Troubleshooting Center

✦ Extension Creator Support

Let’s get your extension working.

Find clear fixes for build errors, downloads, ZIP files, Load Unpacked, revisions, and common Chrome extension problems.

Searches the step-by-step guides below. This is not an AI chat.

1Read the error

Start with the message shown on your project. It usually tells us which step needs attention.

2Try the recommended fix

Use Retry or revise the request when the project page gives you that option.

3Get support if it repeats

If the same error returns, contact us with your project ID so we can investigate it.

Troubleshooting topics

Choose a problem below or search using the box above.

Builds and project errorsFailed, paused, stuck, or incomplete projects
My extension build failed
  1. Open My Projects and select the project.
  2. Read the error message and use Retry if it is available.
  3. If your request is very broad, revise it around one clear goal and the features needed to accomplish it.
  4. If the same error happens again, contact support with the project ID and the exact error shown.
My project appears stuck or is taking too long
You may leave the page while a build is processing. Check My Projects for its current status. Do not start several copies of the same project. If the status does not change after a reasonable wait, send us the project ID.
The same error keeps happening
Do not keep spending time repeating the same step. Try one retry, then check whether your instructions contain conflicting features or missing details. If it fails again, use the support link below and include your project ID. This lets us inspect the correct build instead of guessing.
The extension was built, but it does not do what I requested
Use a revision and describe the difference between the current behavior and the behavior you expected. Focus on the goal, where it should work, what should trigger it, and what the result should be. Test each revision before requesting another change.
Downloads and ZIP filesFinding, extracting, and opening your project
I cannot find my download
Sign in and open My Downloads. If the build just finished, refresh the page once. Make sure you are signed into the same account used to create the project.
My download link expired or does not open
Return to My Downloads and use the current download button instead of an older browser tab or saved temporary link. If the new button also fails, contact support with the project ID.
Why do I need to extract the ZIP?
Chrome’s Load Unpacked feature needs a normal folder containing manifest.json and the extension files. Download the ZIP, choose Extract or Unzip, then select the extracted extension folder in Chrome—not the ZIP file itself.
Which folder do I select in Load Unpacked?
Select the folder that directly contains manifest.json. If you open the folder and only see another folder, go one level deeper. Do not select your entire Downloads folder.
Installing with Load UnpackedTesting your extension in Chrome
How do I load my extension into Chrome?
  1. Download and extract the ZIP.
  2. Open chrome://extensions.
  3. Turn on Developer mode.
  4. Select Load unpacked.
  5. Choose the extracted folder containing manifest.json.

See the complete Load Unpacked guide.

Chrome says “Manifest file is missing or unreadable”
The wrong folder was selected, the ZIP was not extracted, or the manifest is missing. Open the extracted files and locate manifest.json, then select the folder containing it. If no manifest exists, contact support with the project ID.
Chrome says the manifest is invalid
Remove the extension from chrome://extensions, download a fresh copy, extract it again, and retry. If Chrome still shows the error, copy the complete red error message and send it with your project ID.
I changed a file, but Chrome still shows the old version
Open chrome://extensions and click the reload icon on the extension card. Then refresh the webpage where you are testing. Some background or permission changes may require removing and loading the extension again.
Extension behaviorPermissions, webpages, popups, and service workers
The extension loads but nothing happens
Confirm you are testing on a page the extension is allowed to access. Reload the extension and then reload the test webpage. If the extension has a toolbar button, pin it and open it. Note the exact page and action that failed before requesting a revision.
The extension does not work on a specific website
The website may not be included in the extension’s allowed site matches, or Chrome may be blocking site access. Open the extension’s Details page and check Site access. If the target website was not part of your original request, add it in a revision.
Chrome shows a service worker error
Open chrome://extensions, find the extension, and select the service worker error link to view the details. Reload once. If it returns, copy the error text and send it with the project ID; the exact message is necessary to identify the broken file or event.
The popup, side panel, or context menu is missing
Pin the extension and check its toolbar button first. Side panels may open from Chrome’s side-panel control, and context menus only appear on the page elements they were designed for. If the expected interface is still absent, describe exactly where it should appear in a revision.
Revisions and testingGetting a better result without starting over
What should I write in a revision?
State what happens now, what should happen instead, where it should work, and the action that triggers it. Example: “When I click Save in the popup, store the text and show it again when I reopen the popup.” Avoid replacing the entire request unless you truly want a different extension.
Should I request several changes at once?
Small related changes can be combined. Test major features one at a time so you know which change caused a new problem. For unrelated features, make the highest-priority correction first.
How do I report a useful error?
Include the project ID, the exact steps you took, what you expected, what happened instead, the webpage where you tested, and the complete Chrome error text. A screenshot is helpful, but the written error message is even better.
Accounts, credits, and publishingAccess, purchases, and Chrome Web Store questions
I purchased credits, but they are not showing
Confirm you are signed into the account used at checkout, then refresh your account or project page. Do not purchase the same package again while the first payment is being checked. Contact us with the order number if the balance remains incorrect.
I cannot sign in or access my projects
Use the password reset option on My Account. Make sure you use the same email address used during registration or checkout. If the reset email does not arrive, check spam before contacting support.
Does a successful build guarantee Chrome Web Store approval?
No. Google reviews extensions under its current technical and policy requirements. You are responsible for testing, accurate disclosures, requested permissions, privacy information, listing assets, and policy compliance. Use our publishing guide as a starting point.
I have a billing or refund question
Review the Refund and Returns Policy, then contact us with the email address used at checkout and the relevant order or project number.
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