For quite a few years now, there has been a difference between the chrome app for a smartphone and the browser for the computer. The browser for the computer can be enhanced and empowered with extensions, while the former is just a fast browser for your phone.
Fortunately, it is now possible for android users to use their favourite desktop chrome extensions on their phones. It is not available on the default chrome browser for android smartphones, however TV browser, will let you use desktop chrome extensions on mobile. It is an app based on chrome and offers the same experience.
Step1: Download the Latest Version of Kiwi Browser
To begin taking advantage of the browser you can download it from the play store for free.
There is a chance that the latest version may not be available since it is a relatively new release. After you have installed the latest play store version of the app, Navigate to your phone’s settings. There, select KV browser in the apps menu. At the bottom of the screen, look for the number of the version. If the version is not 79 or higher, you have two options. You can either wait for the update or sideload the latest version.
In case waiting is not your thing, make sure “unknown sources“ is enabled on your phone. Then you can download the latest APK version of KV browser from the link below. Open the file after it is downloaded and press install when prompted.
Step2: Enable Developer Mode
After installing the app, open it and in the address bar type the following.
chrome://extensions
On the Next page, you will see a toggle next to “Developer mode.” Enable it.
Step3: Install Your Favorite Extensions
You can use the “qui vive App Store“ link on the chrome://extensions page to download extensions by either searching in the text box or using filters to explore the already available extensions.
Once you have found your extension, click on “add to chrome“. In the pop-up that appears next tap okay to confirm your choice. Your extension is ready to use.
Some extensions may not install on the phone and may bring up errors. However many of the popular ones shouldn’t give you any problems or issues.
Step4: Manage Your Extensions
In case you added more than one extensions, it would be useful for you to check out the extensions menu to manage your extensions. In the upper right corner of the display you will see three vertical dots. Select them and choose “extensions“.
Next, you shall be taken to the page where you enabled extensions in Step 2. However, now you will see the added extensions. On this page, you can disable extensions, explore an extension’s settings, or uninstall them from your device.
The Kiwi browser also comes with many other features like night mode, a custom Downloads folder, and external download manager support. It also has a built-in ad blocker. The only thing missing in Kiwi Browser is bookmark cloud syncing but the issue can be solved to an extent by bookmarks import/export feature.
