TL;DR
To remove browser extensions on Mac:
- On Safari: Open Safari, go to Settings > Extensions, select the extension, and click Uninstall.
- On Chrome: Open Chrome, go to More Tools > Extensions, click Remove next to the desired extension, and confirm.
- On Firefox: Open Firefox, go to Settings > Extensions & Themes, click the three dots next to the extension, and choose Remove.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Too many browser extensions can slow down your Mac. In this guide, I’ll show you how to remove browser extensions on Mac and boost your browsing speed. I’ll cover the three major browsers: Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
How to Delete Extensions On Mac
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Below, I’ll walk you through the steps to remove browser extensions on Mac on Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
💡 Tip: Try using a private browsing or incognito window first, as it may temporarily disable some extensions.
1. Remove Browser Extensions From Safari on Mac
If Safari extensions are slowing down your browsing, it’s time to remove them. Here’s how to remove browser extensions on Mac from Safari:
- Open Safari on your Mac, click Safari in the menu bar, and select Settings.
- Click the Extensions tab to view all the installed extensions.
- Find the extension you want to remove and click it.
- Click the Uninstall button to confirm that you want to remove the extension.
2. Remove Browser Extensions From Chrome on Mac
If your browsing is sluggish due to too many Chrome extensions, removing them is easy. Here’s how to remove extensions from Google Chrome on your Mac:
- Click the Google Chrome icon in your dock or search for it in the Applications folder.
- Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner and select More Tools > Extensions.
- Find the extension you want to remove from the list. You can use the search bar to find it quickly.
- Click the Remove button next to the extension you want to uninstall and confirm.
- 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 Firefox on Mac
Firefox is popular for its custom features, but too many extensions can slow it down. Here’s how to remove unwanted or harmful extensions on Firefox:
- Open Firefox on your Mac via Dock or Applications folder.
- Click Firefox in the menu bar and select Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Click Extensions & Themes in the left-hand menu to view all your extensions.
- Find the extension you want to remove. Then, click the three dots icon next to it and select Remove.
- Click Remove again to confirm that you want to remove the extension.
Alternative Ways to Remove Browser Extensions
If the default methods to remove a browser extension fail due to errors or incompatibility, you can still remove it manually or automatically. For Mac users, the automatic method is especially useful.
How to Remove Safari Browser Extensions Manually (macOS 10.14 or earlier)
Here’s how to uninstall Safari extensions on macOS 10.14 and earlier:
- First, make sure Safari is closed.
- Use the Command ⌘ + Shift ⇧ + G shortcut in Finder to open the Go to Folder dialog.
- Enter the following path in the dialog and press Enter.
~/Library/Safari/Extensions- This will take you to the hidden Safari Extensions folder.
- Here, find the extension you no longer need and move it to the Bin.
For Chrome, Opera, or Firefox Users on macOS 10.13:
You can find and remove extensions in these locations:
- Chrome
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/External Extensions- Firefox
~/Library/Application Support/Application Support/Firefox/Profiles/[current profile].default/extensions- Opera
~/Library/Application Support/com.operasoftware.Opera/ExtensionsFor Firefox on macOS 10.15:
~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/Profiles/[current profile].default-release/extensions⚠️ Be aware that manually removing extensions might leave some residual files on your disk.
How to Remove Browser Extensions From Mac Automatically
The easiest way to remove extensions from all your browsers is by using a third-party app like MacKeeper. It can help you delete unnecessary extensions and other system plugins.
Here’s how to remove browser extensions on your Mac using MacKeeper:
- Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
- Open MacKeeper and click Smart Uninstaller.
- Click the Start Scan button to scan your Mac.
- Once the scan is complete, click Browser Extensions in the left sidebar and find the extension you want to remove.
- Click the checkbox next to the extension and tap Remove Selected.
- Confirm the action by clicking the Remove button in the confirmation dialog box.
- Restart your browser to ensure that the extension has been completely removed.
🤖 Wondering what else can MacKeeper do? Check out my MacKeeper review to learn more.
Why Remove Browser Extensions on Mac?
You might enjoy using browser extensions, but there are good reasons to remove the unnecessary ones occasionally:
Some reasons to remove browser extensions on Mac:
- 🗑️ Clutter: Too many extensions can clutter your browser, making navigation harder.
- 🚫 Malware: Some extensions may contain malware that can track your activity or steal personal information.
- 💻 Slower Performance: Excessive extensions can slow down your Mac and browser.
- 🔄 Compatibility Issues: Extensions can cause software conflicts, leading to crashes.
- 📉 Reduced Productivity: Certain extensions can be distracting and decrease your focus.
⚠️ Always be cautious when installing new browser extensions. Ensure they are from reputable sources to avoid potential security risks.
Clearing Browser Extensions on Mac Is Easy
Unnecessary or malicious extensions can harm your Mac, so you must review and remove them regularly. Here are some tips to manage your extensions for faster, safer, and smoother browsing:
- Tired of annoying ads? Block ads on Mac browsers to enjoy a cleaner, faster browsing experience.
- Block unnecessary websites on Safari to avoid distractions and maximize your productivity.
- Regularly clear Safari cache on your Mac to improve your browsing speed.
