Upon visiting the uBlock Origin page on the Chrome Web Store using Google Chrome, users are greeted with a notification indicating that the extension is no longer accessible. This change is a significant development for users who prioritize ad-blocking and privacy features.
Google’s notification states: “This extension is no longer available because it doesn’t follow best practices for Chrome extensions.”This development effectively removes the “Add to Chrome”button, substituting it with a “Remove”option for already installed extensions. For users who still have uBlock Origin active, Google has also implemented a process that can disable these extensions automatically upon the launch of the browser, even in Chrome Canary.
This action is part of a broader initiative by Google to phase out extensions that do not comply with the newer extension manifest requirements. Notably, affected users are often left with limited options, as Chrome primarily offers the choice to remove the extension or access the extension manager.
Among the existing features of Google Chrome, users may notice warnings indicating that certain extensions may soon lose support or the newer message stating, “This extension was turned off because it’s no longer supported.”This consistent messaging reinforces the impending changes regarding browser extensions.
uBlock Origin: Still Standing Strong in Alternative Browsers
Fortunately for users, uBlock Origin remains available in a variety of other browsers. Whether you opt for Brave, Vivaldi, Microsoft Edge, or Opera, you will discover that uBlock Origin can still be installed through their respective web stores. This highlights a critical distinction in how different browsers handle extensions that rely on traditional extension manifests.
Google’s restriction appears to leverage user agent detection to block the installation of such extensions in Chrome. This systematic approach is intended to ensure compliance with the latest Chrome policies.
What Can Chrome Users Do Next?
If you find yourself grappling with this limitation as a Chrome user, there are several pathways you can consider:
- Enable Extended Support: You can choose to enable the policy that allows uBlock Origin and similar classic extensions to function until mid-2025. This option may provide temporary relief as the transition unfolds.
- Explore Alternative Browsers: Switching to a Chromium-based browser like Brave, Vivaldi, Opera, or Microsoft Edge may provide the flexibility you need. However, consider that you may still need to activate similar support policies in these browsers to maintain access to classic extensions post-2025.
- Try Firefox: Mozilla’s Firefox is a robust alternative that does not rely on Google or the Chromium framework. It’s confirmed that Firefox will continue to support both classic and new extensions moving forward. Notably, Raymond Hill, the creator of uBlock Origin, mentions that it performs exceptionally well in Firefox.
For further details on transitioning to a more supportive environment for your browser extensions, you can read more on the official Firefox page here.
Additional Insights
1. Why was uBlock Origin removed from the Chrome Web Store?
uBlock Origin was removed as it did not comply with new best practices and extension manifest requirements set by Google for Chrome extensions.
2. Are there any alternative browsers that still support uBlock Origin?
Yes, alternative browsers like Brave, Vivaldi, Microsoft Edge, and Opera still support uBlock Origin, allowing users to install the extension without restrictions.
3. Can I continue using uBlock Origin in Google Chrome?
While uBlock Origin can still be used temporarily by enabling certain policies, Google is likely to phase it out entirely by mid-2025. Switching to an alternative browser may be advisable for long-term support.
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