Search guides

Fix an extension that breaks a site

We'll find which extension breaks the site, disable it or whitelist the site, so you can use both the extension and the site.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • Computer with the browser and extensions installed
Step 1 of 7

Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Show full guide

Steps

Goal: Find which extension breaks the site and disable it or whitelist the site.

  • Open the site in incognito (Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+N; Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+P).
  • Good: The site works in incognito—an extension is the cause. Proceed to Disable extensions one by one.
  • Bad: The site still breaks—the problem may be the site or your connection. See When to get help.

Disable extensions one by one

Goal: Find which extension breaks the site.

  • Chrome: chrome://extensions. Firefox: about:addons. Edge: edge://extensions.
  • Turn off half of your extensions, reload the site, and test. If the site works, re-enable and narrow down.
  • Good: You found the extension. Proceed to Whitelist the site.
  • Bad: Still breaks with all off—run the browser in safe mode to confirm.

Safe mode

Goal: Run the browser with all extensions disabled.

  • Firefox: hold Shift and click the Firefox icon, or run firefox -safe-mode.
  • Chrome: close Chrome, run chrome.exe —disable-extensions from the command line.
  • Edge: run msedge.exe —disable-extensions.
  • Open the site. If it works, an extension is the cause. Return to normal mode and disable extensions one by one.
  • Good: Site works in safe mode. Find the extension in normal mode.
  • Bad: Site still breaks—problem is not an extension.

Whitelist

Goal: Add the site to the extension allow list so the site works with the extension on.

  • Click the extension icon on the broken site. Look for “Disable on this site,” “Whitelist,” or “Allow.”
  • Add the site to the allow list. Reload.
  • Good: The site works with the extension still on.
  • Bad: No whitelist option—disable the extension for that site only or try a different extension.

When to get help

If the site breaks in incognito with all extensions off, the problem is not an extension—it may be the site, your connection, or browser compatibility. Try another browser. If the site works for others but not you, check your network or contact the site support.

Verification

  • The site loads and works correctly.
  • The extension still works on other sites (if whitelisted) or is disabled only for the broken site.
  • No error messages or broken layout on the site.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Test in incognito Confirm the site works without extensions.
  2. Disable one by one Find which extension breaks the site.
  3. Safe mode Run browser with extensions disabled to isolate.
  4. Whitelist or disable for site Add site to extension allow list or disable for that page.
  5. Get help If site breaks with all extensions off, problem is elsewhere.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Site URL
  • Extensions installed
  • Whether incognito works
  • Extension that breaks the site

Does the site work in incognito or private mode?

Incognito usually disables extensions. If the site works there, an extension is likely the cause.

Open the site in incognito (Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+N; Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+P). Good: site works in incognito—extension is the cause. Bad: site still breaks—problem may be the site or connection.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Disable extensions one by one

Turn off half, test. If site works, narrow down.

Chrome: chrome://extensions. Firefox: about:addons. Edge: edge://extensions. Disable half, reload the site. If it works, re-enable and narrow down. Good: found the extension. Bad: still breaks with all off—try safe mode.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Can you whitelist the site in the extension?

Many ad blockers and privacy extensions have a per-site allow list.

Click the extension icon on the broken site. Look for "Disable on this site" or "Whitelist" or "Allow." Add the site. Good: site works with extension on. Bad: no whitelist—disable the extension for that site or try a different extension.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Disable extension for that site only

Use extension settings to exclude the site. Ad blockers: "Do not run on this page." If you need the extension elsewhere, leave it disabled for this site only.

Done

Run browser in safe mode

Firefox: Shift+click icon or firefox -safe-mode. Chrome/Edge: --disable-extensions.

Run the browser with all extensions disabled. If the site works, an extension is the cause. Disable extensions one by one in normal mode to find it.

Done

Site works

The extension is whitelisted or disabled for the site. Continue using both.

Done

Get help

If the site breaks in incognito with all extensions off, the problem is not an extension. Try another browser or check your connection.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if an extension is breaking a site?
Test in incognito/private mode (extensions are usually disabled there). If the site works in incognito but not in normal mode, an extension is likely the cause. Disable extensions one by one to find the culprit.
Which extensions most often break sites?
Ad blockers, privacy extensions (blocking trackers or scripts), and translation extensions. They can block scripts, images, or cookies the site needs. Whitelist the site in the extension if possible.
What is safe mode in Firefox?
Firefox safe mode runs with extensions and themes disabled. Hold Shift and click the Firefox icon, or run firefox -safe-mode. If the site works in safe mode, an extension is the cause.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to