Last Modified: March 26, 2025

uBlock Origin is Dead in Chrome: Here’s What You Can Do

What’s Happening to uBlock Origin in Chrome?

uBlock Origin is a top ad blocker that stops ads, trackers, and popups in Chrome and other browsers (uBlock Origin). It’s fast and light on your computer. But Chrome is changing to a new system called Manifest V3 by June 2025 (Chrome Extensions: Migrate to Manifest V3). This update makes it harder for uBlock Origin to work like it used to. Why? Manifest V3 limits how extensions block stuff online, and users are already seeing issues (Google Chrome’s uBlock Origin phaseout has begun). Check out License Token for more on tech innovations like this.

Why Does Chrome Manifest V3 Affect uBlock Origin?

Chrome’s Manifest V3 is about security and speed. It stops extensions from using the old webRequest API, which uBlock Origin needs to block ads and trackers fully. Instead, it uses a weaker tool called declarativeNetRequest API (uBlock Origin Minus: an experimental Manifest v3 compatible extension). This cuts out features like cosmetic filtering—hiding ad spaces—or dynamic blocking. By June 2025, all Chrome versions will enforce this, ending Manifest V2 support (Google continues pulling the plug on Manifest v2).

When Did This Start, and What’s the Timeline?

Google began dropping Manifest V2 in 2023. By October 2024, uBlock Origin started getting disabled in some Chrome versions (Google’s Chrome extension cull hits more uBlock Origin users). As of March 2025, it’s rolling out more, and by June 2025, it’ll be complete. That’s when uBlock Origin not working in Chrome will be a big issue for everyone.

What Can I Do If I Stay with Chrome?

Don’t want to leave Chrome? You’ve got options, but they’re not perfect. Here are the best ad blockers for Chromium-based browsers under Manifest V3:

uBlock Origin Lite: Made for Manifest V3, it blocks basic ads but skips advanced features (uBlock Origin Lite - Chrome Web Store). Some ads might still show up.
Adblock Plus: Updated for Manifest V3, but it’s limited in how many filters it can use (Adblock Plus and the Change to Manifest V3). It’s okay, not great.
AdGuard: Built a new version for Manifest V3, saying it works well (AdGuard publishes the world's first ad blocker built on Manifest V3). It’s in beta, so there might be bugs.
Ghostery: Focuses on privacy and works with Manifest V3 (Adblock Not Working On Chrome: Best Tips 2024). It’s solid but varies by site.

Try these alternatives to uBlock Origin in Chrome. Test them on your favorite sites to see which blocks ads best for you.

Comparison of Chrome Ad Blockers

Here’s a quick look:

Ad Blocker	Works with Manifest V3?	What It Does	What’s Missing
uBlock Origin Lite	Yes	Blocks basic ads	No cosmetic filtering
Adblock Plus	Yes	Uses limited filters	Not as strong
AdGuard	Yes (beta)	Claims good blocking	Might have bugs
Ghostery	Yes	Privacy-first blocking	Varies by site

What If I Switch Browsers for uBlock Origin?

If Chrome’s options aren’t enough, switch browsers to keep uBlock Origin’s full power. Here are your best picks:

Firefox: It still runs uBlock Origin perfectly (uBlock Origin works best on Firefox). Firefox is open-source and strong on privacy, but it shares some anonymized data (Firefox Privacy Notice). You can turn this off (Share data with Mozilla to help improve Firefox).
LibreWolf: A Firefox spin-off with uBlock Origin built-in and extra privacy settings (LibreWolf Browser). It’s great for privacy nuts, but its small team might mean slower fixes (Recommended Addons LibreWolf).
Brave: A Chromium browser with its own ad blocker, Shields, that skips Manifest V3 problems (The browser that puts you first | Brave). It’s tied to Web3 and crypto, which we’ll dig into next.

How Does Open-Source Licensing Fit In?

