Google Chrome is more than just a regular browser; it has long been a tool for productivity, creativity, and customization thanks to its vast extension library. However, when it started transitioning to Manifest V3 (MV3), a new standard for Chrome extensions, it impacted many extensions' functionalities. This change basically aims to enhance Chrome's security, performance, and user privacy, but unfortunately, it also means the end of the road for extensions reliant on the older Manifest V2 (MV2), such as ad-blockers, script managers, and downloaders.
At the time of writing, here are the five popular Chrome extensions that will soon be non-functional and their alternatives that you can try instead.
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5 uBlock Origin
Say goodbye to this trusted ad blocker and install its lite version
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uBlock Origin is arguably the most popular ad blocker extension. For me and millions of others, it has been a trusted ally for a clean, secure and distraction-free browsing experience. It's known for its excellent blocking abilities and anti-tracking. But, to the dismay of many, uBlock Origin will not be supported after the implementation of MV3.
Manifest V3 limits the functionality of Web Request API, a critical component used by uBlock Origin to filter content dynamically. The newer Declarative Net Request API, which MV3 mandates, does not support the same level of customization, severely curtailing uBlock Origin's effectiveness. As a result, it will no longer function as it used to.
uBlock Origin Alternative
To counter the incompatibility of uBlock Origin with MV3, its developers were quick to launch an MV3-compatible version -- uBlock Origin Lite. It's not as robust in functionality as uBlock Origin, but it works decently well in ad-blocking and tracker-blocking. AdGuard AdBlocker MV3 is another good alternative, but I suggest you go for uBlock Origin Lite if you are used to uBlock Origin.
4 Stylus
Custom website styles will no longer be possible with it
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Stylus is a style manager extension that allows you to install custom themes or skins on the websites you visit. Basically, you can style the websites you frequently visit according to your liking and preferences. Its community-driven library of styles made it easy to enhance web aesthetics with minimal effort.
With the enforcement of Manifest V3, extensions, like Stylus, that modify webpage content dynamically face significant hurdles. MV3's stricter security model and limited scripting capabilities restrict Stylus' ability to apply custom CSS.
Stylus Alternative
Tampermonkey is a strong alternative to Stylus when it comes to custom scripting. It allows you to install and manage user scripts without any fuss. While it primarily supports JavaScript, you can use it to customize CSS, like in Stylus.
3 Cookie AutoDelete
Replace it with Cookie Remover for quick cookie management
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Cookie AutoDelete is a privacy-focused Chrome extension that gives you complete control over browser cookies. It automatically deletes a website's cookies as soon as you close the tab and leaves only the ones that you have whitelisted. This works when you enable the "Auto Clean" option.
However, Manifest V3's changes to background processes and restrictions on certain APIs limit Cookie AutoDelete's ability to function. The new architecture doesn't support the real-time, on-demand cookie management that this extension relies on.
Cookie AutoDelete Alternative
Cookie Remover is the best alternative to Cookie AutoDelete. It doesn't have the automatic cookie-removing functionality, but you can still clear browser data like cookies and cache with a single click on its icon in the toolbar.
2 Notepad
This browser-based quick note-taking tool won't be functional
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Notepad is a lightweight extension that allows you to take quick notes directly within the browser. Its simplicity makes it a go-to tool for jotting down ideas during meetings or seminars or creating to-do lists without needing a separate application.
However, under Manifest V3, the changes to persistent background scripts mean extensions like Notepad may no longer reliably save data. This limitation undermines its primary purpose as a convenient in-browser note-taking tool.
Notepad Alternative
Memo Notepad is a highly efficient MV3-compliant alternative to Notepad. It provides similar note-taking functionality with seamless sync options, ensuring your notes remain accessible and secure.
1 Screenshot YouTube
Try Screenshot YouTube Video for similar functionality
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Screenshot YouTube is an excellent utility extension that allows you to take precise screenshots of YouTube videos at any point with a single click. It is particularly useful for capturing specific frames of YouTube videos for educational, professional, or creative purposes.
Now, with the implementation of Manifest V3, this useful extension will be dysfunctional, as the updated permission model restricts access to the DOM (Document Object Model) in the same manner as before, which is crucial for its functioning.
Screenshot YouTube Alternative
The best alternative to it is the Screenshot YouTube Video extension, which offers the exact same functionality while also being compliant with MV3.
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Replace your unsupported Chrome extensions
The shift to Manifest V3 might disrupt your workflow, as the extensions you have relied on for years are suddenly dysfunctional. However, the alternatives listed in this post ensure continued functionality and easy adaptability. Replace and update your extensions now to run the Chrome browser without any incompatibility. If you only like to use the MV2 extensions, you can switch to Chrome's alternative browser that still supports those.