Do Chrome Extensions Work on iPad? How to Install It?

Have you installed Google Chrome on your iPad but the Chrome extensions aren’t appearing? The best response and choices are listed below.

The Chrome Web Store’s Google Chrome extensions aid in expanding the web browser’s functionalities. To integrate the app functionality in Chrome, the majority of software developers also create Chrome extensions. Do Chrome Extensions Operate on an iPad, then?

No, iPad and iPhone users cannot use Chrome extensions. A desktop-level extension is not supported by any iPad web browser. However, you can read more about Chrome iPad extensions and how to download them right here.

Do Chrome Extensions Work on iPad?

You cannot currently install Chrome Web Store apps on Google Chrome for iPad due to Apple iPad restrictions. Additionally, it holds true for the iPhone’s Google Chrome browser.

The same is true for any Android device; you cannot install such extensions.

Google claims that Chrome Webstore apps are only available for the Google Chrome desktop application. Blink is a component of the larger Chromium web browser project, which powers Google Chrome on desktop computers like Macs and Windows PCs.

The desktop version can establish a secure environment so that you can run third-party codes without going against the rules and security requirements imposed by device operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux.

On the other hand, the Chrome web browser for the iPad or iPhone was created and assembled using Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE). Google and all other iOS and iPad OS app developers are prohibited by Apple from implementing secret codes in their products.

Apps for the iPad and iPhone can, in a nutshell, execute their own codes that the developer discloses to Apple. However, after being downloaded and installed on your iPad or iPhone, App Store apps cannot function as an app engine for other independent apps.

Does Chrome Support Extensions on iPad?

No, iOS does not support Chrome extensions. A desktop-level Chrome extension for the iPad cannot be approved by any browser. Developers are prohibited by Apple policy from integrating downloadable module engines into their applications, including Chrome iPad extensions.

This restriction is caused by a number of factors, chief among them being Apple’s security constraints.

Allowing web extensions might also make it possible to get around Apple’s App Store-based gatekeeping measures. It’s possible to avoid Apple’s gatekeeping and revenue collection by bypassing them.

Why Don’t Chrome Extensions Work on iPad?

Google’s own Blink fork powers Chrome, which offers all of Google’s top-notch services, including Maps and Gmail. On iPad and iPhone, it offers the same account sync, but it is forced to use Webkit because of Apple’s security restrictions.

The use of Chrome extensions on an iPad is also not possible. Compared to Chrome on Mac, Chrome on iOS has more limitations. Apps that can be downloaded directly from the Internet but bypass the app store are not currently supported by Apple. A few possible reasons for not allowing extensions are:-

1. And last but not least, security. Not all Chrome extensions are safe and secure; some collect your highly personal data.
2. It may be possible to avoid Apple’s monetization processes by using Google Chrome extensions.
3. Finally, it would be a way to get around Apple’s “gatekeeping” of the App Store.

How to Use Chrome Extensions on iPad?

Unfortunately, Chrome for iOS does not currently support extensions. We can only hope that this will change in the future because there is currently no way to download them to iOS.

If you’re desperate to have those extensions in place, then the only option is to use “Chrome Remote Desktop” which is an app that allows you to access your desktop from your phone, tablet or another computer.

With this, you can easily and securely access your computer from an iOS device. All you need to do is…

1. The computer you want to access remotely should have the app downloaded from the Chrome Webstore.
2. Install the app, and then carefully follow all setup instructions.
3. To connect, launch the app on your iOS device and click on any of your online computers.

Two things must be installed on your computer in order for you to have full access. Without a doubt, Chrome comes first. The second is the “Chrome Remote Desktop” app for the desktop. Remember to enter your PIN if you want to use this app again! For you to remember it, put it in writing somewhere.

Additionally, you must obtain the iOS Chrome Remote Desktop app from the App store. Don’t forget to sign in with the same Google account you used to access Chrome after installing the app.

Your computer will appear on the list once you’ve signed in; tap it to access it and then enter the necessary PIN. You can now fully control your computer using an iOS device, so there you have it.

What If You Need Chrome Extensions Directly on the Device?

Beyond the aforementioned fix, you would need to consider purchasing a different device. For me, there is an easy and relatively cheap way, so leave the iPad at home this time and do this…

Assuming that having access to Chrome extensions is a deal-breaker for the device. After that, I bought a reasonably priced Chromebook from Amazon, as is my habit. I can carry this around with me and it will still function just fine, including all of my necessary extensions because it is lightweight and portable.

Other than the options mentioned above, there is no other solution.

How to Install App Extensions for Chrome on iPhone?

Let’s look at how to add app extensions to the Safari browser. Apple uses it as its default browser. The operating system, therefore, permits any extension to function on the iPhone.

1. Start the iPhone’s App Store.
2. In the search field, type Safari Extensions. You will see various extensions in the search result
3. For any Extension app, you want to install, tap on the button Get. Confirm by tapping on Install.
4. Launch the Google Chrome browser app and visit any web page.
5. In the URL section where the webpage name is mentioned, navigate to the Share icon. Tap on it.
6. As you move horizontally, a menu will appear and the extension you previously downloaded from the App Store will be visible.
7. The extension’s relevant function will begin when you tap it.

Mind you that if you are running the latest iOS 16 on your iPhone, the steps will be a bit different. From Step 6, when the menu pops up after tapping the Share icon, scroll down until you see the extension name.

Additionally, not every app will function with every extension. To enable PiP mode for YouTube videos, for instance, I installed the app extension. As a result, I can use the Safari extension to switch any YouTube video to Picture-in-Picture mode when I access it through the Chrome browser.

Conclusion

You now know that installing Chrome Web Store apps on the Chrome browser is not possible with an iPad or iPhone. For a better user experience, you can switch to Safari.

The good news is that there are solutions. One of the best and simplest ways to access Chrome extensions on your iPad and even iPhone is by using the Chrome remote desktop, as described in this article.