Open-source licensing means anyone can see, change, and share the software’s code. uBlock Origin is open-source under the GNU General Public License v3 (uBlock Origin GitHub). Firefox and LibreWolf use the Mozilla Public License (Mozilla Licensing Policies). This lets communities tweak them for privacy—like LibreWolf adding uBlock Origin by default. It builds trust because you can check the code for sneaky stuff. Experts like the Electronic Frontier Foundation say open-source is key for transparency (EFF on Open Source). It’s why Chrome’s closed system hurts tools like uBlock Origin. For more on innovative licensing, check out the Open Compensation Token License, which explores new ways to support open-source projects.

What’s the Web3 and NFT Connection with Brave?

Brave ties into Web3, a decentralized internet using blockchain. NFTs are unique digital items on that blockchain. Brave uses Basic Attention Token (BAT), a cryptocurrency (Brave Rewards). You can earn BAT by viewing ads, then tip creators or trade it. Brave also supports NFT wallets and Web3 sites (Brave Wallet). Its Shields block ads by default, avoiding Manifest V3 issues, and offer a Web3 twist—earn tokens instead of just blocking. Some love BAT—it’s on Coinbase (Coinbase BAT). Others don’t trust crypto. TechCrunch calls Brave’s Web3 push innovative but niche (TechCrunch on Brave). Learn more about blockchain and open-source licensing at Blockchain and Open-Source Licensing.

What Are the Web3 Implications of These Changes?

Chrome’s Manifest V3 shift isn’t just about ad blockers—it’s pushing Web3 ideas too. Web3 uses blockchain for a decentralized web, where you control your data and ads. Brave’s BAT shows this: block ads, earn tokens, and skip big tech rules. If uBlock Origin stops working in Chrome, Web3 browsers like Brave might grow. NFTs could even tie into ad blocking—like owning a token to block ads forever. But it’s early days. Some say Web3 frees us from tech giants; others call it risky or hype. Explore more at Blockchain and Open Source to see how this could shape browsing.

Which Browser Should I Pick?

It’s up to you.

Stay with Chrome: Use uBlock Origin Lite or other ad blockers. They’re weaker, but you keep Chrome’s speed.
Firefox: Full uBlock Origin with a big community. Great if you want power and control.
LibreWolf: Top privacy with uBlock Origin built-in. Perfect if you hate tracking.
Brave: Strong ad blocking plus Web3 perks. Ideal if you like crypto or Chromium without Manifest V3 woes.

Here’s a table:

Browser	uBlock Origin Support	Privacy Features	Extras
Chrome	Lite only	Basic	None
Firefox	Full	Good, adjustable	Open-source
LibreWolf	Full, built-in	Very high	Open-source
Brave	Not needed	High, Shields	Web3, NFTs, BAT

What’s the Best Choice for Privacy Lovers?

If privacy is your thing, LibreWolf wins. Its open-source licensing lets it lock down tracking hard—letterboxing stops fingerprinting, and WebGL is off by default (LibreWolf Features). Firefox is close but shares data unless you stop it. Brave’s Shields are strong, but its Web3 focus might feel less private if you don’t trust crypto. Chrome’s out—Manifest V3 weakens privacy tools like uBlock Origin.

Final Thoughts

Chrome Manifest V3 is changing things. uBlock Origin not working in Chrome is tough, but you’ve got options. Stay with Chrome using alternatives to uBlock Origin in Chrome. Or switch to Firefox, LibreWolf, or Brave. Open-source licensing powers privacy tools. Brave’s Web3 and NFT ties add a new angle. Choose what fits—privacy, power, or crypto—and keep ads away.

