Adding IDM to Chrome in three steps

Internet Download Manager (IDM) integrates with Chrome through an extension that you install from the Chrome Web Store. The process takes about two minutes: you search for the official IDM extension, click Add to Chrome, and confirm the permission prompt. After installation, the extension icon appears in your toolbar and IDM begins intercepting downloads automatically.

The extension works by detecting when you click a download link and offering to send it to IDM instead of Chrome's default downloader. IDM then manages the file using its own features — pause and resume, segmented downloading, and scheduling — rather than leaving it in Chrome's hands.

Key Takeaways

  • The IDM extension must be installed from the official Chrome Web Store, not from a third-party site, to avoid malware and ensure you get updates.
  • IDM must already be installed on your computer before the extension will work; the extension alone cannot download files.
  • After installation, the extension asks for permission to access your downloads and see the websites you visit — this is how it detects download links.
  • The extension icon in your toolbar shows a menu where you can pause IDM, turn interception on or off, or open IDM's main window.

Finding and installing the extension from Chrome Web Store

Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into the address bar, or search for "IDM extension" directly in the store's search box. Look for the extension labeled "Internet Download Manager" with the IDM logo — a blue and white icon. The official extension is published by Tonec, Inc., the company that makes IDM.

Click the extension's listing to open its details page. You will see a blue button labeled "Add to Chrome" in the top right. Click it. Chrome will show a popup asking whether you want to add the extension; click "Add extension" to confirm. The extension will download and install in seconds.

After installation, you should see the IDM icon appear in your Chrome toolbar — usually in the top right corner next to your profile picture. If you do not see it, click the puzzle-piece icon in the toolbar to open the extensions menu, find Internet Download Manager, and click the pin icon next to it to make it visible.

What permissions the extension needs and why

When you install the extension, Chrome asks for two main permissions: access to your downloads and access to the websites you visit. The extension needs these permissions to detect when you click a download link and intercept it before Chrome's downloader takes over.

The extension does not store your browsing history or send it anywhere. It simply watches for download links on the pages you visit so it can offer to send them to IDM. If you are uncomfortable with these permissions, you can restrict them by right-clicking the IDM icon, selecting "Manage extension," and changing the permissions under "Site access" to "On click only" — this way the extension only works when you click its icon.

Making sure IDM is installed on your computer first

The Chrome extension is only a connector — it cannot download files by itself. You must have the full IDM application installed on your Windows or Mac computer before the extension will work. If you try to use the extension without IDM installed, it will prompt you to download and install the main program.

If you do not have IDM yet, you can download it from the official IDM website at internetdownloadmanager.com. The application is not free, but it comes with a 30-day trial. Once you install the application and restart Chrome, the extension will recognize it and begin working.

Turning interception on and off

By default, the extension intercepts all downloads — whenever you click a link to a file, IDM asks whether you want to download it through IDM or use Chrome instead. You can toggle this behavior by clicking the IDM icon in your toolbar. A small menu appears with an option to turn interception on or off.

If interception is off, the extension still works, but it does not automatically catch downloads. You can still send a file to IDM manually by right-clicking the download link and selecting "Download with IDM" from the context menu. This is useful if you want to use Chrome's downloader for most files but occasionally use IDM for large ones.

Troubleshooting when the extension does not appear or work

If the extension installed but does not show in your toolbar, click the puzzle-piece icon (Extensions menu) in the top right of Chrome. Find Internet Download Manager in the list and click the pin icon to make it visible. If the pin icon is already active and you still do not see it, the icon may be hidden in the overflow menu — click the three-dot menu icon at the far right of your toolbar.

If the extension appears but does not intercept downloads, first check that IDM is actually running on your computer. Open IDM's main window and look at the top menu bar — if you see "Pause" as an option, IDM is active. If you see "Resume," IDM is paused; click Resume to turn it back on. If the extension still does not work after that, restart both Chrome and IDM.

If you see an error message saying the extension is not compatible with your version of IDM, you likely have an older version of IDM installed. Visit internetdownloadmanager.com and download the latest version, then reinstall it. The extension requires IDM version 6.41 or newer to function.

Using the extension to send downloads to IDM

Once the extension is working, downloading with IDM is straightforward. When you click a download link on any website, a popup appears asking whether you want to download the file with IDM or with Chrome. Click "Download with IDM" and the file will open in IDM's main window, where you can see its progress, pause it, schedule it, or change its save location.

You can also right-click any download link (without clicking it) and select "Download with IDM" from the context menu. This is useful if you want to queue multiple files at once without opening each one individually. The files will appear in IDM's queue and download in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for the IDM extension?

No. The extension itself is free. You only pay if you want to use the full IDM application beyond its 30-day trial period. The extension is just a bridge between Chrome and IDM, so it has no separate cost.

Will the extension work if I use Chrome on multiple computers?

The extension will sync across your computers if you sign into Chrome with the same Google account on each one. However, IDM itself must be installed separately on each computer where you want to use it. The extension alone cannot download files.

Can I use the IDM extension with other browsers like Firefox or Edge?

IDM has separate extensions for Firefox and Edge, but they are different downloads. You must install the Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store if you want to use it in Chrome. The other browsers have their own versions in their respective extension stores.

What happens if I uninstall the IDM extension?

Chrome will return to its default downloader for all files. Your IDM application will still be installed on your computer, but it will not intercept downloads from Chrome anymore. You can reinstall the extension at any time by going back to the Chrome Web Store.

Is it safe to install the IDM extension from the Chrome Web Store?

Yes. The Chrome Web Store reviews extensions before listing them, and the official IDM extension is published by Tonec, Inc., the legitimate maker of IDM. Always install from the official Chrome Web Store, not from third-party sites, to avoid malware and ensure you receive security updates.