Manifest V2 Disabled in Chrome: What You Can Do
Chrome disabled Manifest V2 extensions starting with Chrome 138. This affects extensions not updated to Manifest V3. If your extensions stopped working, look for MV3-compatible replacements, check for official updates from developers, or consider using Firefox which still supports MV2 extensions.
Why This Happens
- Google announced Manifest V2 deprecation in 2020, beginning gradual phase-out.
- Chrome 127-137 displayed warnings for MV2 extensions.
- Chrome 138 fully disabled MV2 extensions by default for all users.
- Manifest V3 offers improved security, privacy, and performance.
- Enterprise policies may allow extended MV2 support on managed devices only.
What You Can Do
- Search for MV3-compatible replacements in the Chrome Web Store.
- Check if your extension developer has released an official MV3 version.
- Look for community-maintained forks designed as MV3 successors.
- Consider Firefox if you need specific MV2 extension functionality.
- Use browser-native features that may have replaced extension capabilities.
- Check Extension Fixes for alternatives to commonly affected extensions.
What Not To Do
- Do not try to force-enable MV2 through Chrome flags.
- Do not download bypass tools from untrusted sources.
- Do not assume all MV2 extensions are unsafe; they simply need updating.
- Do not disable Chrome security features to install old extensions.
Related Guides
Related Alternatives
Proxy SwitchyOmega
Proxy Manager
Proxy SwitchyOmega stopped working in Chrome because Chrome 138 fully disabled Manifest V2 extensions. The closest migration path is ZeroOmega, a community fork designed for Manifest V3. FoxyProxy is another established option with advanced proxy management features. Both are available on the Chrome Web Store.
uBlock Origin
Content Blocker
Classic uBlock Origin stopped working in Chrome 138 because Chrome disabled Manifest V2 extensions. The official MV3 replacement is uBlock Origin Lite, developed by the same author. For full feature parity, Firefox with classic uBlock Origin remains an option. Other MV3-compatible ad blockers like AdGuard and Adblock Plus are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Sources
- Chrome Manifest V2 Deprecation Timeline — Google Chrome Developers
- Manifest V3 Migration Guide — Google Chrome Developers