Chrome extensions are awesome… until they’re not.
If Chrome suddenly feels slow, crashes randomly, or starts acting shady, extensions are usually the culprit.
The fix? Disable them. And no—you don’t have to uninstall anything permanently (unless you want to).
This guide shows you how to disable extensions in Chrome on every device, including Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, Chromebook, and even without opening Chrome.
Let’s clean house 🧹
Quick Answer (Featured Snippet Target)
To disable extensions in Chrome:
Open Chrome → go to chrome://extensions → toggle the extension Off.
That’s it. No restart required.
Now let’s go deeper by device.
How to Disable Extensions in Chrome on Windows & Mac
This method works on Windows 11/10, macOS Monterey, Catalina, Sequoia, and newer versions.
Steps:
- Open Google Chrome
- Type
chrome://extensionsin the address bar - Press Enter
- Toggle the extension Off
✅ Extension is disabled
❌ Not deleted
🔄 Can be re-enabled anytime
How to Disable Extensions in Chrome on Mac
The steps are identical to Windows:
- Open Chrome
- Visit
chrome://extensions - Turn off the extension toggle
If Chrome is slowing down your Mac, disabling unused extensions can instantly boost performance.
How to Disable Extensions in Chrome Android
Here’s the truth (and Google doesn’t shout this loudly):
👉 Chrome on Android does NOT support traditional extensions.
So:
- There’s nothing to disable
- Desktop Chrome extensions don’t run on Android
💡 Alternative: Use browsers like Kiwi Browser or Firefox Android if you need extension support.
How to Disable Extensions in Chrome on iPhone
Same deal as Android.
🚫 Chrome on iPhone does not support extensions
🍎 Apple limits browser extension support on iOS
If you’re seeing add-ons:
- They’re likely Safari extensions, not Chrome extensions
How to Disable Extensions in Chrome on Chromebook
Chromebooks fully support Chrome extensions.
Steps:
- Open Chrome
- Go to
chrome://extensions - Toggle off any extension
⚠️ School or work Chromebooks may restrict changes via admin policies.
How to Disable Extensions in Chrome Without Opening Chrome
Yes — this is possible 😎
Perfect if Chrome won’t open or crashes on startup.
Method (Windows):
- Press Win + R
- Type:
chrome.exe --disable-extensions - Press Enter
Chrome will launch with all extensions disabled temporarily.
How to Disable Extensions in Chrome Permanently
If you want extensions gone for good, do this:
- Go to
chrome://extensions - Click Remove
- Confirm removal
🔒 For managed devices:
- Admins can block extensions using Chrome policies
- Useful in offices, schools, or shared systems
Why You Should Disable Unused Chrome Extensions
Disabling extensions helps you:
- Speed up Chrome 🚀
- Fix random crashes
- Reduce memory usage
- Improve security
- Stop unwanted pop-ups
Think of extensions like apps—you don’t need all of them running all the time.
Related Guides You’ll Love
While optimizing your browser and workflow, check these out:
- 👉 How to Change Default Browser in Windows 11 – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
- 👉 How to Change Default Browser on Mac (Monterey, Catalina & Sequoia)
- 👉 How to Move Columns in Excel Without Breaking Your Data
FAQs (Short & AI Overview–Optimized)
Can I disable Chrome extensions without uninstalling them?
Yes. Just toggle them off in chrome://extensions.
Why doesn’t Chrome on Android support extensions?
Google limits extension support on mobile Chrome for performance and security reasons.
Will disabling extensions speed up Chrome?
Absolutely. Fewer extensions = less RAM and CPU usage.
Is it safe to disable all Chrome extensions?
Yes. Chrome will still work normally.
Can extensions be disabled permanently?
Yes. Remove them or block them using Chrome admin policies.
Final Thoughts
Chrome extensions are powerful—but too many can slow you down or cause problems.
Whether you’re on Mac, Windows, Chromebook, or troubleshooting Chrome crashes, disabling extensions is one of the fastest fixes you can try.
Clean browser = faster work 💻✨