# GNOME Shell integration

> This extension provides integration with GNOME Shell and the corresponding extensions repository https://extensions.gnome.org

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-shell-integration](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-shell-integration)

## Overview

- **ID:** `gnome-shell-integration`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Yuri Konotopov
- **Category:** download-management,alerts-updates
- **Daily users:** 127,734
- **Weekly downloads:** 489
- **Rating:** 4.29 / 5 (273 ratings)
- **Version:** 12.1
- **Last updated:** 2025-10-13
- **First published:** 2016-11-18
- **Size:** 143 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-08
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/gnome-shell-integration/)
- **Website:** [https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-browser-extension](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-browser-extension)

## Description

The GNOME Shell Integration Chrome extension enables users to connect their browser directly with GNOME Shell and browse GNOME extensions available at https://extensions.gnome.org. To utilize this extension fully, users must install the native connector, available as the "chrome-gnome-shell" package across popular Linux distributions such as Arch Linux, Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, and Ubuntu. Manual installation instructions are provided on the official GNOME wiki, ensuring flexibility for all users. Enhance your GNOME desktop environment effortlessly with seamless browser integration.

## Rankings

- #144 — Overall
- #8 — Alerts & Updates
- #11 — Download Management
- #3 — integration
- #15 — station
- #26 — sell

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `nativeMessaging`
- `notifications`
- `storage`
- `tabs`

### Host permissions

- `https://extensions.gnome.org/`
- `https://extensions-next.gnome.org/`

### Content script matches

- `extensions.gnome.org`
- `extensions-next.gnome.org`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** High risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
- This extension was updated more than 6 months ago. Older versions are more likely to be stable and safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

Users generally find the GNOME Shell integration add-on reliable and useful for managing shell extensions, but several reviewers prefer the newer Extensions Manager (flatpak) or desktop integration. Recurring concerns are compatibility with specific Firefox/distribution versions and uncertainty about the add-on’s future updates.

### Pros

- Generally reliable — multiple users report it "does what it's supposed to" and works well.
- Positive reception — users appreciate having access to GNOME Shell extensions via the add-on, especially when their distro requires it.

### Cons

- Users prefer the newer Extensions Manager (flatpak) or native desktop integration over the browser add-on.
- Compatibility and maintenance concerns — reports of issues with certain Firefox versions (e.g., Debian 12) and uncertainty about future updates.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Shell Extension Connector](https://chrome-stats.com/d/shell-extension-connector) — 11 users
- [Shell Connect](https://chrome-stats.com/d/shell-connect) — 132 users, 1.00 / 5
- [GNOME Extensions Hub](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-extensions-hub) — 141 users
- [Native Connector Installer](https://chrome-stats.com/d/native-connector-installer) — 11 users
- [GNOME Integration Enhancer](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-integration-enhancer) — 18 users
- [GNOME Extension Manager](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-extension-manager) — 493 users
- [Compatibility Checker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/compatibility-checker) — 5 users
- [GNOME Shell Bridge Pro](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-shell-bridge-pro) — 1 users
- [GNOME Extensions Hub Advanced](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-extensions-hub-advanced) — 2 users
- [ShellLink](https://chrome-stats.com/d/shelllink) — 1 users
- [KDE Connect](https://chrome-stats.com/d/kde_connect) — 1,438 users, 4.07 / 5
- [Tab search provider for GNOME](https://chrome-stats.com/d/tab-search-provider-for-gnome) — 34 users, 5.00 / 5

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnome-shell-integration)