Google Chrome to End Support for Legacy Ad Blockers Soon

WHO:

The Verge - Google is the organization implementing the changes to Chrome.

9to5Google - A Googler commented on the removal of support for MV2 extensions.

WHAT:

The Verge - Google has found a number of bugs specific to MV2 lately, which contributed to the decision to remove support for MV2 extensions.

9to5Google - The removal of the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag is referred to as "dead code" since Chrome no longer supports Manifest V2 extensions.

9to5Google - A limited DevTools method for MV2 extensions will persist but requires manually patching page elements each session and is not practical for daily use.

The Verge - Google Chrome is removing support for MV2 extensions and associated functionality.

9to5Google - The transition to Manifest V3 will end support for many ad blocker tools, including popular ones like uBlock Origin.

9to5Google - Chrome 150 will remove the "ExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag, which was a workaround for using MV2 extensions.

9to5Google - Chrome 151 is expected to remove remaining flags related to MV2 extensions.

WHERE:

9to5Google - The changes are being implemented in Google Chrome, which is a web browser.

WHEN:

9to5Google - Chrome 150 is expected to remove the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag on June 30, 2026.

9to5Google - Chrome 151 is expected to remove the remaining flags related to MV2 extensions in July 2026.

9to5Google - Chrome 150 is expected to be released on June 30, 2026.

9to5Google - Chrome 151 is expected to be released in July 2026.

WHY:

The Verge - The removal of MV2 support is due to complexity, tech debt, and security risks associated with maintaining this functionality.

9to5Google - Users have criticized the transition to Manifest V3 for breaking most ad blockers due to a new permissions structure and a focus on privacy.

HOW:

9to5Google - The removal of the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag acts as the final stop for many Manifest V2-based ad blocker extensions that were still in use.

9to5Google - The removal of the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag is part of the process to close loopholes for MV2 extensions.

(UPDATED June 16, 2026 12:37 UTC)

Google has identified several bugs related to Manifest V2, leading to the decision to discontinue support for MV2 extensions. As part of this transition, Chrome 150 is set to remove the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag on June 30, 2026, marking the end for many ad blocker extensions still relying on Manifest V2. While a limited DevTools method for MV2 extensions will remain available, it requires manual adjustments each session and is not practical for everyday use.

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(UPDATED June 16, 2026 06:54 UTC)

Google is set to remove support for MV2 extensions in Chrome, a decision that will impact many popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin. The upcoming release of Chrome 150 on June 30, 2026, will eliminate the "ExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag, which allowed users to continue using these extensions, while Chrome 151 is expected to follow in July 2026 with further removals. This transition to Manifest V3 is driven by concerns over complexity, tech debt, and security risks, sparking criticism from users who feel it undermines their ad-blocking capabilities.