How to Add IDM Extension In Google Chrome [Genuine Way]

Hey there, fellow download enthusiasts! If you’re using Internet Download Manager (IDM) on your Windows PC, you already know it’s a beast. With features like lightning-fast download speeds, video grabbing, and scheduling, it’s a must-have tool. But to truly unlock its magic, you need to connect it to your web browser.

This guide is all about the crucial sidekick to the IDM desktop app: the IDM Integration Module browser extension. This little tool is what allows IDM to automatically catch download links, display the “Download with IDM” button on websites, and grab videos from streaming sites. It works seamlessly with major browsers like Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Brave.

Sometimes, the automatic installation prompt doesn’t show up, or maybe you’ve accidentally removed the extension. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to get the IDM extension installed and working perfectly in Chrome, so you can get back to downloading at top speed.

A Quick Word of Warning: The Chrome Web Store is full of fake IDM extensions, some of which can be harmful to your computer. Stick to the official methods outlined in this guide to ensure you’re getting the real, safe extension directly from the developers.

How to Add the IDM Extension to Chrome: Two Easy Methods

Getting the IDM extension into Chrome is straightforward. We’ll cover two main ways to do it: the manual “drag-and-drop” method and the direct link to the Chrome Web Store. Both work perfectly!

Method 1: Manual Installation via the CRX File (The “Drag-and-Drop”)

This is the classic method and works like a charm. It involves finding the extension file that IDM already placed on your computer and manually adding it to Chrome.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Step 1: Open Chrome’s Extension Page. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome, go to More tools, and then select Extensions. Alternatively, you can just type chrome://extensions into your address bar and press Enter.
• Step 2: Enable Developer Mode. On the Extensions page, look for a toggle switch in the top-right corner labeled Developer mode and click it to turn it on. This is essential for manual installation.
• Step 3: Locate the IDM Extension File. Open your computer’s File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you installed IDM. By default, this is usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Download Manager. Inside this folder, you’ll find a file named IDMGCExt.crx.
  
• Step 4: Drag and Drop the File. With both your File Explorer window and the Chrome Extensions page open, simply click and drag the IDMGCExt.crx file and drop it anywhere onto the Chrome Extensions page.
  
• Step 5: Confirm the Installation. Chrome will show a pop-up asking for permission to add the “IDM Integration Module.” Click the Add extension button to confirm.
  
• Step 6: Installation Complete! A new tab will open confirming that the extension has been installed successfully. You can close this tab.
  
• Step 7: Configure the Settings. Back on the Extensions page, find the newly added IDM Integration Module and click the Details button. For the best experience, we recommend enabling Allow in incognito and Allow access to file URLs.
  

And that’s it! Your IDM extension is now installed and configured. Try downloading a file to see the IDM download panel pop up.

For a visual walkthrough, check out our video guide:

Method 2: Installing from the Chrome Web Store (The Direct Link)

While you can’t find the official IDM extension by simply searching the Chrome Web Store (this is done to prevent confusion with fakes), the developers provide a direct link to the official listing. This is often the quickest way to get it installed.

Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Go to the Official Page. Click this link to go directly to the real IDM Integration Module on the Chrome Web Store: Official IDM Extension Link.
• Step 2: Add to Chrome. On the extension page, simply click the blue Add to Chrome button. A pop-up will appear; click Add extension to confirm.
• Step 3: Configure Permissions. Once installed, it’s a good idea to check its settings. Go to your Chrome Extensions page (chrome://extensions), find the IDM module, click Details, and make sure Allow in incognito is checked if you frequently browse in private mode.

That’s all there is to it! You’ve successfully installed the IDM extension using the official store link.

Pro-Tips for a Flawless IDM Experience

Getting the extension installed is the first step. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of it:

Keep Everything Updated

Browser updates can sometimes temporarily break extension compatibility. The IDM team is usually quick to release updates. Make sure both your IDM desktop application (check via “Help” -> “Check for updates…” in IDM) and your browser are on the latest versions.

What to Do If the “Download Video” Button Doesn’t Appear

If you’re on a page with a video but don’t see the IDM download panel, try refreshing the page (F5). If it still doesn’t show up, open the IDM application, go to Options > General, and make sure your browser (e.g., Google Chrome) is checked in the list of integrated browsers.

Customizing File Types

Don’t want IDM to grab every single file? You can customize what it downloads automatically. In the IDM app, go to Options > File Types. Here you can add or remove file extensions that IDM should (or shouldn’t) automatically capture.

Using IDM in Incognito Mode

Remember, for IDM to work in Chrome’s Incognito mode, you must manually enable it. Head to chrome://extensions, click Details on the IDM extension, and ensure the Allow in incognito toggle is switched on. Your privacy is still protected; this just allows IDM to see download links on pages you visit in that mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common issues users face.

• Why isn’t the IDM extension showing up in Chrome?

  If the IDM extension isn’t visible or working, try these steps in order:

  • Update IDM: The most common cause is an outdated IDM application. Open IDM, click Help > Check for updates… and install the latest version.
  • Re-install the Extension: Use one of the two methods described in this guide to install the extension again. The Web Store link (Method 2) is often the easiest fix.
  • Check if it’s Enabled: Go to chrome://extensions and make sure the toggle switch for the “IDM Integration Module” is turned on.

• Chrome says the extension “may have been corrupted.” How do I fix this?

  This is a common Chrome error. Don’t worry, it’s usually easy to fix. Simply remove the corrupted extension by clicking the “Remove” button on the chrome://extensions page, and then reinstall it using either the manual CRX file method or the Web Store link from our guide above.

• How do I re-add the IDM extension after I accidentally removed it?

  You can re-add it at any time! Just follow either Method 1 (Drag-and-Drop) or Method 2 (Web Store Link) detailed earlier in this guide. The process is the same as a first-time installation.

• Why can’t I find the IDM extension by searching the Chrome Web Store?

  The developers have hidden it from public search results to prevent users from accidentally installing the numerous fake and potentially malicious copies. The only way to get the official version from the store is by using the direct link we provided in Method 2.

We hope this guide has made installing the IDM extension a breeze! If you run into any other issues, feel free to drop a question in the comments below. Happy downloading!