Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR Chrome v142 removes the workaround flags that allowed Manifest v2 extensions, such as uBlock Origin, to continue running.
However, users can add a new string to Chrome’s shortcut to get Manifest v2 extensions working again.
It makes better sense to explore alternatives, as the workaround can stop working with future updates.
Google Chrome’s Manifest v3 changes had almost killed fan-favorite extensions like uBlock Origin, but flags kept the dream alive for just a little longer. Unfortunately, the party is over, as Chrome’s latest update removes the workaround flags that allowed uBlock Origin to keep working. However, as is the case with workarounds, there’s a new one to get uBlock Origin working again on Chrome. Nevertheless, the sound advice might be to explore alternatives for your ad-blocking needs.
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Chrome v142 removes workaround flags Chrome v142 began rolling out last week in the stable branch for desktop users, and the rollout expanded widely this week. Users who updated Chrome (or logged on to their computer to find that it auto-updated itself) will be greeted with the message that uBlock Origin has been turned off yet again, as it is no longer supported.
Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
This was a long time coming. Chrome version 139, which was rolled out in late 2024, made the transition to Manifest V3, effectively closing down the methods by which ad-blocking extensions, such as uBlock Origin, worked. Users found that they could simply toggle uBlock Origin back on; however, this method stopped working with the next Chrome update.
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