How to Install Unpacked Extension in Chrome

by · 1 min read · Aug 01, 2023

Some developers choose not to publish their extensions on the Web Store for various reasons, such as listing expenses, beta testing, and maintaining complete control over the distribution. They may still make the extension available as an unpacked zip file for users to install manually.

Requirements to this tutorial:

  1. Go to Settings

    Click on the More button right below the close button of your browser window, and click on Settings.

    Settings is highlighted in the More dropdown menu.

  2. Open Extensions

    Click on the Extensions section on the left pane.

    Extensions is highlighted in the Settings.

  3. Toggle Developer mode

    Click on the Developer mode toggle button on the top right corner of the page.

    Developer mode toggle button is highlighted in the Chrome Extensions section.

  4. Install Extension Files

    Drag and drop the Chrome Extension ZIP file into the Extensions page to install the extension.

    Dragging and dropping a Chrome extension file into the Chrome Extensions section.