Extensions let you customize your browser and add powerful features. But not all extensions are helpful. Some track you across the internet, eat up your computer’s resources, and worse.
How can you tell what’s safe? Google Chrome assigns a “Featured” badge to extensions that follow Google’s “technical best practices and meet a high standard of user experience and design.” Hey, at least it’s something.
A sure sign an extension is bad news? You have no recollection of downloading it, so delete it.
It’s also helpful to search the web for a phrase like, “Is (the extension you’re using) safe to use?” See what pops up, and pay special attention to any security warnings.
Here’s how to remove an extension from Chrome:
• Open your Chrome browser. Tap the three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon.
• Hover over More tools and select Extensions.
• Click Remove on the extension you want to remove, then click Remove again.
Use Safari on a Mac? Here’s how to remove an extension:
• Choose Safari > Preferences. Click Extensions.
• To uninstall an extension, select it and click Uninstall.