You can turn off specific permissions if you want to restrict what the extension can access, though this may break some of its features.
Removing an extension you no longer want
To remove an extension, right-click its icon in your toolbar and select "Remove from Chrome". A confirmation message appears — click "Remove" to delete it completely. The extension is uninstalled immediately and stops running.
Alternatively, go to "Manage extensions" (click the menu button, then "Extensions" > "Manage extensions"), find the extension you want to remove, and click the trash icon in the bottom right corner of its card. This also uninstalls it right away.
Removing an extension does not delete any data it stored — some extensions keep notes, settings, or other information even after you uninstall them. If you want to clear this data too, go to "Manage extensions", click on the extension, and look for a "Clear data" or "Remove data" button.
Why you should only install from the Chrome Web Store
The Chrome Web Store is the official place to get extensions for Chrome. Google reviews extensions before they appear in the store, though this review is not perfect. Extensions from other websites, email links, or pop-up ads can contain malware, steal your passwords, track your browsing, or display unwanted ads.
If someone sends you a link to install an extension from outside the Web Store, do not click it. If a website tells you to install an extension to use it, go to the Chrome Web Store and search for that extension by name instead. Legitimate extensions are always available in the official store.
Check the developer's name and the number of users before you install. Extensions with hundreds of thousands of users and good reviews are generally safer than brand-new extensions with few users. Read recent reviews to see if other people have reported problems.
Troubleshooting when an extension won't work
If an extension isn't working, first check that it's turned on. Go to "Manage extensions" and look for a toggle switch next to the extension's name. If it's off (gray), click it to turn it on. Some extensions also need you to refresh the web page you're on before they start working.
If the extension is on but still not working, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Go to "Manage extensions", click the trash icon to remove it, then go back to the Chrome Web Store and install it again. This fixes problems caused by corrupted files or incomplete installation.
Some extensions don't work on certain websites. For example, extensions can't run on the Chrome Web Store itself, on Google's sign-in page, or on some banking websites for security reasons. If an extension works on most sites but not one specific site, this is usually why.
If an extension keeps crashing or slowing down your browser, uninstall it. Go to "Manage extensions", click the trash icon, and restart Chrome. If your browser runs faster after removing it, that extension was the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for extensions?
Most extensions in the Chrome Web Store are free. Some developers offer a free version with limited features and charge for a full version, but you can always try the free version first. The Web Store clearly labels which extensions cost money before you install them.
Can I use the same extension on multiple devices?
Yes, if you're signed into the same Google account on multiple computers. Your extensions sync automatically across devices, so if you install an extension on your laptop, it appears on your desktop too. You can turn off syncing in Chrome Settings if you want different extensions on different devices.
What happens to my extension if Chrome updates?
Extensions keep working after Chrome updates. Chrome automatically updates extensions in the background, so you get bug fixes and new features without doing anything. If an extension stops working after an update, the developer may need to fix it — check the Chrome Web Store page for that extension to see if an update is available.
Can extensions see my passwords or browsing history?
Only if you give them permission to. When you install an extension, Chrome shows you exactly what data it can access. Password managers need permission to see what you type in forms, but a calculator extension should not. If an extension is asking for more permissions than it needs, don't install it.
Is it safe to install multiple extensions at once?
Yes, but too many extensions can slow down your browser. Each extension uses memory and processing power, even when you're not using it. If your browser feels slow, try uninstalling extensions you don't use regularly and see if it speeds up.