Browser extensions are popular add-ons that people like using on their desktop computers. But they haven’t been available much on mobile browser versions, which is frustrating. This could finally be changing, though – soon, Microsoft Edge users on Android phones will be able to install extensions, too.
Microsoft is already testing allowing extensions in the Android Edge mobile browser in their experimental Canary Channel version. So, the capability is also coming to the regular stable release of Edge for Android, probably soon.
Installing extensions in Edge for Android is now possible in the Canary version.
Thanks to Twitter user @Leopeva64, We have learned that in the latest build of Edge Canary, a flag can be activated to activate extensions in Edge for Android.
It will be possible to install extensions in Edge for Android!:https://t.co/18lG5nYyad pic.twitter.com/Sj744tPo6z
— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) January 31, 2024
To activate this flag, follow the following steps:
- Writes edge://flags in the Edge Canary address bar on Android.
- Look for the flag #edge-extensions-android and activate it.
- Restart the Navigator.
- Extensions will be available as an option within the Edge three-dot menu.
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed yet if installing extensions will also be possible on the iOS version of Edge mobile. But logically, it would also make sense for them to add the capability there.
Allowing users to add extensions is a major feature Edge mobile users have been asking for a long time. So finally, meeting this demand should be a big distinguishing factor compared to rivals like Chrome on Android, which still lacks even a built-in ad blocker like Edge has.
I’m looking forward to installing AdGuard on my Android device when this rolls out. In my experience, AdGuard offers the most effective ad blocking. I’ve never felt the built-in AdBlock Plus blocker Edge uses on Android can match up to competitors like uBlock Origin or AdGuard.
