Installing uBlock Origin takes three clicks and works immediately
uBlock Origin is a free extension that blocks ads and trackers on websites you visit. To install it on Chrome, you go to the Chrome Web Store, find uBlock Origin, click "Add to Chrome", and confirm the permission prompt. The whole process takes less than a minute, and the extension starts working on your next page load.
This guide walks you through each step, shows you where to find the extension, and explains what happens after installation.
Key Takeaways
- uBlock Origin installs directly from the Chrome Web Store and requires no account or sign-up.
- The extension begins blocking ads and trackers immediately after you confirm the installation prompt.
- After installation, a small icon appears in your Chrome toolbar that you can click to see what the extension blocked on each page.
- uBlock Origin works in the background and does not require any settings changes to start using it.
- The extension is maintained by volunteers and is completely free with no premium version or paid features.
Step 1: Open the Chrome Web Store
Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into your address bar, or search "Chrome Web Store" in Google. You can also reach it through Chrome's menu: click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select "More tools", then "Extensions", then click "Open Chrome Web Store" at the bottom of the page.
The Web Store page loads with a search box at the top. You are now in the official place where Chrome extensions live.
Step 2: Search for uBlock Origin
Click the search box at the top of the Chrome Web Store and type uBlock Origin exactly as written. Press Enter or click the search icon.
The search results show several extensions with similar names. Look for the one that says "uBlock Origin" with a red and white shield icon, made by the author "Raymond Hill". This is the real uBlock Origin. Do not click on "uBlock" (without "Origin") — that is a different, older extension that is no longer maintained.
Step 3: Click "Add to Chrome"
Click on the uBlock Origin result to open its page. You see a blue button that says "Add to Chrome". Click it.
A small popup appears asking you to confirm. It says something like "uBlock Origin wants to: Read and change all your data on the websites you visit." This is normal — the extension needs this permission to see what is on the page so it can block ads and trackers. Click "Add extension" to confirm.
Step 4: Confirm the installation is complete
The page refreshes and the blue button changes to say "Remove from Chrome". This means the extension is now installed. You can close the Web Store tab.
Look at the top right corner of Chrome, where your extensions live. You should see a small red and white shield icon — that is uBlock Origin. It is now active and blocking ads and trackers on every website you visit.
What happens after you install it
uBlock Origin works automatically. You do not need to turn it on, create an account, or change any settings. The next time you visit a website, the extension blocks ads, pop-ups, and tracking scripts in the background.
If you want to see what the extension blocked on a page, click the shield icon in your toolbar. A small panel opens showing how many ads and trackers were blocked. You can also temporarily turn off the extension for a specific website by clicking the power icon in that panel — useful if a site does not work properly with the extension on.
If the extension does not appear in your toolbar
Sometimes the extension icon is hidden in Chrome's extension menu instead of showing directly in the toolbar. Click the puzzle piece icon on the far right of your address bar (it looks like a small square with a missing piece). A dropdown menu shows all your extensions. Find uBlock Origin in the list and click the pin icon next to it to move it to your main toolbar where you can see it easily.
If you do not see the puzzle piece icon, your toolbar may be full. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome, go to "Extensions", and you can manage your extensions from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does uBlock Origin slow down Chrome?
No. uBlock Origin is designed to use very little memory and processing power. Most users notice no difference in browsing speed. In fact, because it blocks ads and tracking scripts, some pages may load faster since there is less content to download.
Will websites know I am using an ad blocker?
Some websites can detect that an ad blocker is active, and a few may show a message asking you to turn it off. You can choose to disable the extension for that site by clicking the shield icon and then the power button. Most websites work fine with uBlock Origin on.
Is uBlock Origin safe to use?
Yes. uBlock Origin is open-source, meaning anyone can read its code to check for problems. It is maintained by volunteers and has been around for over a decade. It does not collect your data, does not have a paid version, and does not show you ads.
Can I use uBlock Origin on other browsers?
uBlock Origin works on Firefox, Edge, and Safari as well as Chrome. The installation process is similar on each browser — you go to that browser's extension store and add it the same way. It works identically across all browsers.
What is the difference between uBlock Origin and regular uBlock?
uBlock Origin is the current, actively maintained version. Regular uBlock is an older extension that is no longer updated. Always install uBlock Origin, not uBlock. The name difference matters because they are separate extensions.