How to install an unpacked Chrome extension from a ZIP
5 min read
To install an unpacked Chrome extension, extract the ZIP to a folder, open chrome://extensions, turn on Developer mode and click Load unpacked, then select the extracted folder. The extension is distributed this way, rather than through the Chrome Web Store, after you purchase a license. Keep the folder in place afterwards, because Chrome loads the extension from it.
Why it is installed unpacked
The extension is not listed on the Chrome Web Store. It is delivered as a ZIP file and loaded through Chrome's Developer mode, a standard feature Chrome provides for installing extensions from a local folder.
Only install unpacked extensions from sources you trust. Chrome may show a reminder about developer-mode extensions on startup; that is expected for any unpacked extension.
Updating to a new version
When a new version is released, extract it over the same folder, or to a new folder that you load instead of the old one. Then click the reload icon on the extension's card in chrome://extensions. Your settings are generally kept when the extension's identity does not change, but keep a note of key settings before larger updates.
Common problems
Most installation errors come from selecting the wrong folder level.
- Manifest file is missing: select the folder that directly contains manifest.json, not its parent
- Extension disappeared: the folder was moved or deleted; restore it and load it again
- Option greyed out: a managed work or school Chrome profile may block Developer mode
- Each Chrome profile needs the extension loaded separately
Step by step
- 1Download the ZIP. After purchase, download the extension ZIP file to your computer.
- 2Extract to a permanent folder. Unzip it into a folder you will not move or delete, such as a dedicated extensions folder.
- 3Open the extensions page. In Chrome, type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter.
- 4Enable Developer mode. Turn on the Developer mode toggle in the top-right corner of the page.
- 5Load unpacked. Click Load unpacked and select the extracted folder that contains manifest.json.
- 6Pin and activate. Pin the extension from the puzzle-piece menu, open it and enter your license to activate.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the extension not on the Chrome Web Store?
It is distributed directly as a ZIP with a one-time lifetime license and installed through Chrome's Developer mode.
Is Developer mode safe to turn on?
Developer mode is a built-in Chrome feature. The risk lies in what you load, so only load unpacked extensions from sources you trust.
Do I have to install it in every Chrome profile?
Yes. Chrome profiles keep extensions separately, so load the unpacked folder in each profile you want to use.
Also useful: Setup instructions · Pricing and license