How to install Chrome extensions in Chromium-based browsers
Chrome is Google’s popular web browser but it also has an open-source version called Chromium. Chromium isn’t just an open-source browser, it’s also used by other browsers as a rendering engine to build on. The most recent browser to convert to a Chromium base is Microsoft’s Edge but there are others, notable of which is Opera. The great thing about a browser using Chromium is that all Chrome extensions are automatically compatible with it. Once you know this, you can install Chrome extensions in the browser with ease. Here’s how.
Chrome extension in Chromium-based browser
Make sure the browser in question is actually Chromium-based. A quick Google search will tell you if it is, or not. The browser’s own webpage will likely disclose this information as well.
To install a Chrome extension in Chromium browsers, visit the Chrome Web Store in the browser. Look for the extension that you want to install. The extension page will show you an install button, or you will see one displayed elsewhere within the same tab. It will differ based on the browser. You might also need to grant permission to install extensions from the Chrome Web store first. The installation button may appear after you’ve granted permission as in the case of Opera.
Once the install button appears, click it. The installation process may differ again from browser to browser. Opera simply adds the extension to the extensions’ page and you have to click the Install button under it to actually begin the installation. This means that you have two install buttons to click; one on the Chrome web store, and one inside Opera. This is a security measure but other browsers, such as Edge are far more lenient.
Once the extension is installed, you can use it the same way you used it in Chrome.
Browsers that are based on Chromium have a dedicated Extensions’ page where all installed extensions are listed. If you want to enable/disable them or uninstall them, you need to visit the extensions’ page. Once on the page, you will find either an Uninstall button or a close or cross button that you can click to delete the extension.
While many browsers use Chromium as a base, they still use their own UI, and they build on top of it to add features. This may result in some settings not being where you expect them to be but other than that, there’s nothing that makes installing a Chrome extension on a Chromium browser difficult. You really only need to figure out how to grant permissions, and access installed extensions in the browser.
