How to install the Securly Chromebook Extension with Google Workspace

Note

ChromeOS 116 is the minimum required version in order for the Filter extension to load. 

Overview

Here is a quick video detailing the process from start to finish. 

Migrating from an existing Chrome extension requires the following general steps:

1. Find your Installation URL
2. Remove the old extension policy
3. Add a new extension policy
4. Configure the Installation URL
5. Test

Locate your ID and Installation URL

1. To find your extension ID and URL, browse to  Your Filter Settings Page

2. You'll want to select the ID and URL under "Chrome book id" 

 

Remove the old extension policy

To avoid any conflicts or confusion, you will want to ensure that you have removed extension policies that previously were installing the Securly Extension.

Old Extension IDs to look for:

DO NOT Remove any other extensions. This is for Securly Filter only. 

1. In Google Workspace, navigate to Devices > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Overview
2. Search for the old extension IDs above, to locate which OUs they are installed in. 
3. Then, click Users & Browsers and remove the old extensions. 

 

Install the new extension

1. In Google Workspace, navigate to Devices > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users & browsers
2. Select the OU you want to deploy the extension to and click the "+" button in the bottom right and select "Add Chrome app or extension by ID" 
3. Paste in your extension ID ckecmkbnoanpgplccmnoikfmpcdladkc
4. Change the dropdown to “From a custom URL”
5. Paste in your Installation URL.
   
   
   
6. The installation policy for our extension should be set to "Force install" or Force install + pin" (this will allow you to see the extension in your browser's toolbar.
7. Set "Permissions and URL Access" to "Allow all permissions
   
8. Click on "Save" in the top right corner.
9. Important - Configure the update URL: Scroll down in the right-hand pane. At the bottom, in "Deployment settings > Update URL", select “Installation URL”.

 

Test

Make sure to test a few Chromebooks to ensure they have the new extension. You can see the extension ID by visiting chrome://system and expanding the "extensions" section. You'll also want to make sure filtering is working as expected. http://unsafewebsite.com is a great testing site to use. 

 

Troubleshooting

Extension is missing or not functioning as expected

If the extension isn't showing up, isn't enabled, or isn't functioning as expected, it is likely you have not enabled extended MV2 support. Your other MV2 extensions likely work because they are grandfathered in.  

How do I enable MV2 extensions in the Google Admin Console?

1. Log into the Google Admin Console (admin.google.com).
2. Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Settings.
3. Select Organizational Units (Use either the root OU or specific OUs where Securly extensions are deployed).
4. Under Users & Browsers, go to the Apps & Extensions section.
5. Find the setting for Manifest V2 extension availability
6. Change to Enable manifest v2 extensions
7. Save your changes to ensure the setting is applied.

Extension is not working in ChromeOS 140+

In ChromeOS 140 and higher, Google has changed the way it enforces the Chrome Sync policy, resulting in the Securly extension lacking the necessary permissions to function properly. If extension syncing is not enabled from the Google Admin Console and a student disables sync for extensions from their browser settings, the extension doesn't function properly. To ensure extension syncing is active, follow the below steps: 

1. In Google admin console, navigate to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Users & browsers > Other settings > Chrome Sync (ChromeOS).
   
2. Ensure the ‘Allow Chrome Sync’ configuration is selected.
   
3. Uncheck ‘Extensions’ from the section for excluded sync types to ensure extensions are included in sync.

Steps to Remove the Extension

1. Access the Google Admin Console: Log in to your administrator account at Google Admin Console.
2. Navigate to Apps & Extensions: Go to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions in the menu.
3. Select Users & Browsers: Click on Users & browsers to view the list of installed extensions.
4. Choose the Organizational Unit (OU): Select the OU where the Securly Filter Extension is deployed. If it’s applied at the top-level OU, select that.
5. Locate the Extension: Find the Securly Filter Extension in the list, or search using its ID: ckecmkbnoanpgplccmnoikfmpcdladkc.
6. Set Policy to Block: Click the extension, change the Installation policy to Block, and save your changes.
7. Verify Removal: Check a managed ChromeOS device by navigating to chrome://system, expanding the “extensions” section, and confirming the extension is no longer listed.

Important Notes

• Propagation Time: The extension will be removed the next time users sign in to their Chrome browser or ChromeOS device, which may cause a slight delay.
• Data Removal: Setting the policy to “Block” also removes associated user data for the extension upon the next sign-in.