Google has removed uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store as it completes the final stage of its years-long phase-out of Manifest V2 extensions. The removal also affects every other remaining extension still using the older framework.
The change took effect on August 31, 2026, in line with Google’s Manifest V2 roadmap, with affected developers notified by the Chrome Web Store team. The uBlock Origin project had warned users about the deadline last week while announcing version 1.74, describing it as the final stable uBO release expected to reach Google’s extension store.
Google says Manifest V2 extensions installed on Chrome 138 or earlier can remain installed but will no longer receive updates through the Chrome Web Store and cannot be reinstalled after removal. However, Chrome 139 and later no longer support Manifest V2 extensions at all, making retained installations unusable for users who keep Chrome updated.
The Chrome Web Store is Google’s extension marketplace for Chrome and also serves as the primary distribution channel for extensions used by many Chromium-based browsers. As a result, removing Manifest V2 listings affects users outside Chrome even when their browser continues supporting the older extension architecture.
Google stopped accepting new public and unlisted Manifest V2 extensions in January 2022, began disabling existing MV2 extensions in 2024 and 2025, and disabled them across Chrome channels with Chrome 138 in July 2025. Enterprise policies temporarily extended compatibility, but Manifest V2 support was ultimately removed with Chrome 139.
Google argues that Manifest V3 improves security, privacy, and performance by placing tighter limits on what browser extensions can access and modify. Those restrictions also reduce some of the capabilities available to content blockers such as uBlock Origin.
For Chrome users, developer Raymond Hill offers uBlock Origin Lite, a Manifest V3-compatible alternative. However, it has fewer capabilities than the full uBlock Origin because of limitations imposed by the newer extension API.
Users wanting the full uBlock Origin still have other browser options. Firefox 155 continues to support uBlock Origin and Manifest V2 extensions. Brave has also chosen to self-host uBlock Origin, AdGuard, uMatrix, and NoScript rather than relying on their Chrome Web Store listings. Brave users can enable them under Settings > Extensions > Manifest V2 extensions.
Brave users who previously installed uBlock Origin through the Chrome Web Store should back up their configuration and migrate to Brave’s self-hosted version to continue receiving updates. Users should also avoid downloading unsigned uBlock Origin packages from third-party sites and stick to trusted browser stores or official signed distribution links.
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