Fix Grammarly Extension Not Working in Chrome

If the Grammarly extension stops working in Chrome, the fix is usually to remove and re-add the extension, clear the browser cache, or update Chrome and the extension. This article walks through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to get Grammarly’s suggestions appearing again in your browser.

Why Grammarly Extension Stops Working

The Grammarly extension relies on Chrome’s extension system to inject its writing suggestions into text fields. When it fails, the cause is often one of these:

• Outdated extension or browser – Chrome updates can change how extensions work, and an old Grammarly version may not be compatible.
• Conflicting extensions – Other writing tools or ad blockers can interfere with Grammarly’s script.
• Corrupted cache or cookies – Chrome’s stored data can prevent the extension from loading properly.
• Site restrictions – Some websites (like password fields or code editors) intentionally block Grammarly.
• Disabled extension – Chrome may automatically disable an extension if it’s not from the Web Store or if it crashes.

Understanding the root cause helps you choose the right fix rather than trying random solutions.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these simple steps—they resolve most cases without deeper troubleshooting.

1. Toggle the extension off and on – Go to chrome://extensions, find Grammarly, and switch it off, wait a few seconds, then switch it back on.
2. Refresh the page – Press Ctrl+R (Windows) or Cmd+R (Mac) after toggling.
3. Restart Chrome – Close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser.
4. Check if Grammarly works on a different site – Try a new Gmail compose window or a Google Doc. If it works there, the issue is site-specific.

If none of these help, move on to the more thorough fixes below.

Remove and Reinstall the Extension

A clean reinstall often clears corrupted extension files. Here’s how:

1. Open chrome://extensions in Chrome.
2. Find Grammarly and click Remove.
3. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Grammarly for Chrome”.
4. Click Add to Chrome and confirm the prompt.
5. After installation, click the Grammarly icon in the toolbar and sign in again.

This resets all extension settings and permissions, which usually fixes persistent issues. Note that you’ll need to re-enter any custom settings like your preferred dictionary or tone preferences.

Clear Chrome Cache and Cookies

Chrome’s cached data can become stale and interfere with the extension. Clearing it is safe—it won’t delete your bookmarks or passwords, but it will log you out of some websites.

1. Click the three-dot menu in Chrome, go to More tools > Clear browsing data.
2. Select a time range of “All time”.
3. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear data.
5. Restart Chrome and test Grammarly again.

If you don’t want to log out of everything, you can clear only cached images and files first. That alone often resolves the issue.

Update Chrome and the Grammarly Extension

Running an outdated browser or extension is a common cause. Chrome updates automatically, but you can force a check:

1. Go to chrome://settings/help. Chrome will check for updates and install them if available.
2. Click Relaunch if prompted.
3. After Chrome restarts, go to chrome://extensions and enable Developer mode in the top-right corner.
4. Click Update to force all extensions to update.
5. Disable Developer mode again.

This ensures both Chrome and Grammarly are on the latest versions, which often resolves compatibility issues.

Check for Conflicting Extensions

Other extensions can block Grammarly’s script. Common culprits include ad blockers (like uBlock Origin), privacy tools, and other grammar checkers. To test:

1. Open chrome://extensions.
2. Disable all extensions except Grammarly (toggle them off).
3. Refresh a page and see if Grammarly works.
4. If it works, re-enable extensions one by one until you find the one that breaks it.

If you find a conflict, you can keep both extensions but use the conflicting one’s site-specific blocking feature, or simply disable it on pages where you need Grammarly.

Site-Specific Issues and Permissions

Grammarly intentionally doesn’t work on certain fields—like password boxes, credit card forms, or code editors—for security reasons. Also, some sites use scripts that block content scripts from extensions. To check if a site is the problem:

• Try Grammarly on a different site (e.g., Gmail, Google Docs, or a simple text area).
• If it works elsewhere, the issue is site-specific. You can try disabling the site’s protection or using Grammarly’s desktop app instead.
• Ensure the extension has permission to read the site. Click the Grammarly icon and check that it’s not blocked for the current site.

Also, if you’re using Chrome’s Incognito mode, the extension may be disabled there. Go to chrome://extensions, click Details on Grammarly, and enable “Allow in Incognito”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Grammarly not showing suggestions in Chrome?

This usually means the extension isn’t loading. Try toggling it off and on, refreshing the page, or reinstalling the extension. Also check that you’re on a supported site—Grammarly doesn’t work in password fields or certain web apps.

Does Grammarly work in Chrome Incognito mode?

By default, extensions are disabled in Incognito. To enable Grammarly there, go to chrome://extensions, click Details on Grammarly, and toggle “Allow in Incognito” on.

Can I use Grammarly without the extension?

Yes. You can copy-paste text into the Grammarly website or use the Grammarly desktop app. However, the extension gives you real-time suggestions in any text field, which is its main advantage.

Why does Grammarly work on some sites but not others?

Some websites use code that prevents extensions from injecting scripts, or they have fields that Grammarly intentionally skips (like password fields). Also, certain web apps like Google Docs require the extension to be enabled specifically for that site.

Is Grammarly safe to use in Chrome?

Grammarly is a well-known writing assistant used by millions. It scans text you type, which means it processes your writing on its servers. If you’re concerned about privacy, avoid using it on sensitive documents like legal or financial information.

What if Grammarly still doesn’t work after trying all these fixes?

If you’ve tried all the steps above, the issue may be with your Chrome profile. Try creating a new Chrome user profile and installing Grammarly there. If it works, your old profile has corrupted settings. You can also contact Grammarly support for further help.

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