Google Chrome has recently started automatically disabling certain extensions, including the popular ad blocker uBlock Origin. The browser displays messages indicating that these extensions "are no longer supported" because they use the old Manifest V2 infrastructure, which has been replaced by Manifest V3. A change that Google has been talking about for years and that deprives many users of one of their favorite extensions. The Mountain View firm even encourages people to permanently remove the affected extensions, but we advise you to think twice. Indeed, there is a workaround to continue using uBlock Origin on Chrome.
Don’t remove uBlock Origin from Chrome just yet, it still works perfectly
Contrary to what the warning messages suggest, uBlock Origin still works perfectly on Chrome. If you get a message telling you to remove the extension and want to continue using uBlock Origin, Google gives the solution. Here is the simple method to re-enable uBlock Origin if Chrome has disabled it :
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, select “More” (three dots) in the upper right corner
- Select “Extensions” and then “Manage Extensions”
- At the bottom right, right, enable the desired unsupported extension by clicking the button.
Here is how we were able to reactivate uBlock Origin on our computer in pictures:
While this solution works perfectly, Google specifies that this reactivation is only possible "for a limited period" and recommends finding an alternative before permanently deactivating the extension.
What to do if you've already removed uBlock Origin?
The situation gets more complicated if you've already removed uBlock Origin. The extension is officially no longer available on the Chrome Web Store, where a message says it “does not follow best practices for Chrome extensions”. The easiest way to do this is to opt for a Manifest V3-compliant alternative to filter ads, such as uBlock Origin Lite or AdGuard. These extensions follow Chrome's new rules and are less effective than uBlock Origin.
The other solution to consider is to take advantage of this change to discover another browser like Firefox or Brave.
Why does Google want to remove uBlock Origin?
Officially, Google cites security and performance reasons to justify its desire to do away with Manifest V2. Extensions have too much power and consume too many resources with this version, if we are to believe the American giant. Manifest V3 would therefore be the solution to this problem, but it is above all an excuse for a company whose revenues depend largely on advertising.
Beyond compatibility issues Technically, removing effective ad blockers like uBlock Origin could boost the company's ad revenue, a move reminiscent of YouTube's war on ad blockers last year.
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