uBlock Origin installs as a free extension in most browsers in under two minutes
uBlock Origin is an ad and tracker blocker that runs inside your browser. You install it once from your browser's extension store, and it works on every website you visit afterward. The installation process differs slightly between Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, but each takes the same basic steps: open your browser's extension store, search for uBlock Origin, and click the install button.
The extension works immediately after installation with default settings that block ads and many trackers. You do not need to create an account, pay a fee, or configure anything to get your free guide. If you want to adjust what it blocks or allow ads on specific sites, you can open its settings panel later.
Key Takeaways
- uBlock Origin installs from your browser's official extension store — Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, Microsoft Edge Add-ons, or the Mac App Store for Safari.
- The installation takes two to three minutes and requires no account, payment, or technical setup.
- After installation, uBlock Origin blocks ads and trackers on all websites automatically using its default settings.
- You can adjust what the extension blocks by clicking its icon in your browser toolbar and opening the settings panel.
Installing uBlock Origin on Chrome
Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into the address bar, or search "Chrome Web Store" in Google. In the search box at the top left, type "uBlock Origin" and press Enter.
The first result should be uBlock Origin with a red and white shield icon, published by Raymond Hill. Click on it to open the extension's store page. Click the blue Add to Chrome button. A popup will appear asking "Add uBlock Origin?" — click Add extension to confirm. The extension will install and a new tab may open showing a welcome page. You are done. The uBlock Origin icon (a red shield) now appears in your toolbar at the top right of Chrome.
Installing uBlock Origin on Firefox
Open Firefox and go to the Firefox Add-ons store by typing addons.mozilla.org into the address bar. In the search box at the top, type "uBlock Origin" and press Enter.
The first result should be uBlock Origin with a red and white shield icon, published by Raymond Hill. Click on it. Click the blue Add to Firefox button. Firefox will ask you to confirm — click Add. The extension installs immediately. You may see a welcome page open in a new tab. The uBlock Origin icon now appears in your toolbar at the top right of Firefox.
Installing uBlock Origin on Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store by typing microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons into the address bar. In the search box, type "uBlock Origin" and press Enter.
Click on uBlock Origin (red and white shield icon, published by Raymond Hill). Click the blue Get button. Edge will ask you to confirm the permissions — click Add extension. The extension installs and the uBlock Origin icon appears in your toolbar at the top right.
Installing uBlock Origin on Safari
Safari's extension system works differently from other browsers. Open the Mac App Store (search "App Store" in Spotlight or find it in your Applications folder). Search for "uBlock Origin" in the App Store search box at the top.
Click on uBlock Origin (published by Raymond Hill). Click Get, then Install. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. After installation, open Safari and go to Safari menu > Settings > Extensions. Find uBlock Origin in the list and make sure the checkbox next to it is checked. The uBlock Origin icon now appears in your Safari toolbar.
What to do after installation
After uBlock Origin installs, it begins blocking ads and trackers immediately using default settings. You do not need to do anything else to use it. Visit any website and you will notice fewer ads and faster page loads on many sites.
If you want to see what uBlock Origin is blocking or change its settings, click the uBlock Origin icon in your toolbar. A panel opens showing how many ads and trackers were blocked on the current page. Click the gear icon at the bottom right to open the settings dashboard, where you can enable or disable specific filter lists, add custom rules, or allow ads on websites you want to support.
Troubleshooting installation problems
If the extension does not appear in your toolbar after installation, check that it is enabled. In Chrome, go to Menu > More tools > Extensions and look for uBlock Origin in the list — toggle the switch on if it is off. In Firefox, go to Menu > Add-ons and extensions and check that uBlock Origin is enabled. In Edge, go to Menu > Extensions and enable it if needed. In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and check the box next to uBlock Origin.
If you cannot find uBlock Origin in your browser's extension store, make sure you are searching for the correct name: "uBlock Origin" (not "uBlock" alone, which is a different extension). If the store shows a message that the extension is not available in your region or device, your browser version may be too old. Check that your browser is fully updated by going to the browser's settings or menu and looking for an update option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does uBlock Origin cost money?
No. uBlock Origin is free to install and use. It does not show ads, require a subscription, or ask for payment. The extension is maintained by volunteers and funded by donations.
Will uBlock Origin break websites?
Rarely. Most websites work normally with uBlock Origin enabled. If a site does not load properly, you can temporarily disable uBlock Origin for that site by clicking its icon and selecting "Disable on this site." You can also adjust which filters uBlock Origin uses in its settings panel.
Can I use uBlock Origin on mobile?
Chrome and Edge on Android support extensions, so you can install uBlock Origin the same way as on desktop. Firefox on Android also supports extensions. Safari on iPhone and iPad does not support extensions in the same way, though some third-party browsers on iOS offer ad blocking features.
What is the difference between uBlock Origin and uBlock?
uBlock Origin is the original extension maintained by Raymond Hill. uBlock is a different extension created by someone else. uBlock Origin is more widely used and recommended. Make sure you install uBlock Origin, not uBlock.
Does uBlock Origin slow down my browser?
uBlock Origin typically makes browsing faster because it blocks ads and trackers before they load. The extension uses very little memory and processing power compared to other ad blockers. Most users notice faster page loads after installing it.