Chrome offers a vast collection of browser extensions, which enhances the browsing experience. Sometimes, you may find the extension you want to use is unavailable in Chrome Web Store. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to install Chrome extensions manually. In addition, you will also learn how to load extensions from Edge Web Store and Firefox Add-ons into Chrome.
Manually Install Chrome Extension
Before we begin, it is important to note that manually installing extensions is not recommended for the average user. This process is usually only used for extensions that are not available in the Chrome Web Store. In most cases, it is safer and easier to install extensions from the Chrome Web Store directly.
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode
To install Chrome extensions manually, you should enable developer mode in your browser. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Google Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser.
- Select More Tools and then Extensions.
- On the extensions page, toggle the switch next to “Developer mode” to turn it on.
Step 2: Download the Extension
Once you have enabled developer mode, you can download the extension you want to install. You can find the extension file in either .crx or .zip format. Once you have downloaded the extension, unzip the file if it is in a .zip format.
Step 3: Drag and Drop the Extension into Google Chrome
To install the Chrome extension, all you need to do is drag and drop the .crx file into the Google Chrome browser. Here’s how:
- Locate the .crx file you downloaded and unzipped.
- Go to the Chrome browser and open the Extensions page.
- Drag and drop the .crx file into the Google Chrome browser window.
Step 4: Install the Extension
Once you have dropped the .crx file into the Chrome browser window, you will see a pop-up asking you to confirm the installation. To install the extension, click the “Add Extension” button.
Step 5: Verify the Installation
To verify that the extension has been installed successfully, go to the Extensions page in Chrome. You will see the extension listed with its icon and name. If you see the extension, it means that it has been installed successfully.
Manually Install Chrome Extension from Edge Web Store
The new Edge web browser, which is based on Chromium like Google Chrome, allows you to manually load its extensions into Chrome. Follow these steps to learn how.
Step 1: Use the Microsoft Edge browser to download the desired extension from the Edge Web Store.
Step 2: Locate the URL of the extension, which will include its unique ID (for example, “mbpnbnogejaolbhfpfgagldkeahefbhd”). Find the corresponding folder in the following location on your computer:
C:\Users<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Extensions
Step 3: Open Google Chrome, navigate to the extensions page at chrome://extensions, and enable Developer Mode.
Step 4: Click on Load Unpacked and select the folder with the extension ID from Step 2.
As you may know, all the Downloader extensions from Chrome Web Store are not able to download YouTube videos. I use this method to install YouTube Downloader Chrome extensions from the Edge Web Store. However, I cannot guarantee all extensions will work well in Chrome. Give it a try and see what works for you.
Load Firefox Extensions to Chrome
Foxified is a Chrome extension that enables users to install Firefox extensions directly into their Chrome browser. This allows users to access a wider range of extensions and customization options, beyond what is available in the Chrome Web Store.
Step 1: Install Foxified
To install Foxified, go to the Chrome Web Store and click the “Add to Chrome” button. The extension will automatically be added to your browser and you will see a Foxified icon in your browser’s toolbar.
Step 2: Find the Firefox Extension you want to install
Go to the Firefox Add-ons website and find the extension you want to install. Click the “Install using Foxified” button to install the extension in Firefox.
(Optional)Step 3: Download the XPI file
When Step 2 failed to load the extension to Chrome, you can manually install it. Once the extension is installed in Firefox, go to the Firefox menu, select “Add-ons,” and find the extension you just installed. Click on the “More” button and select “Export Add-on.” The extension will then be downloaded as a XPI file.
(Optional)Step 4: Import the XPI file into Foxified
Open the Foxified extension in Chrome and click the “Upload File” button. Select the XPI file you just downloaded and Foxified will automatically install the extension into Chrome.
Step 5: Use the Extension
You can now use the Firefox extension in Chrome as you would any other Chrome extension. The extension will be listed in your Chrome extensions list and you can it by clicking on the Foxified icon in the browser’s toolbar.
Foxified is a useful tool for those who want access to a wider range of extensions than what is available in the Chrome Web Store. It is a simple and straightforward process to install Firefox extensions into Chrome using Foxified, making it an excellent option for those who want to customize their browser experience.
Conclusion
Installing Chrome extensions manually is not recommended for the average user, but it can be done if necessary. By following these simple steps, you can install Chrome extensions manually and enjoy the additional features they provide.
However, it is important to note that manually installing extensions from untrusted sources can be dangerous, as they may contain malware or spyware that can compromise your security and privacy. So, I recommend you manually install Chrome extensions from Edge Web Store or Firefox Add-ons if you cannot find one in Chrome Web Store.