why is chrome removing ublock origin

Chrome killed MV2 extensions (which uBlock Origin depends on) as part of the Manifest V3 transition, limiting the webRequest API that ad blockers need.

what happens when MV2 extensions are permanently removed

Extensions built on MV2 simply stop loading in Chrome. Users need to switch browsers or use weaker MV3 alternatives.

best uBlock Origin alternative for Chrome MV3

uBlock Origin Lite (official MV3 port with reduced filtering), AdGuard, or switching to Firefox which still supports uBlock Origin fully.

does Brave support MV2 extensions after Chrome kills them

Brave announced it will maintain its own extension backend and continue supporting a small set of MV2 extensions including uBlock Origin.

is Manifest V3 better or worse than Manifest V2

MV3 adds security improvements but the restricted declarativeNetRequest system is significantly less capable for content blocking than MV2's webRequest API.

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clawsmith.com/signal/chrome-mv2-permanent-ban-all-remaining-extensions-2026

⚠ IssueUnderservedbrowser_extensionLive

Chrome Moves to Permanently Kill All Remaining MV2 Extensions in 2026

Google Chrome announced plans to permanently remove Manifest V2 support entirely in 2026, ending the final workarounds that allowed millions of users to keep uBlock Origin and other MV2 extensions running. The HN thread (413 pts, 441 cmts, June 2026) shows widespread user anger: developers asking why anyone still uses Chrome, questioning Brave's stance, and debating whether the web is becoming unusable without proper ad-blocking. Microsoft Edge and Opera are expected to follow.

Product Idea from this Signal

A browser extension that migrates Chrome or Edge users to Firefox or Brave with their extensions, whitelists, and settings intact after MV2 enforcement

5.5k ▲

Chrome permanently killed MV2 extensions in 2026 and Edge followed in February 2025, stripping hundreds of millions of users of uBlock Origin and other content blockers with no migration path. Firefox and Brave kept full MV2 support, but switching browsers manually means losing all extensions, custom filter lists, whitelist rules, and per-site settings — so most users downgrade to the weaker MV3 blockers rather than move. This extension detects the user's installed MV2 extensions, finds equivalent or superior versions on the destination browser, migrates custom filter lists and whitelist rules automatically, and walks the user through a one-click browser switch.

BROWSERMV2MV3PRIVACYAD-BLOCKINGMIGRATIONFIREFOXBRAVECHROME

Competitive1000 leadsView Opportunity →

Score Breakdown

3,808

Social Proof 2 sources

uBlock Origin is no longer available on the Chrome Store

non- · 3/10/2025

2,954 HN

Chrome is looking to permanently drop MV2 extension

gp2x · 6/10/2026

854

Existing Solutions 3 competitors

uBlock Origin Lite (MV3)~4M installs

Reduced-feature version of uBlock Origin compatible with MV3, weaker blocking

AdGuardlarge install base

MV3 compatible ad blocker, commercial

Firefox (switch browser)second largest browser

Keeps full MV2 + MV3 support

Gap Assessment

UnderservedExisting solutions leave gaps

Firefox and Brave keep MV2 alive, but no neutral cross-browser migration tool or verified-safe MV3 ad-blocker alternative covers the full feature set of uBlock Origin for Chrome users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virality Score

3,808

across 0 platforms

Details

Signalissue

Ecosystembrowser_extension

Sources2

Platforms0

Updated1h ago

Trend→ stable

Top ideas

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