Google removed Manifest V2 and with it uBlock Origin
Google has removed Manifest V2 extensions from the Chrome Web Store as of August 31, 2026. The phased deprecation of the older extension standard began in 2022, with complete disabling from March 2025 onward—users can no longer re-enable these extensions. Starting with Chrome 139, Manifest V2 extensions will cease to function entirely.
Many people, including the author, had never heard about Manifest V2 until its replacement with Manifest V3 for Chrome meant blocking uBlock Origin for ad blocking. It's quite funny that the blocker was blocked.
What is Manifest V2 and why is Google removing it?
Manifest V2 is the older standard for developing Chrome browser extensions that Google is gradually replacing with the newer Manifest V3. The migration improves security and privacy protections offered by the new standard. Google began phasing out Manifest V2 in 2022 and is now completely deprecating it.
Which popular extensions are affected by the Manifest V2 removal?
Notably ad blockers like uBlock Origin, which have been difficult to migrate to the new standard due to changes in content filtering capabilities. Manifest V3 restricts extensions' direct access to web requests, making effective ad blocking more challenging.
Can users still use Manifest V2 extensions?
No, as of March 2025, all Manifest V2 extensions are disabled across all Chrome versions and users cannot re-enable them. Extensions installed on Chrome 138 or earlier remain installed but will not function and cannot receive updates.
- Android 17 implements ECH to hide website visits from network providers — thehackernews.com 66 % match
- Google reveals the future of sideloading apps outside the Play Store on Android — notebookcheck.net 65 % match
- uBlock Origin stops chasing Facebook ads — digitalescapetools.com 65 % match