The 2 Best Ways to Open Extensions in Chrome

Hey, what are those pinned symbols on my Chrome browser? Are those something that I can open and use?

If it’s your first time to see those icons on Chrome, they’re what you call extensions.

Chrome extensions allow users to install specific programs on their browser that change its functionality.

With that said, adding Chrome extensions not only personalizes the way Chrome works but provides convenience as well to the users.

So, how do you exactly open extensions in Chrome, and eventually use them?

 

How to Open Extensions in Chrome

The most common way of opening extensions in Chrome is to click one of the pinned small icons to the right of the address field. If you can’t find it from the pinned extensions, either click the “Extensions” icon or Chrome’s Kebab menu to access the “Extensions” page.

 

Opening Chrome Extensions: Simple or Challenging?

Technically speaking, opening Chrome extensions from your browser isn’t as challenging as it seems.

Usually, though, you’ll find these browser extensions at the rightmost part of the address field. 

So, in case the Chrome extension you added works this way, here’s how you open it.

 

Opening Chrome Extensions from the Browser with the Extensions Icon

Step 1: Type “google.com” in the address field. This move will then take you to Google’s search engine.

You can also opt open a new tab after opening the Chrome app on your desktop.

Step 2: Once you’re on the Google browser page, head to the right part of the address field. This is where the Chrome extensions you already installed are found.

However, note that those Chrome extensions to the right of the address field are the ones you pinned on the browser.

Step 3: If you find the extension you’re looking for in the pinned extensions area, click on the icon to activate it.

Step 4: In case the extension you want to use doesn’t appear in the pinned extensions area, select the “Extensions” button. This button appears as a jigsaw puzzle piece.

You’ll then see all the Chrome extensions you installed, including the pinned ones, in the dropdown menu. Click on the extension you want to use once you find it.

Step 5: If, however, you want to make some changes with your extensions settings, head to the bottom of the dropdown menu and select “Manage extensions.”

The “Extensions” page will then open up, where you’ll see the Chrome extensions you installed will be listed accordingly.

Step 6: If you want to check on a particular extension’s settings, click the “Details” button in the said extension.

But, if you want to remove the extension permanently from Chrome, select “Remove” instead.

Very easy, right?

However, if this method’s confusing you, you can always revert to the old school method of accessing the Extensions page in the method below.

 

Opening Chrome Extensions through the Kebab Menu

Step 1: On the Chrome browser, head to the rightmost part of the address field and click on the kebab menu (vertical ellipsis icon).

Step 2: In the dropdown menu that appears, select the “More tools” option. Click on it.

Step 3: In the second dropdown menu, click “Extensions.”

You’ll then be redirected to the “Extensions” page after selecting “Extensions” in the dropdown menu.

From here, you can continue to scroll down the Chrome extensions you installed.

You can then either choose “Details” to pull up that extension’s settings or click “Remove” to uninstall it from Chrome.

And, just like that, you successfully opened “Extensions” in Chrome.

So, which of the two methods is easier for you? 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Open Extensions in Chrome

 

Can I change the individual settings of extensions I installed in Chrome?

You can change a Chrome extension’s individual settings. Simply right-click on the extension’s icon to activate a dropdown menu. Click “Manage extensions” for you to change the extension’s settings accordingly.

 

How do I pin an extension directly to the browser?

To affix an extension to the browser, select the “Extensions” icon. You’ll then find a list of the extensions installed in Chrome. Locate the extension first before you click the pushpin icon. Once the pushpin icon turns blue, it means that the extension’s pinned on the browser.

 

How do extensions in Chrome function?

Some Chrome extensions block ads from displaying while browsing. Others optimize Chrome’s memory to make it more efficient or add notes or lists to Chrome. Other functions include password management, easier text copying, privacy protection, and secure browsing.