While the desktop version of Google Chrome has thousands of extensions for productivity and entertainment, the mobile version doesn’t. But, there are a few workarounds to install Chrome extensions on Android.
Install Chrome Extensions on Android Using Kiwi
To get started, you’ll need an alternative to the default Chrome browser. Kiwi Browser is based on the Chromium project that Chrome itself is based upon, and it looks a lot like it. While it’s similar, you can’t sync your Google account. But, it does support Chrome desktop extensions.
Download Kiwi Browser from the Google Play Store to get started.
Open Kiwi once installed, tap the menu at the top right and select Extensions. Then, tap OK on the next screen advising you to take caution with crytocurrencies.
Check that Developer Mode is turned on in the upper right corner. For me, it was on by default. Once this is on, you’ll see four options for installing and managing Chrome extensions:
- From Store: Takes you directly to the desktop version of the Chrome Web Store
- From .zip/.crx/.user.js: Install extensions manually from different file types
- Pack extension: Pack extensions, including updates
- Update: Update all installed extensions
To install Chrome extensions on Android, choose From Store.
Finding and Adding Chrome Extensions
The tricky part about installing Chrome extensions on Android is that there’s no easy portal to download them from. You have to use the Chrome Web Store, with its remarkably mobile-unfriendly design.
Head to the Chrome Web Store and either zoom in with your fingers, or rotate your display for better access. Either way, there’s no getting around the fact that it’s going to be a little fiddly.
From here, the installation process for extensions is pretty much exactly like it is on your desktop. The Chrome Web Store offers a list of recommendations, with sections for the most recently updated and popular at the top. There are also “Editors Picks,” with Google-picked selections for you to install.
If you want to find something specific, search for an extension you want to install using the search bar in the top-left of the page.
Once you’ve found an extension you like in the search, click the Add to Chrome button next to it. Alternatively, you can click on the store page for the extension to find out a little more about it first. The Add to Chrome button appears there, too.
If there are any extra permissions required, review them and click OK to proceed. If you want to confirm that the installation is complete, click your settings button (the three vertical dots). From here, click Extensions.
You’ll see the extensions page, looking very similar to the extensions page you’ll find on Chrome. Once Kiwi Browser installs the extension, it’ll appear here, pre-enabled for use.
You can also load extensions manually if you have a Chrome extension CRX or ZIP file. To do that, enable Developer Mode in the top-right of your extensions page. From here, click Load and select your extension, making sure it’s enabled afterward.
Removing Chrome Extensions From Kiwi
If you’re not keen on an extension, remove it in much the same way you’d remove an extension on Chrome. Go to Settings -> Extensions. Select Remove under the extension. You can also disable it by toggling the extension off. Confirm your choice when prompted.
Install Chrome Extensions on Android Using Yandex
If you don’t like Kiwi, try Yandex to install Chrome extensions on Android. Once installed, visit the Chrome Web Store from Yandex. Just like with Kiwi, there isn’t a mobile-friendly portal to browse and install Chrome extensions. So, just zoom in and out as needed.
Once you find an extension you want to install, select to view more information and tap Add to Chrome near the extension’s name. Be aware some text might not show properly. For instance, when I viewed extensions, I could only see Add to on the installation button, no matter how I zoomed.
Agree to the permissions when prompted. Not all extensions will need permission.
While Kiwi seems to work with most Chrome extensions, I ran into several extensions that wouldn’t install. Instead, there was just an error message at the bottom of the screen. So, it’s possible your chosen extension might not install on Yandex.
Once an extension is installed, open the hamburger menu at the bottom right and select Settings. Choose Extension catalog.
Scroll down to the From other sources section to view all your Chrome extensions in one place.
Removing Extensions from Yandex
If you don’t like an extension, you can remove or disable it. Open the bottom right menu and select Settings -> Extensions catalog. Tap Learn more underneath the extension you want to uninstall. Tap Remove.
Or, if you want to disable instead, simply toggle the extension off using the slider next to it.
Before You Install Chrome Extensions on Android
While many extensions may work perfectly on Android, they’re not optimized to work with mobile devices. Instead, they’re made to work on desktops. This means some features might not work well or at all. It could also cause issues with your browser.
Depending on the extension, it might be better to just find an app that does something similar. These essential Android apps might be just as good, if not better, than similar Chrome extensions.
Finding the Perfect Chrome Extensions for Your Android Device
While it’s possible to install Chrome Extensions on Android, it’s important to only pick the best ones for your needs. If you’re a writer, give these extensions a try. Or, if you just want to get a better Reddit experience, these extensions might help. You can even use extensions to improve your search experience.
Image Credit: Unsplash, All screenshots by Crystal Crowder
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
