How to change an extension depends on what you want to do
Changing an extension usually means one of three things: turning it on or off, removing it entirely, or updating it to a newer version. Each one takes a different path, and the steps vary slightly between browsers. The fastest way is through your browser's extension menu — a dedicated area where all your installed extensions live, separate from your regular settings.
Most browsers update extensions automatically in the background, so you may not need to do anything. But if an extension stops working, behaves differently, or you straightforward want to disable it without deleting it, you'll need to know where to find it and what each button does.
Key Takeaways
- Every browser has a dedicated extensions menu where you can turn extensions on and off without removing them.
- Removing an extension is permanent and will delete any settings you saved within it, though you can reinstall it later.
- Most browsers update extensions automatically, but you can manually check for updates in the extensions menu.
- Disabling an extension is safer than removing it if you're not sure whether you want to keep it.
- Some extensions require you to grant new permissions when they update, and you'll see a notification when that happens.
How to turn an extension on or off in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the puzzle piece icon in the top right corner of your browser window. This icon appears next to your profile picture and the three-dot menu. A dropdown list shows all your installed extensions with a toggle switch next to each one.
Click the toggle to turn any extension off (it will gray out) or back on (it will turn blue). The extension remains installed on your computer — turning it off just stops it from running. You can turn it back on anytime without losing any settings you saved inside the extension.
If you don't see the puzzle piece icon, your extensions may be hidden. Click the three-dot menu, select "Extensions," then "Manage extensions." From there, you can pin any extension to the toolbar so its icon appears next to the puzzle piece.
How to turn an extension on or off in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Select "Add-ons and themes," then click "Extensions" in the left sidebar. You'll see a list of all installed extensions with an on/off toggle next to each one.
Click the toggle to disable or enable any extension. Like Chrome, disabling an extension stops it from running but keeps it installed. Your settings inside the extension stay saved.
If you want quick access, you can click the three dots next to any extension and select "Manage extension." From there, you can also choose to run the extension only on certain websites instead of everywhere.
How to turn an extension on or off in Safari
Open Safari and click "Safari" in the top menu bar, then select "Settings." Click the "Extensions" tab at the top. You'll see a list of all installed extensions on the left side, with checkboxes next to each one.
Uncheck the box next to an extension to turn it off, or check it to turn it back on. The extension stays installed but won't run when it's unchecked. You can also click an extension name to see what websites it's allowed to access and change those permissions.
How to remove an extension permanently
Removing an extension deletes it from your browser completely. Any settings, passwords, or data you saved within that extension will be lost. You can reinstall it later, but you'll start fresh with default settings.
In Chrome, open the extensions menu (puzzle piece icon), find the extension you want to remove, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove from Chrome." Confirm when the browser asks if you're sure.
In Firefox, go to Add-ons and Extensions, find the extension, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove." In Safari, go to Settings > Extensions, click the extension name, and click "Uninstall."
If you're not certain you want to remove an extension, disable it first instead. That way you can turn it back on without reinstalling if you change your mind.
How to update an extension or check for updates
Most browsers update extensions automatically without you doing anything. Chrome and Firefox check for updates every few hours and install them in the background. You'll only notice if an extension suddenly looks different or has new features.
To manually check for updates in Chrome, open the extensions menu, click the three dots in the top right of the extensions panel, and select "Update extensions." Chrome will check all your extensions and install any available updates when ready.
Firefox updates extensions automatically and doesn't have a manual update button. If an extension isn't working properly, try disabling and re-enabling it, or restart Firefox entirely. Safari also updates extensions automatically through the App Store.
When an extension updates and needs new permissions (like access to your camera or microphone), you'll see a notification asking you to approve the change. You can review what new access it's requesting before you allow it.
What to do if an extension stops working
If an extension suddenly stops working, the first step is to disable it and turn it back on. This refreshes the extension without removing it. In Chrome, click the puzzle piece icon, find the extension, toggle it off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on.
If that doesn't work, restart your browser entirely. Close all browser windows and open the browser again. Many temporary problems fix themselves this way.
If the extension still doesn't work after restarting, check whether it needs an update. Open your extensions menu and manually check for updates (in Chrome) or restart the browser (in Firefox and Safari). If the extension is outdated and the developer hasn't updated it in months, it may no longer work with your browser version, and you may need to find a replacement.
As a last resort, remove the extension and reinstall it fresh. This clears out any corrupted settings. Go to the extension's page in the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Safari App Store, and click the install button again.
How to manage extension permissions
Extensions ask for permission to access certain parts of your browser or computer — like your browsing history, your camera, or your clipboard. You approve these permissions when you install the extension, but you can change them anytime.
In Chrome, open the extensions menu, click the three dots next to an extension, and select "Details." Scroll down to "Permissions" to see what the extension can access. Click "On all sites," "On specific sites," or "On click" to change when the extension runs.
In Firefox, go to Add-ons > Extensions, click the extension name, and scroll to "Permissions" to see what it can access. You can't change individual permissions, but you can disable the extension entirely if you're uncomfortable with what it requests.
In Safari, go to Settings > Extensions, click an extension name, and you'll see which websites it's allowed to access. Click the dropdown next to "Allow on" to restrict it to specific sites or turn it off for certain websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my data if I disable an extension?
No. Disabling an extension stops it from running but keeps all your settings and data intact. When you turn it back on, everything will be exactly as you left it. Removing an extension is different — that deletes the extension and its data permanently.
Can I use the same extension in multiple browsers?
Most extensions are built for one browser only. A Chrome extension won't work in Firefox, and a Firefox add-on won't work in Safari. However, many popular extensions have versions for multiple browsers — you'll need to install each version separately from that browser's store.
What happens if I update an extension and don't like the new version?
You can't roll back to an older version of an extension — updates are permanent. If the new version doesn't work for you, your options are to disable the extension, remove it and find an alternative, or contact the developer to report the problem. Some developers revert changes if enough users complain.
Do I need to restart my browser after turning an extension on or off?
Usually not. Most extensions turn on and off when ready. However, if an extension isn't responding to the toggle, try restarting your browser. Some extensions need a full restart to set up or deactivate properly.
Why does an extension ask for permission to access all my websites?
Some extensions need broad access to work properly — for example, a password manager needs to see login forms on every website. You can restrict these extensions to specific sites instead. In Chrome and Safari, click the extension details and change the permission from "On all sites" to "On specific sites" and add only the websites where you want it to run.