Ad blocking extensions you’ve been using for years are no longer – here are your options
Due to Google’s policy changes, a lot of ad-blocking and utility extensions are already, or soon will be, unavailable in Chrome. What these extensions all have in common is that they’re built on the Manifest V2 (MV2) platform.
MV2 is the older system that lets extensions like AdGuard, uBlock Origin and others execute code remotely, allowing developers to keep everything running smoothly without needing user intervention. Now, this flexibility afforded by MV2 is being replaced by the more restrictive Manifest V3 (MV3) framework.
Will ad blocking extensions just cease to exist?
While some headlines announcing the imminent demise of popular ad blockers, first and foremost uBlock Origin, can sound truly ominous, the reality is not that disastrous. Ad blocking extensions are here to stay (at least, most of them), but in a changed, somewhat truncated form. A number of popular extensions, including AdGuard, AdBlock, and Ghostery, have been updated to comply with Manifest V3 and are already up and running.
While Manifest V3 offers certain improvements in security, it also heavily limits what extensions can do. This change will directly impact the ability of extensions to push quick updates, bug fixes, and customized filters.
In the case of AdGuard Ad Blocker for Chrome, it means that we had to remove Quick fixers filter and temporarily disable Custom filters in order for our extension to still be available in the Chrome Web Store.
For a deeper look as to why we had to make these changes and how we plan to compensate for the lost functionality, you can check this article in the AdGuard’s blog.
The transition in Chrome is already underway
If you’ve been testing out Chrome Canary (Google Chrome’s experimental version), you’ve probably noticed that MV2 extensions are already disabled. But now, the transition is rolling out to the stable version of Chrome as well. As of February 2025, Chrome is gradually phasing out support for MV2 extensions in its stable channel.
One of the most popular ad-blocking extensions — uBlock Origin — is already not available for a lot of users. And the bell will soon toll for other extensions based on MV2.
Source: X/@RhysSullivan
Bottom line: soon, you won’t be able to install or use any MV2 extensions at all.
Do you actually need an extension to block ads?
If you’re wondering how to adjust to these changes, here are some options to consider.
Desktop apps to the rescue
The simplest — and at the same time, most comprehensive — solution: switch to a desktop app. If you don’t want to deal with browser-based limitations, the easiest way to handle this is to install AdGuard for Windows or macOS. These applications work outside of Chrome, filtering all your network traffic directly.
Not only does this sidestep the issues with Chrome extensions, but it also provides extra privacy features like app-level tracking protection. You’ll never have to worry about browser updates affecting your ad-blocking experience again.
If you want to stick with extensions
- AdGuard extension with MV3 support: In September, we released the AdGuard extension based on MV3. Since then, we’ve been continuously working on enhancing it, and while it currently retains most of the functionality of the previous MV2-based extension, we’re committed to making ongoing improvements.
- uBlock Origin Lite: For a simpler experience, you can opt for uBlock Origin Lite. While not as feature-rich as AdGuard, it still offers strong ad-blocking capabilities.
- Other popular extensions (Adblock Plus, AdBlock, Ghostery): These extensions have also been updated to support MV3, so they can still be used with the new Chrome restrictions.
Explore DNS filtering
- For users who prefer a simpler, network-wide solution, AdGuard DNS, NextDNS, or ControlD can filter ads across all your devices.
- If you're looking for complete control and are comfortable with more advanced setups, consider AdGuard Home or Pi-Hole to manage ad-blocking directly from your home network administrator panel.
Switch to a different browser
Mozilla Firefox or Opera – if you’re looking for an alternative, these browsers still support MV2-based extensions, meaning you can continue using your favorite ad-blocking tools without disruption. However, this option may not be for everyone, as switching browsers is a significant change and might feel like a big adjustment.
In conclusion
The phase-out of MV2 is a big change that will affect many Chrome users, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your experience. Whether you switch to a desktop app or move to an MV3-compatible extension, like AdGuard for Chrome, there are plenty of ways to continue blocking ads and protecting your privacy without hassle. We’re here to help guide you through the transition, so feel free to reach out with any questions.
Stay tuned as we continue to improve AdGuard and adapt to these changes, ensuring that you can enjoy a seamless, ad-free browsing experience.
