How to Remove Browser Extensions on Mac From Safari, Chrome, & Firefox

Although browser extensions can enhance your online activities, too many can hinder them. If your Mac browsing experience has slowed, it may be time to check your browser extensions and remove the unnecessary ones to streamline your browsing experience.

In this article, I’ll provide step-by-step instructions to help you remove browser extensions on Mac and optimize your system for a faster and more efficient browsing experience.

Why Browser Extensions Accumulate?

Browser extensions are small programs that enhance your web browsing experience. Extensions accumulate over time as you install more and more extensions to get the desired functionality, resulting in a cluttered browser, slowing down your Mac and posing security risks.

Some extensions may not be updated regularly or conflict with other installed extensions or browser settings, leading to crashes or other issues. So, you should regularly review and remove unused or unnecessary extensions to optimize browser performance and maintain security.

Why Should You Remove Browser Extensions on Mac? 

You may be fond of installing browser extensions to enhance your browsing experience. However, there are several reasons why you should consider removing some of them occasionally.

Some reasons to remove browser extensions on Mac include the following:

• 🚫 Malware: Some browser extensions may contain malware that can harm your computer. Hackers can use these extensions to track your online activity or collect your personal information, potentially leading to identity theft or other security issues.
• 💻 Slower performance: Having too many browser extensions can slow down your computer or browser. Extensions use up resources, and too many of them can put a strain on your computer’s performance, causing it to become slow and unresponsive.
• 🚨 Increased security & privacy risk: Some browser extensions can compromise your privacy by collecting your personal information or tracking your online activity. This can be a significant risk, especially if the extension is installed by a malicious actor.
• 🔄 Compatibility issues: Browser extensions can sometimes cause compatibility issues with other software on your computer, resulting in crashes or other problems.
• 📉 Reduced productivity: Some browser extensions can be distracting or time-wasting, reducing your overall productivity. For example, social media extensions can be a significant distraction when trying to focus on work or other important tasks.
• 🗑️ Clutter: Having too many browser extensions installed can clutter your browser and make it challenging to navigate. Removing unnecessary extensions can reduce clutter and improve your browsing experience.

Now, let’s see how you can remove browser extensions on Mac from Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. 

Here’s How To Delete Extensions On Mac

If you’re struggling with performance issues or running out of storage space on Mac, removing unnecessary browser extensions can help. Removing extensions from Safari, Chrome, and Firefox is a simple process.

Below, I’ll walk you through the steps to remove browser extensions on Mac, so you can get your system running smoothly again.

1. Remove Browser Extensions From Mac In Just One Click Using MacKeeper

MacKeeper streamlines browser extension management with a centralized interface, allowing you to handle all your extensions across different browsers in one place.

Follow these steps to remove browser extensions on your Mac using MacKeeper:

1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. Open MacKeeper and click the Smart Uninstaller option in the left sidebar.

3. Click the Start Scan button to scan your computer for installed browser extensions.

3. Once the scan is complete, click Browser Extensions in the left sidebar and locate the extension you want to remove from the list.

5. Click the checkbox next to the extension you want to remove and tap Remove Selected.

6. Confirm the action by clicking the Remove button in the confirmation dialog box.

7. Wait for the uninstallation process to complete.
8. Restart your browser to ensure that the extension has been completely removed.

If you have installed a lot of browser extensions on Google Chrome, your browsing experience may become slow. Removing extensions from Chrome on a Mac is a relatively simple process that you can complete in just a few steps.

Follow these steps to remove extensions from Google Chrome on your Mac: 

1. Click the Google Chrome icon in your dock or search for it in the Applications folder.

2. Click the three-dot icon on the top right corner of the Chrome window and select More Tools from the dropdown Menu. Then, select Extensions from the submenu.

3. Find the extension you want to remove from the list of installed extensions. You can use the search bar to find it quickly.
4. Click the Remove button next to the extension you want to uninstall. Confirm the removal when prompted.

5. Close and reopen Chrome to complete the removal process.

If you want to temporarily disable an extension without removing it, you can toggle off the switch next to it. If you have trouble removing an extension, check the developer’s website, or contact Chrome support for further assistance.

3. Remove Browser Extensions From Safari on Mac

When you regularly use Safari as your default web browser, you’re bound to install several extensions to enhance your browsing experience. But if these extensions are slowing down your browser, it’s better to remove them.

You can remove browser extensions on Mac from Safari by following these steps:

1. Open Safari on your Mac and click the Safari menu in the top left corner of your screen and select Settings from the drop-down menu.

2. Click the Extensions tab to view all the installed extensions.

3. Find the extension you want to remove and click it.

4. Click the Uninstall button to confirm that you want to remove the extension.

4. Remove Browser Extensions From Firefox on Mac

Firefox is a popular web browser many Mac users prefer due to its customizable features and extensions. But too many extensions can also cause performance issues, and you may want to remove some of them.

Here’s how to remove unwanted or harmful extensions on Firefox:

1. Open Firefox on your Mac by clicking its Dock or Applications folder icon.

2. Click Firefox in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

3. Click Settings from the drop-down menu.

4. Click Extensions & Themes in the left-hand menu to view all the extensions installed in Firefox.

5. Find the extension you want to remove and click the three dots icon. Tap Remove in the drop-down menu.

6. Click Remove again to confirm that you want to remove the extension.

Clearing Browser Extensions on Mac Is Easy

Unnecessary and malicious extensions can cause problems for your Mac, so reviewing and removing them regularly is important. Here are some tips to help you manage your browser extensions for a faster, more secure, and smoother browsing experience: 

• Use extension managers to keep track of and easily remove unwanted extensions.
• Learn how to block websites on Safari on your Mac to maximize your productivity.
• Regularly clear Safari cache on your Mac to improve your browsing speed and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions