Adding LingQ to Chrome in three steps

The LingQ extension for Chrome lets you learn languages while you browse the web. When you encounter a word you don't know on any webpage, you can click it, see the definition, and add it to your LingQ study list without leaving the page. The extension works with LingQ's main learning platform, so words you save sync to your account.

You install it the same way you install any Chrome extension: from the Chrome Web Store. The whole process takes about two minutes and requires only a Chrome browser and a free or paid LingQ account.

Key Takeaways

  • The LingQ extension installs directly from the Chrome Web Store and works with any webpage you visit.
  • You need an existing LingQ account (free or paid) before installing the extension, because it connects to your account to save words.
  • After installation, the extension appears as a small icon in your Chrome toolbar and activates automatically on most websites.
  • If the extension does not work on a specific website, that site may block third-party tools, and you can still use LingQ's main website instead.

Step 1: Open the Chrome Web Store and search for LingQ

Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into your address bar, or click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "More tools," then "Extensions," then click "Open Chrome Web Store" at the bottom.

In the search box at the top left of the Web Store, type LingQ and press Enter. The official LingQ extension appears at the top of the results. It shows the LingQ logo (a blue circle with a white "L") and is published by LingQ Inc. Click on it to open the extension's page.

Step 2: Click "Add to Chrome" and confirm

On the LingQ extension page, click the blue "Add to Chrome" button in the top right. A popup window appears asking you to confirm that you want to add the extension. The popup lists the permissions the extension needs — mainly the ability to read the text on webpages you visit so it can recognize words you click.

Click "Add extension" in the popup to finish. Chrome downloads and installs the extension in a few seconds. You will see a small notification at the top of the page saying the extension has been added.

Step 3: Sign in to your LingQ account

After installation, the LingQ icon appears in your Chrome toolbar (the row of small icons in the top right of Chrome). Click it. A small window opens asking you to sign in to your LingQ account. Enter the email address and password you use for LingQ.

If you do not have a LingQ account yet, click the link in the signin window to create one on the LingQ website. A free account lets you use the extension and save words to study. Once you are signed in, close the signin window. The extension is now ready to use.

How to use the extension on any webpage

Navigate to any webpage in a language you are learning. When you see a word you want to study, double-click it to select it. A small popup appears with the word's definition and options to save it to LingQ. Click "Add to LingQ" or the plus icon to add it to your study list.

The word syncs to your LingQ account immediately, so you can review it later in the LingQ app or website. You can also click the LingQ icon in your toolbar to open a panel showing all the words you have saved from the current page.

Troubleshooting: Extension not working on a specific site

Some websites block third-party extensions for security reasons. If the extension does not work when you double-click a word, the website itself is preventing it. This is not a problem with the extension or your installation.

When this happens, you have two options: copy the word and paste it into the LingQ website's search box to look it up there, or use a different website to practice reading in that language. Many news sites, blogs, and learning platforms do allow the extension to work.

Removing or disabling the extension

If you want to turn off the extension temporarily without uninstalling it, click the three-dot menu in Chrome, select "More tools," then "Extensions." Find LingQ in the list and toggle the switch to the left. The extension stops working but remains installed.

To remove it completely, click the trash icon next to the LingQ extension on the same Extensions page. Chrome uninstalls it immediately. You can reinstall it anytime by returning to the Chrome Web Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a paid LingQ account to use the extension?

No. A free LingQ account works with the extension. You can save words and review them in your free account. A paid subscription gives you access to LingQ's full course library and additional learning features, but the extension itself functions the same way.

Will the extension slow down my browser?

The LingQ extension has minimal impact on browser speed. It only activates when you interact with it by double-clicking a word. If you notice your browser running slowly, you can disable the extension temporarily to see if that helps, then turn it back on.

Can I use the extension on mobile Chrome?

Chrome extensions do not work on mobile devices, including phones and tablets. You can use the LingQ mobile app instead, which offers similar features for learning on the go. The extension works only on Chrome for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

What languages does the extension support?

The extension works with any language that LingQ supports, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and many others. The extension itself does not translate — it connects to LingQ's dictionary, which covers the languages available in your LingQ account.

Can I use the extension with other language learning tools?

The LingQ extension is designed to work with LingQ's platform specifically. Other language learning sites may have their own browser extensions. You can install multiple extensions at once, so you can use LingQ alongside other tools if you want.