How to Fix: uBlock Origin No Longer Supported on Chrome

Google has begun automatically disabling the uBlock Origin extension on Chrome. You’ll likely see a “uBlock Origin no longer supported” message when you try to use the popular ad blocker. uBlock Origin works on the Manifest V2 extension platform (MV2), but Google started migrating to Manifest V3 in 2024. 

There’s a quick workaround to get uBlock Origin working again on Chrome, and this article will provide a step-by-step annotated guide. However, this fix might stop working when Google completes its Manifest V3 transition in June 2025.

To prepare you for that point, we’ll show you the best uBlock Origin alternatives. Note that uBlock Origin still works just fine on Firefox, which is also a more private browser than Chrome.

Quick Guide: How to Get uBlock Origin Working Again in Chrome

You can manually reactivate uBlock Origin on Google Chrome under the “manage extensions” tab by following the step-by-step guide below. 

Note that you can no longer download uBlock Origin on Google Chrome. You can manually activate it, but only if you’ve already added uBlock Origin to your extensions.

1. Click On the Puzzle Piece

   Open Chrome and click on the puzzle piece at the top right of your screen. 

   

2. Click On “Manage Extensions”

   In the pop-up that appears, click on “manage extensions.” You’ll see a gear button beside the “manage extensions” tab. 

   

3. Turn On uBlock Origin

   You’ll see uBlock Origin under “all extensions.” Click on the toggle button to turn on the ad blocker.

   

Why Is uBlock Origin No Longer Supported in Chrome?

uBlock Origin runs on Manifest V2, Google Chrome’s old extension platform, which it will no longer support as of June 2025. Since June 2024, Chrome has been rolling out Manifest V3 as a replacement for Manifest V2. 

Though ad-block users have accused Google of building Manifest V3 to make all ad blockers unusable, preliminary research² suggests there shouldn’t be any change. We see no reason to worry yet, since several other ad blockers still work on MV3, including Adblock, Adblock Plus and Ghostery.

Does uBlock Origin Still Work on Firefox?

Yes, uBlock Origin still works on Firefox. You can add uBlock Origin to your Firefox extensions to block ads while browsing. uBlock Origin also blocks trackers on Firefox and prevents websites from keeping tabs on you. 

Alternative Solutions to uBlock Origin Not Working in Chrome

Below are some worthwhile alternatives to using uBlock Origin on Chrome:

• Install uBlock Origin Lite on Chrome. This stripped-down version of uBlock Origin blocks the same ads but doesn’t allow you to customize filter lists. 
• Download another browser that allows uBlock Origin, like Firefox.
• Use a different ad blocker, such as Adblock Plus or Ghostery. 

The 3 Best uBlock Origin Alternatives

Adblock Plus is the best ad blocker alternative to uBlock Origin. AdBlock and Ghostery are two other ad blocker picks worth considering. All of these ad blockers run on Chrome’s Manifest V3, unlike uBlock Origin, so they should work to block ads on Chrome.

1. Adblock Plus

Adblock Plus is a popular free ad blocker that is ideal for Chrome users. It can block YouTube ads, pop-up ads and banner video ads. It’s also great for blocking auto-play videos that pop up as you browse. 

2. AdBlock

AdBlock is an easy-to-use ad blocker for Chrome (despite the name, it’s not the same as AdBlock Plus). It blocks pop-ups, banners and video ads with ease, and it offers advanced filters and allowlists so you can customize your ad-blocking options. It also disables third-party tracking so you can browse the internet more privately on Chrome. 

3. Ghostery

Ghostery is an ad blocker that works well on Google Chrome. It’s efficient at blocking and shutting down ads on social media, including on YouTube and Facebook. Ghostery provides detailed website tracker information, such as the number of trackers, the type and the company operating them. 

Final Thoughts

You can manually re-enable uBlock Origin on Google Chrome for now, but this likely won’t work after the full Manifest V3 implementation in June 2025. If you want a longer-term solution, you can use uBlock Origin Lite; pick another ad blocker, like Adblock Plus; or use another browser, such as Firefox.

Is uBlock Origin your favorite ad blocker? Which of the alternatives in this article will you opt for if Chrome completely phases out uBlock Origin? Will you switch your default browser instead? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comment section below. As always, thanks for reading. 

FAQ: uBlock Origin Down

• Does uBlock Origin No Longer Work?

  Chrome has automatically disabled uBlock Origin with upgrades to its extension platform. However, the ad blocker works on many other browsers, including Firefox.

• Is uBlock Origin Being Discontinued?

  uBlock Origin isn’t being discontinued, but it’s no longer available for download on Chrome.

• Why Is Chrome No Longer Supporting uBlock Origin?

  Chrome no longer supports uBlock Origin because the ad blocker runs on an outdated extension platform.

• What Will Replace uBlock Origin?

  You can replace uBlock Origin with another ad blocker, such as Adblock Plus or Ghostery.

Sources:

1. Chrome – Manifest V2 support Timeline
2. Arxiv – Privacy vs. Profit: The Impact of Google’s Manifest Version 3 (MV3) Update on Ad Blocker Effectiveness