Chrome extensions turn off automatically when you haven't used them, or when Chrome updates

If a Chrome extension has stopped working, the first thing to check is whether it's actually turned off. Chrome disables extensions in two main ways: you can manually turn them off yourself, or Chrome can disable them automatically if you haven't used the extension in a while or if there's a compatibility issue after an update.

The steps to turn it back on are the same either way. You'll go to your extensions page, find the extension by name, and toggle it back to active. This takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Chrome menu (three vertical dots in the top right), then go to Extensions > Manage Extensions to see all your installed extensions and their status.
  • Look for the toggle switch next to the extension name — if it's gray and to the left, the extension is off; if it's blue and to the right, it's on.
  • Click the toggle to turn the extension back on, and it will start working immediately in most cases.
  • If an extension keeps turning itself off after updates, you may need to uninstall and reinstall it, or check the extension's settings for permission issues.

Finding your extensions page in Chrome

The fastest way is to use the keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+Shift+M on Windows or Cmd+Shift+M on Mac, and Chrome will open your extensions page directly.

If the shortcut doesn't work, you can navigate manually: click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome, hover over "Extensions," and then click "Manage Extensions." This opens the same page.

Turning the extension back on

On the extensions page, you'll see a list of all your installed extensions with their names and icons. Each one has a toggle switch on the right side. If the toggle is gray and positioned to the left, the extension is currently off.

Click that toggle once. It will turn blue and move to the right, which means the extension is now on. You should see a message that says "Extension enabled" or similar. Most extensions start working immediately — you may need to refresh any open web pages for the extension to take effect on those pages.

Why Chrome turns extensions off automatically

Chrome has a feature that disables extensions you haven't used in a while. This is meant to protect your privacy and speed up your browser, since every active extension uses some of your computer's memory. If you see an extension is off but you don't remember turning it off, this automatic feature is likely the reason.

Extensions can also turn off after a Chrome update if there's a compatibility problem. In this case, you'll sometimes see a warning message on the extensions page saying the extension needs attention. Turning it back on usually fixes the issue, but if it keeps turning itself off, you may need to uninstall and reinstall it from the Chrome Web Store.

Checking extension permissions if it won't stay on

If you turn an extension back on and it immediately turns off again, or if it turns off after a few hours, the problem is usually a permission conflict. Click on the extension name to open its details page, then look for a section called "Permissions" or "Site access."

Some extensions need permission to run on certain websites. If you see a message like "Extension cannot access this page" or "Needs additional permissions," the extension may be trying to do something Chrome won't allow. You can grant more permissions by clicking "Allow on all sites" or by adding specific websites where you want it to work. After you change the permissions, the extension should stay on.

Reinstalling an extension that won't turn on

If turning the extension back on doesn't work, or if it keeps turning itself off no matter what you do, the extension file may be corrupted. The solution is to remove it completely and install it fresh.

On the extensions page, find the extension that's giving you trouble and click the trash icon on the right side. Confirm that you want to remove it. Then go to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension by name, and click "Add to Chrome." Chrome will reinstall it with fresh files, and it should work normally. You may lose any settings you had saved in that extension, so check if there's an export or backup option before you remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chrome keep turning off my extensions?

Chrome automatically disables extensions you haven't used recently to save memory and protect privacy. If an extension turns off after an update, there may be a compatibility issue. You can turn it back on manually, or uninstall and reinstall it if the problem persists.

Do I need to restart Chrome after turning an extension back on?

No, most extensions start working immediately after you toggle them on. If the extension isn't working on a specific website, try refreshing that page. A full restart of Chrome is rarely necessary.

What if the toggle switch is grayed out and I can't click it?

A grayed-out toggle usually means the extension has a permission or compatibility problem that Chrome won't let you override. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the extension, or check the extension's support page to see if there's a known issue with your version of Chrome.

Can I prevent Chrome from automatically turning off my extensions?

Chrome's automatic disable feature applies to all extensions equally, and there's no setting to turn it off globally. However, extensions you use regularly are less likely to be disabled. If you want an extension to stay active, use it at least once every few weeks.