Where Google Chrome extensions are stored on Android and how to find them

Extensions for Google Chrome on Android work differently than on desktop versions browser. If on a PC you can easily find the folder with plugins in the user profile, then on a smartphone everything is more complicated. The mobile version of Chrome does not support classic extensions in the usual format; instead, they use .crx - are used instead web applications (PWA) or a limited set of built-in functions. But what if you still need to find extension files? Is this possible?

In this article we will look at where extension data is physically stored (if any), how to access it through ADB or a file manager with rights root, and why standard methods for transferring plugins from PC to Android do not are working. You will also find out what alternatives exist to extend the functionality of Chrome on mobile devices.

Why Chrome extensions on Android are not stored like on a PC

The main reason is architectural limitations Android and policies Google Play. Unlike the desktop version, mobile Chrome:

• 🚫 Does not support classic extensions (format .crx). All the plugins that you install on your PC are simply not compatible with Android.
• 🔒 Uses isolated sandboxes per application. Access to system folders is limited even for the browser.
• 📱 Works through WebView —an Android component that is not intended for installing extensions.
• 🛡️ Subject to the rules of Google Play, which prohibits modification of the browser by third-party scripts for reasons security.

Instead of extensions, Google offers:

• 🌐 Progressive Web Apps (PWA) —web applications that can be “installed” on the home screen.
• 🔧 Built-in Chrome functions (for example, translator, Lite Mode ad blocker).
• 📱 Third-party browsers with support for extensions (for example, Kiwi Browser or Firefox).

However, some extension data (for example, cache or PWA settings) is still stored on the device. We will look at where exactly.

Where the data of extensions and PWAs is stored in Chrome for Android

If you have installed Progressive Web App (for example, Twitter Lite or Spotify Web), its data is stored in the following folders:

Please note: these paths are relevant for standard version of Chrome (package com.android.chrome). If you use Chrome Beta, Dev or Canary, replace com.android.chrome with:

• com.chrome.beta — for the beta version;
• com.chrome.dev — for the developer version;
• com.chrome.canary — for the canary.

Important: even with root access, editing these files may cause Chrome to crash. Backup is a must!

How to access extension files without root

Without superuser rights (root), you will not be able to directly view folders /data/data/. However, there are workarounds:

Method 1: Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

If your device has USB debuggingenabled, you can use ADB to extract the data. Instructions: USB debugging to your PC and open the command line (or

Install Android SDK Platform Tools on PC|Enable developer mode on your phone (click on the build number 7 times)|Activate USB debugging in developer settings|Connect your phone to your PC and confirm trust in the computer-->

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open Command Prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).

2. Check the connection with the command:

   adb devices

   Wait for the serial number of your device to appear.

3. Back up your Chrome data (without root it will be limited backup):

   adb backup -f chrome_backup.ab -apk com.android.chrome

4. Unpack the resulting file chrome_backup.ab using tools like abe (Android Backup Extractor).

⚠️ Attention: ADB backup without root does not include WebView or Service Worker data. You will only receive settings, bookmarks and history.

Method 2: Export via Chrome Sync

The easiest way to transfer data (but not extension files!) is to use built-in synchronization:

1. Open Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → Synchronization and Google services.
2. Enable synchronization for Bookmarks, Stories and Passwords.
3. Login on another device using the same account - the data will be downloaded automatically.

Method 3: Third-party file managers with access to Android/data

Some applications (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) can access the folder /Android/data/ without root, but:

• 🔐 They will not see /data/data/ —only open folders.
• 📁 You can view PWA cache in /Android/data/com.android.chrome/files/Download, but not system files.

How to install "extensions" on Chrome for Android: workarounds

Since classic extensions are not supported, consider the alternatives:

1. Browsers with support for extensions

Several browsers based on Chromium allow you to install plugins:

• 🦜 Kiwi Browser - supports extensions from Chrome Web Store (for example, uBlock Origin, Dark Reader).
• 🦊 Firefox for Android - has its own collection of addons (but not compatible with Chrome extensions).
• 🌍 Brave Browser —blocks ads by default and supports some extensions.

🔹 How to install the extension in Kiwi Browser:

1. Download Kiwi Browser from Google Play.
2. Open ⋮ → Extensions.
3. Click "Add from Chrome Web Store" and select the desired plugin.

2. Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Many services (for example, Telegram Web, Notion, Figma) offer PWA versions that work as separate applications. To install a PWA:

1. Open the site in Chrome (for example, web.telegram.org).
2. Click ⋮ → Install the application (or the "+" icon in the address bar).
3. App will appear on the main screen and will work separately from the browser.

3. User scripts via Tampermonkey

If you need userscripts (for example, to change the design of sites), install:

1. Tampermonkey from Google Play.
2. Open Chrome, go to a site with custom scripts (for example, Greasy Fork).
3. Click "Install" - the script will be added to Tampermonkey and will work in Chrome.

Is it possible to transfer extensions from PC to Android?

Technically - no, but there are partial solutions:

Compatibility problem

Extensions for desktop Chrome:

• 🖥️ Compiled for the architecture x86/x64, and not ARM (as on most smartphones).
• 🔌 Use APIs not available in the mobile version Chrome.
• 📜 Stored in a format .crxthat Android does not recognize as executable.

Workarounds

If you critically need to transfer the functionality of the extension:

1. Find an analogue in the form of a PWA or web service. For example, instead extensions Grammarly use the web version app.grammarly.com.

2. Use a browser that supports extensions (as described above).

3. Set up a proxy or VPN with content filtering (for example, AdGuard DNS to block ads).

⚠️ Attention: Installing modified versions of Chrome (for example Chrome with a patch for extensions) violates Google's terms of service and may lead to account blocking. In addition, such assemblies often contain malicious code.

What to do if the extension does not work on Android

If you are trying to use the extension via Kiwi Browser or another supporting browser, but it does not work, check:

• 🔄 Update the browser and extension to the latest version.
• 📱 Check compatibility —many extensions do not officially support mobile devices.
• 🔒 Disable ad blockers (for example, AdBlock), which may conflict with other plugins.
• 🛠️ Clear browser cache in settings (⋮ → History → Clear data).

If the problem persists:

1. Try install the extension in incognito mode (if your browser supports it).
2. Check error logs via chrome://extensions (in Kiwi Browser).
3. Contact developer extensions —some plugins have mobile versions with limited functionality.

Security: risks when working with extension files

Attempts to manually edit Chrome files or install unofficial extensions are fraught with:

• 🛡️ Data leak —modified browsers can transfer your history to third parties individuals.
• 🔴 Blocking your Google account for violating the terms of use (if you use uncertified assemblies).
• 🐛 Unstable browser operation - changing system files without root can lead to crashes.
• 📵 Loss of warranty (if you get root access).

🔹 How to minimize risks:

• Use only official browsers from Google Play.
• Do not install extensions from unverified sources (for example, APK files from forums).
• Regularly update the browser and plugins.
• For testing, use a second Google accountnot associated with the main services.

⚠️ Attention: If you notice that after installing a Chrome extension begins to consume more traffic or battery, immediately remove the plugin and check your device for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Chrome extensions on Android

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