FAQ: 50 Questions About uBlock Origin and Chrome Manifest V3

Why is uBlock Origin not working in Chrome anymore?
Chrome’s Manifest V3 limits how extensions work, breaking uBlock Origin’s full features by June 2025.
What is Chrome Manifest V3?
It’s a new Chrome extension system for better security and speed, starting fully in June 2025.
When will uBlock Origin stop working in Chrome?
By June 2025, when Manifest V2 support ends completely.
Can I still use uBlock Origin in Chrome?
Yes, but only uBlock Origin Lite, which is weaker.
What’s uBlock Origin Lite?
A Manifest V3 version of uBlock Origin with fewer features.
Why is uBlock Origin Lite less effective?
It skips cosmetic filtering and dynamic blocking due to Manifest V3 rules.
What are alternatives to uBlock Origin in Chrome?
Adblock Plus, AdGuard, and Ghostery work with Manifest V3.
Is Adblock Plus good for Chrome Manifest V3?
Yes, but it’s limited in filter options, so it’s not as strong.
Does AdGuard work with Chrome Manifest V3?
Yes, its beta version claims good blocking, but it might have bugs.
How does Ghostery handle Chrome Manifest V3?
It’s optimized for privacy and ad blocking, though results vary by site.
What are the best ad blockers for Chromium-based browsers?
uBlock Origin Lite, Adblock Plus, AdGuard, Ghostery, and Brave’s Shields.
Can I switch browsers to keep uBlock Origin?
Yes, Firefox and LibreWolf fully support it.
Does Firefox support uBlock Origin with Manifest V3?
Firefox doesn’t use Manifest V3, so uBlock Origin works fully.
What’s LibreWolf?
A privacy-focused Firefox version with uBlock Origin built-in.
Is Brave a good alternative to Chrome?
Yes, its Shields block ads without Manifest V3 issues.
Why is uBlock Origin popular?
It’s fast, light, and blocks ads and trackers well.
What does Manifest V3 stop uBlock Origin from doing?
Blocking dynamically and hiding ad spaces.
Can I use uBlock Origin on Edge?
Not fully—Edge uses Manifest V3 too.
Does Vivaldi support uBlock Origin?
Not fully—it’s Chromium-based and follows Manifest V3.
What’s open-source licensing?
It lets anyone see, change, and share software code.
Is uBlock Origin open-source?
Yes, under the GNU General Public License v3.
Is Firefox open-source?
Yes, under the Mozilla Public License.
Is LibreWolf open-source?
Yes, based on Firefox’s open-source code.
Why does open-source matter for ad blockers?
It builds trust—no hidden code sneaking around.
What’s Web3?
A decentralized internet using blockchain tech.
What are NFTs?
Unique digital items on a blockchain, like art or collectibles.
How does Brave use Web3?
With BAT, a crypto token, and NFT wallet support.
What’s BAT in Brave?
Basic Attention Token—you earn it by viewing ads.
Can I earn money with Brave?
Yes, BAT tokens for viewing ads, tradable on exchanges.
Does Brave’s ad blocker need Manifest V3?
No, Shields is built-in and skips Manifest V3 limits.
Is Brave’s Web3 safe?
It’s secure, but crypto can be risky—research it.
Why switch to Firefox for uBlock Origin?
It keeps all uBlock Origin features without Manifest V3.
Does Firefox share my data?
Some anonymized data, but you can opt out.
How do I stop Firefox data sharing?
Go to settings and turn off telemetry.
Is LibreWolf better than Firefox for privacy?
Yes, it has stricter defaults like no tracking.
What’s letterboxing in LibreWolf?
It stops sites from fingerprinting your screen size.
Why does LibreWolf disable WebGL?
To block tracking through graphics data.
Can I use uBlock Origin Lite on Firefox?
No need—full uBlock Origin works fine there.
How do I test ad blockers?
Visit ad-heavy sites and see what gets through.
What’s the best browser for privacy?
LibreWolf, thanks to its open-source privacy tweaks.
Does Brave support NFTs directly?
Yes, via its built-in wallet for Web3.
Can I use BAT without viewing ads?
No, you earn BAT by opting into ads.
Is Chrome closed-source?
Mostly, unlike Firefox and LibreWolf.
What happens to uBlock Origin after June 2025?
It’ll only work as Lite in Chrome, fully elsewhere.
Are there risks with AdGuard’s beta?
Yes, bugs might let some ads slip through.
Why do some prefer Brave’s Shields?
It’s built-in, fast, and skips extension limits.
Can I use multiple ad blockers in Chrome?
Yes, but they might clash—test one at a time.
How do I install LibreWolf?
Download it from LibreWolf.net.
What’s the future of ad blockers in Chrome?
They’ll adapt to Manifest V3 or push users to other browsers.
Should I care about Web3 for ad blocking?
Only if you like Brave’s crypto model—otherwise, stick to basics.

Key Citations

>>> Read more in the next post Best Privacy Browsers 2025