Google does what Google wants, and this time, Google is disabling uBlock Origin from Chrome. Of course, Google isn’t just restricting ad blockers like uBlock Origin directly—the move comes as a part of its transition to Manifest V3. What is Manifest V3 in Chrome? It is primarily an attempt to enhance browser security by updating the Web Request API, which then limits the information these extensions can collect from the user. 

By shifting to Manifest V3, the API blocks an extension’s access to sensitive user data but the process of making the shift has resulted in Google disabling the full version of uBlock Origin. uBlock Origin Lite is still expected to function as before, but users should expect to see its capabilities limited as well. For now, you can still go to your extension settings and turn your uBlock Origin extension back on.

The next step for many may be to look for uBlock Origin alternatives for 2025, but this is going to be hard to do since it likely isn’t the only ad blocker hit by the transition. Will this be the push users need to subscribe to YouTube Premium and other subscription-based websites instead of settling for the ad-supported version? It is unlikely but Google isn’t about to give up.

Google restricting ad blockers

Image: Google’s Maifest V3 makes it harder for adblockers to operate on Chrome and Chromium-based browsers.

Is Google Disabling uBlock Origin and Other Ad Blockers? Let’s Explore 

Users have taken to social media platforms and forums to complain about a very pressing issue—their Chrome extensions are no longer working. Many were primarily concerned with the fact that Google was disabling uBlock Origin, but the problem goes much further than that for other extensions as well. With the new Manifest V3 extension specification in place, Chrome users have begun to see messages on their screens that state that an extension is “no longer supported.” 

Users then have the option of deleting their extensions directly or managing them individually. Those who are careful and avoid clicking on “Delete” can still turn the extension back on for now.

Couldn’t they just switch to another browser? Unfortunately, the change has begun on other Chromium-based browsers since October, so other browsers will be affected by the transition. Many Chrome extensions are no longer working as a result of the change.

What is Manifest V3 in Chrome?

Manifest V3 is the latest version of the extensions platform on Chrome and Chromium-based browsers, where changes to the APIs determine how extensions function and which ones remain compatible with the browser. The updated version is part of Google’s vision to “improve the privacy, security, and performance of extensions,” and provides users with a greater sense of control over what permissions these extensions have. 

Manifest V3 restricts extensions’ ability to remotely host code. Extensions can often be updated without informing the user of the changes, creating vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Now, all JavaScript code must be included within the extension’s package, giving Google more control over what passes through during the Chrome Web Store submission process.

With Manifest V3 in Chrome and browsers based on it, Google is also deprecating the blocking version of the webRequest API, providing the new declarativeNetRequest API as a much safer alternative. This is the primary reason why the shift to Manifest V3 is crippling ad blockers.

These only reflect part of the changes in Manifest V3 in Chrome, but one of the most discussed consequences is uBlock Origin not working on Chrome anymore. The ad blocker, and other extensions that failed to update from Manifest V2, are no longer functional. 

User Impact of Chrome Extensions No Longer Working

Most of us rely on browser extensions for one thing or the other, whether for using the best VPNs, enjoying the liberating feeling of ad blockers, or even recording audio and creating transcripts without any additional apps. These extensions make a web browser more user-friendly, but considering they are free and unregulated, they also come with plenty of safety and privacy risks. 

With Google disabling uBlock Origin and other extensions, we may see improved security and safety numbers due to the restricted potential of malware stealing data. Unfortunately, this will also mean more ads on platforms that may themselves present security risks to users to click on one of them, intentionally or by mistake. 

Ad blockers don’t just function to give users a break from flashing ugly ads, but they also protect them from scammy, misleading advertisements that might put them at further risk. The ad-based ecosystem we live in today makes content more accessible by allowing websites to provide free content, but the trade-off is that user data is constantly collected and sold, one way or another. 

The clampdown on ad blockers is not new—Google began restricting ad blockers in full force last year on YouTube, which is where a number of users employ blockers the most. A large part of Google’s revenue comes from advertising. While some extensions have been able to bypass the restrictions to a degree, ad blockers on Chrome are fast losing ground. 

