Did you know it is possible to install Chrome extensions on your iPhone? Normally, Apple is very restrictive about allowing non-native apps and extensions to run on iOS.
However, you can install Chrome and Firefox extensions on iOS using Orion browser.
Don’t worry, as you do not have to hack through iOS. The aforementioned Orion browser is available on the Apple App Store.
The Orion browser can easily replace the Safari browser. It offers ad-blocking and tracking protection, blocks YouTube ads, and syncs easily across different devices.
This guide shows you how to use the Orion browser on your iPhone and install Chrome or Firefox extensions on iOS.
Download Orion Browser on iPhone
Start by installing the Orion browser on iOS. This is the first part of the process.
You can check out a live demonstration of using Chrome extensions on iOS through the Orion browser on our YouTube channel.
- Launch the Apple App Store and search for Orion Browser.
- Tap Get to install the app.
- Launch the Orion Browser.
- Tap the menu button at the bottom right corner.
- Go to Settings > Advanced.
- In the Advanced settings, enable Chrome Extensions and Firefox Extensions.
Steps to Install Chrome Extensions on iPhone
Now, you can install both Chrome and Firefox extensions on iOS. If you have an iPad, these steps will also work for iPadOS.
- Go back to the home page of the Orion browser.
- Tap the menu button and select Extensions.
- Press the + icon at the bottom left corner.
- Select Install Chrome Extension. You will be redirected to the Chrome webstore.
- On the Chrome website, use the search bar to look up any extension of your choice. For this guide, I’m searching for the Picture-in-Picture mode extension.
- Tap on the extension you want to install.
- On the extension profile, tap on Add to Orion.
- After the extension downloads, press Add to integrate it to the browser.
How to Enable Chrome Extensions on iOS?
After integrating the Chrome extension from the Web store, you need to enable it before using it. You can view the installed extensions under the Extensions tab.
- Visit the home page of the Orion browser.
- Tap the menu button in the bottom right corner and select Extensions.
- Press the toggle next to the picture-in-picture extension to enable it.
- Now, launch YouTube on the Orion browser.
- Play a video of your choice on YouTube.
- Once the video starts streaming, tap the menu button at the bottom right corner.
- From the menu, tap on the PiP mode extension visible on the menu.
Now, the video will play in the mini-player. You can even move the mini video player anywhere around the screen.
How to Uninstall Chrome Extensions on iPhone?
If you want to remove one or more Chrome extensions installed on the Orion browser for iOS, you should follow these steps.
- Open the Orion browser.
- Tap the menu button and go to Extensions to view all the installed extensions.
- Swipe right to left partially on any extension to reveal an Uninstall option. Tap on it, and the extension will be chucked out of the browser.
- Alternatively, completely swipe right to left to remove the extension automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Which Versions of iOS Support Installing Chrome Extensions?
Since you will install Chrome Extensions through the Orion web browser, which is supported on iOS 15.0 or later, your iPhone should run iOS 15 or a later version of iOS.
Can I install Chrome Extensions on iPad?
If your iPad is running iPadOS 15.0 or later, you can download the Orion browser and install Chrome extensions through it.
The Chrome Extension is not Working on iPhone: How to fix?
Try to reload the webpage if an extension doesn’t work. You may also try to uninstall and reinstall the concerned Chrome extension on iOS.
Will all the Chrome Extensions work on iOS?
All extensions may not work natively on iOS due to mobile web incompatibility. You need to install the extensions individually to know their compatibility with the iPhone.
Bottom Line
Chrome webstore offers some really useful extensions to make your browsing productive. However, you could not install them on iOS through the Chrome browser for iOS.
Now, using the lightweight Orion browser for iOS, you can install Chrome Extensions as well as Firefox Extensions on your iPhone.
Get the Orion browser and test the various Chrome extensions on iOS. Share your experience in the comments.
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