Will Manifest V3 affect browser performance or battery life?

Manifest V3 was designed in part to improve browser performance and reduce unnecessary background activity from extensions. By limiting persistent background scripts and requiring extensions to use event-driven service workers, Chrome reduces constant resource consumption. In theory, this can lead to better memory management and potentially lower battery usage, especially on laptops. However, real-world impact depends on how each extension is implemented. Well-optimized ad blockers and privacy tools may run more efficiently under the new framework, while poorly optimized ones could still consume noticeable resources. Overall, most users will not experience dramatic performance changes, but they may notice slightly different behavior in how quickly rules update or how certain blocking features operate.

How do I check which Manifest version my current extension is using?

You can check which Manifest version an extension uses directly within Chrome. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions. Enable “Developer mode” in the top-right corner. Once enabled, additional technical details become visible for each installed extension. Click on “Details” for the extension you want to inspect, and look for the Manifest version listed in the extension’s information panel. It will typically display “Manifest Version 2” or “Manifest Version 3.” Extensions that have transitioned to the newer framework will explicitly show Version 3. If the version is not obvious, you can also click “View source” and open the manifest.json file, where the manifest version number is clearly defined at the top of the file.

Does this change affect Chrome on mobile devices?

Manifest V3 primarily affects Chrome extensions on desktop browsers, as Chrome for Android and iOS does not support traditional browser extensions in the same way desktop Chrome does. On Android, most users rely on system-level features or browsers that offer built-in blocking rather than extension-based solutions. On iOS, Apple’s browser architecture uses a different content-blocking system entirely. As a result, the transition from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3 mainly impacts desktop environments like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile users may not notice any direct changes unless they use alternative mobile browsers that support extensions through their own extension frameworks.

Does Incognito mode change how Manifest V3 restrictions apply?

Incognito mode does not remove or bypass Manifest V3 restrictions. The same technical limitations and rule constraints apply whether you are browsing in regular or Incognito mode. However, extensions must be explicitly enabled to run in Incognito mode, which you can configure in Chrome’s extension settings. If enabled, the extension operates under the same Manifest V3 architecture and rule limits as it does in normal browsing sessions. Incognito mode primarily isolates browsing data such as history and cookies from your main profile, but it does not alter the underlying extension API structure. Therefore, Manifest V3 restrictions remain consistent regardless of browsing mode.

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Adblocker Not Working On Chrome? Here's What To Do

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Key Points:

Google's Manifest V3 update for Chrome extensions has hindered the effectiveness of some adblockers.
Ghostery and uBlock Origin Lite are alternative adblockers optimized for Manifest V3, and open-source options ensure privacy.
Firefox and Safari browsers, along with private browsers like Brave, offer robust ad-blocking and privacy features unaffected by Manifest V3.

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Google Chrome to Limit Ad-blocking Extensions

Changes to Chrome’s extension platform have significantly reshaped how ad blockers work in the browser.

Google has replaced its older extension framework, Manifest V2, with Manifest V3. This transition changes the technical foundation extensions rely on and directly affects tools that depend on advanced network filtering, including ad blockers and privacy extensions.

Manifest V3 introduces a new architecture designed to enhance security, performance, and extension transparency. However, it also limits how extensions can access and filter network requests. Instead of using more flexible, real-time blocking methods, extensions must now rely on rule-based systems with predefined filtering limits.

For ad blockers and privacy tools, this means adapting to stricter technical constraints. Some users may notice differences in how certain ads, trackers, or complex filtering scenarios are handled, depending on how each extension has implemented the new framework.

Several digital rights organizations, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have publicly raised concerns about the impact these changes could have on user choice and the effectiveness of content-blocking tools.

The broader conversation continues to focus on balancing browser security and performance with user control, customization, and strong privacy protections.

Manifest V3 [...] will restrict the capabilities of web extensions — especially those that are designed to monitor, modify, and compute alongside the conversation your browser has with the websites you visit. Under the new specifications, extensions like these — like some privacy-protective tracker blockers — will have greatly reduced capabilities. Google’s efforts to limit that access is concerning, especially considering that Google has trackers installed on 75% of the top one million websites.
— Electronic Frontier Foundation

Many people expect users to report issues with their adblock in Chrome not working effectively after the update to Manifest V3.

