Extensions Are Coming to Chrome for Android (But Not How You Think)

Google is developing a Chrome "desktop" mode for Android, primarily for future Chrome OS integration. Unlike the standard mobile Chrome, this version will support browser extensions.

This experimental build allows manual extension installation via drag-and-drop of .crx files. Early tests show basic functionality, although limitations exist.

However, this development doesn't indicate extensions are coming to standard Android Chrome. Google has consistently avoided this, unlike competitors like Firefox and Microsoft Edge, which already offer extension support.

Why a desktop Chrome for Android? It's likely tied to Google's plans to base Chrome OS on Android. This ensures a consistent Chrome experience during the transition. While not intended for phones, installation is possible, as demonstrated by Mishaal Rahman.

10 Useful Chrome for Android Flags

Chrome for Android flags unlock experimental features. Here are some noteworthy examples.

A recent update to the Android desktop Chrome build enables manual extension installation by dragging and dropping .crx files. Tests with extensions like Dark Reader, Keepa, and uBlock Origin showed success, albeit with limitations.

Options pages are inaccessible, and there's no extensions toolbar button. Extensions activate automatically upon installation. The process is currently rudimentary, lacking a Chrome Web Store equivalent for Android.

Google's immediate goal is simply to achieve basic extension functionality. Installed extensions are viewable via chrome://extensions. Practical use is hampered by the lack of options pages and toolbar buttons. The images below demonstrate Keep Amazon Tracker and Dark Reader in operation.

Will this lead to extensions on standard Android Chrome? Unlikely. Google has consistently avoided this, while Firefox and Microsoft Edge already provide extension support on Android. Microsoft Edge for Android, launched recently, includes extensions such as Dark Reader, Bitwarden, NordVPN, Keepa, and SponsorBlock. Firefox for Android has supported extensions for years.

While Google's work on Android desktop Chrome extensions is promising, widespread availability on phones remains improbable in the near future.

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