Extensions add features to your browser, but they also come with risks. Every extension has access to the pages you visit, and poorly made or malicious ones can track you, slow your browser, or redirect your searches. A regular audit is good practice.

How to view your extensions

  • Chrome: Type chrome://extensions in the address bar, or go to Menu (three dots) > Extensions > Manage Extensions.
  • Edge: Type edge://extensions in the address bar, or Menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions.
  • Firefox: Menu (three lines) > Add-ons and Themes > Extensions.
  • Safari (Mac): Safari menu > Settings > Extensions.

What to look for

Go through your list with fresh eyes. Ask yourself for each extension:

  • Do I know what this does?
  • Do I actually use it?
  • Did I deliberately install it?

If the answer to any of these is no, that's a candidate for removal. Pay particular attention to extensions with names like "Search Manager", "PDF Converter", "Coupon Finder" or anything you don't remember installing — these are often bundled with free software.

Checking an extension's permissions

In Chrome, click Details next to any extension to see what data it can access. An extension that reads and changes all your data on all websites has enormous access to your browsing. This is sometimes necessary (ad blockers need it) but worth knowing.

How to remove an extension

In Chrome/Edge, click Remove on the extension's card. In Firefox, click the three-dot menu next to the extension and choose Remove. In Safari, untick it to disable, or go to Preferences > Extensions and click Uninstall.

Disable instead of removing

If you're not sure whether you'll need an extension, disable it with the toggle rather than removing it. Disabled extensions don't run but can be re-enabled instantly.

Only install from official stores

Always install extensions from the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons site, or Microsoft Edge Add-ons. Avoid installing extensions from third-party websites, even if a site insists it's necessary to view content — that's a common tactic used to install malicious extensions.

Questions about a specific extension? Ask us.