Why Some Adblockers Stopped Working on Chrome

To understand why your adblocker might not be working as well as it used to, it's important to grasp the basics of the update. In essence, a manifest is a new set of rules dictating how extensions can interact with web pages and the browser itself.

The changes introduced by Manifest V3 directly impact how adblockers operate. Chrome limits their effectiveness. In some cases, Chrome may have disabled your current adblocker altogether.

As a result, you may encounter various issues with your adblocker on Chrome. Some common problems include more ads appearing on websites you visit, slower page load times, and a general sense that your adblocker isn't performing as efficiently as it used to.

Many are frustrated with their adblock not working in Chrome, particularly when trying to filter out YouTube ads. Some users have noticed issues with Adblock Plus not working on Chrome, which has raised concerns about the new Manifest V3's impact.

These issues can be annoying, but fortunately there are steps you can take to mitigate the impact of Manifest V3.

How To Fix Adblock Not Working On Google Chrome

Use Alternative Adblockers

While some popular adblockers have struggled to adapt to the Manifest V3 update, others have managed to maintain their effectiveness.

If you find that your current adblocker isn't cutting it anymore, consider switching to an alternative that has been optimized for the new extension platform.

Two notable examples are Ghostery and uBlock Origin Lite, both of which perform well under Manifest V3.

How To Find An Adblocker That Works

When searching for a new adblocker, it's crucial to exercise caution. Some extension stores may contain malicious or ineffective extensions masquerading as legitimate adblockers.

To avoid falling victim to these deceptive practices, look for recommended badges or endorsements from reputable sources. Additionally, consider asking friends or trusted online communities for their suggestions, rather than relying solely on search results.

Another important factor to consider when choosing an adblocker is whether it is open-source. Open-source extensions provide transparency, allowing users to inspect the code and verify that the adblocker is doing what it claims without compromising privacy.

Opting for an open-source solution is the best way to ensure that your adblocker is trustworthy and effective. Open source extensions will typically advertise this fact and provide a link to the source code repository.

Use Alternative Browsers

It's worth noting that the Manifest V3 update primarily affects Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. If you're willing to explore alternative browsers, you may find that your adblocker works just fine on platforms like Firefox or Safari.

While Chrome started deprecating Manifest V2 in June 2024, the timeline for other browsers was less clear. Firefox stated that it will continue supporting Manifest V2, while Chromium-based browsers may have the flexibility to maintain Manifest V2 support for some time.

Many modern browsers are based on Chromium, a Google project that also powers Chrome.

Chrome leads the way for Manifest V3, while other browsers hesitate to follow. However, Chromium-based browsers will likely adopt Manifest V3 eventually to improve security.

Ad blocker developers, constrained by limited resources, will adapt their extensions to maintain compatibility across browsers. Most open-source ad blockers are run by small teams, making it impractical to support multiple codebases.

That said, private browsers such as Brave, or Firefox with an adblocker installed, offer robust ad-blocking capabilities along with additional privacy features. These browsers can block ads and trackers and better protect your data from third-parties.

If you decide to switch or use an alternative browser for some purposes, consider moving to Firefox and installing an adblocker. Firefox is a mainstream browser with a reputation for being privacy-focused and offers a wide range of extensions, including many well-regarded adblockers.

READ: How to install add-ons on Firefox

Bottom Line

The shift to Manifest V3 has reshaped how adblockers and privacy extensions operate in Chrome. While some adblock tools struggled to adapt to the new framework, others have redesigned their filtering engines to work efficiently within Manifest V3 and continue offering strong protection. Modern adblock extensions now rely on smarter rule management and optimized filtering strategies to maintain high levels of ad and tracker blocking.

Privacy-focused browsers have taken different approaches. Mozilla and Apple continue to support extension systems that allow broader filtering capabilities. Meanwhile, Brave integrates its own built-in ad block engine directly into the browser, independent of Chrome’s extension limitations.

Ghostery continues to evolve across browsers, adapting to Manifest V3 while maintaining transparency and user control. We actively advocate for strong extension APIs and develop privacy tools that work reliably within each browser’s ecosystem.

When choosing a new free adblocker, look for recommended badges, transparency, open-source development, regular updates, and clear communication about how protection works. Independent reviews and trusted recommendations can also help guide your decision.

As always, get in touch with our team if you have any questions.

Adblocker Not Working On Chrome? Here's What To Do

Key Points:

Google Chrome to Limit Ad-blocking Extensions

Why Some Adblockers Stopped Working on Chrome