Browser Alternatives to Chrome for Ad Blocking

With Google disabling uBlock Origin, many users are now considering switching browsers to find one where they can still use their extensions more freely. Unfortunately, as with most things, Google has its talons in multiple browsers with its Chromium open-source codebase, so the Manifest V3 shift in Chrome will be reflected there as well. Microsoft Edge and other browsers have also begun to drop support for Manifest V2 extensions.

This doesn’t mean there is no hope at all. There are some browser alternatives to Chrome for ad blocking where the crackdown on uBlock Origin will not be duplicated just yet. So, what browsers still support uBlock Origin?

  • Mozilla’s Firefox: Supports Manifest V2 and V3 but uBlock Origin will remain functional
  • Ghost Browser: Explicitly committed to supporting uBlock Origin
  • Opera: Has committed to supporting uBlock Origin’s ad blocking, and other Manifest V2 extensions
  • Brave: Has committed to supporting AdGuard AdBlocker, NoScript, uBlock Origin, and uMatrix but there are other concerns around the browser
  • Vivaldi: Temporary solution as support for Manifest V2 will last until June 2025 after which it may make changes. It does have a built-in ad blocker 
  • Safari: No uBlock Origin but other ad blockers are available to use

While Firefox remains the top choice as a browser alternative to Chrome for ad blocking, it did land itself in some hot water over potentially selling user data. The team clarified that “TL;DR Mozilla doesn’t sell data about you (in the way that most people think about “selling data”), and we don’t buy data about you.” 

Other browsers like R3dfox, Zen, Floorp, Thorium, and LibreWolf may also be an option but we’ll have to wait to see what stance they take on the matter. 

uBlock Origin Alternatives in 2025

Google is restricting ad blockers very openly but migrating away from Chrome can feel like a painful process due to all the features it has to offer. If you want to continue to use the browser, that’s an option, but there are still some options for ad blocking that may be of use to you. For now, you can avoid deleting the extension and re-enable it through the extension manager in your Chrome settings. 

Adblocker extensions are one way of protecting yourself from intrusive ads online, but other services provide ad blocking as well, such as VPN providers. If uBlock Origin is not working on Chrome, you can also consider these uBlock Origin alternatives for 2025:

  • uBlock Lite: It will continue to function on Chrome, although with fewer features and capabilities
  • AdGuard: Launched an ad blocker built on Manifest V3 so it should work with the updated version of Chrome
  • Ghostery: Ghostery 10 is Manifest V3 compliant and the team is very vocal about its stance on Google restricting ad blockers
  • AdBlock Plus: Announced compliance with Manifest V3
  • NordVPN Threat Protection Feature: The paid VPN service aids with adblocking online
  • Surfshark CleanWeb Feature: Another VPN investment that aids with browser adblocking

Domain blockers like Pi-hole may also be a halfway alternative, but these services come with their own risks, which you should explore first before trying them. Pi-hole also does not block YouTube ads, so if that is a priority for you, you’ll have to look for another service.

How Do We Feel About Google Restricting Ad Blockers

With older Chrome extensions no longer working, users will have to work on uncovering new ones that are Manifest V3 compliant, and while many extension providers have adapted to the change, others will take a little longer to catch up. Google’s promise of making the internet a safer place is admirable, but the manner of doing it and cutting off a service that millions rely on isn’t ideal.

With Google disabling uBlock Origin, users will have to look to other options for their ad-blocking needs, whether that involves an updated extension or an alternate browser. The list of uBlock Origin alternatives for 2025 may appear small now, but more names will hopefully join the list as we move through the year. Until then, you can give uBlock Origin Lite a shot or invest in a VPN for overall online security, although VPNs are more limited in what they can do in terms of ad blocking.

In 2025, it is nearly impossible to avoid ads entirely, especially when some of them help keep businesses afloat. As the internet keeps evolving, it’s up to users to seek out what’s best for them and work with what they’ve got.

How do you feel about Google disabling uBlock Origin and other Chrome extensions? Let us know. For more updates on the evolving world of tech, subscribe to Technowize and we’ll tell you what you need to know. 

tagged in Alternatives to Chrome for ad blocking, Chrome extensions no longer working, Google disabling uBlock Origin, Google restricting ad blockers, uBlock Origin alternatives 2025, uBlock Origin not working on Chrome
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