How do I use the Chrome Extension?

The Private Internet Access (PIA) Chrome extension provides a lightweight solution for securing browser traffic and enhancing your online privacy. Follow the instructions below to install and use the extension features.

Extension Setup

1. Install the extension: Download the PIA extension from the Chrome Web Store. Once installed, the red PIA robot icon appears in the top-right corner of your browser.

2. Open the login overlay: Click the PIA icon to bring up the sign-in screen.

3. Enter credentials: Input your PIA username (e.g., p1234567) and password. Enable the Remember Me checkbox to save your login information.

4. View the main screen: After signing in, you see the power button and the Current Region, which lists the selected server.

5. Connect: Click the Power button to enable the extension.

6. Verify protection: Visit the PIA What’s My IP Address? page to ensure the status bar reads "You are protected by PIA."

7. Change locations: Click the Current Region option to select a different server location.

To access additional features and settings, click the three dots in the top-right corner of the extension menu.

Extra Features

Security

• Block Adobe Flash: Prevents Chrome from running Adobe Flash, which can reveal your public IP address. PIA does not recommend disabling this.

• Block WebRTC IP Detection: Prevents Chrome from revealing your public and private IP addresses when using WebRTC. PIA does not recommend disabling this.

Privacy

• Block camera, microphone, and location access: Prevents websites from accessing these functions to gather information about you.

• Disable network prediction: Stops Chrome from using a service that pre-resolves DNS queries and pre-fetches webpages.

• Disable Safe Browsing: Disables the Chrome service that connects to network logs with potential privacy concerns. PIA MACE mitigates the risk of disabling this service.

• Disable credit card autofill: Prevents Chrome from automatically filling in credit card information.

• Disable address autofill: Prevents Chrome from automatically filling in addresses and other form data.

Tracking

• Disable third-party cookies: Blocks cookies set by domains other than the site you are visiting.

• Disable website referrer: Prevents Chrome from sending your current webpage address to another site when you follow a link.

• Disable hyperlink auditing: Blocks a feature designed to notify tracking and analytics services when you click a link.

• Remove UTM parameters: Removes Urchin Tracking Model (UTM) parameters from URLs to enhance privacy.

• Remove FBCLID parameters: Removes Facebook Click ID (FBCLID) parameters from outgoing links on Facebook.

• PIA MACE: Blocks malicious content, trackers, and advertisements.

Extension Settings

General

• Allow desktop notifications: Enables the extension to create notifications for important events. PIA does not recommend disabling this.

• Always active settings: Ensures privacy settings remain active even when the proxy is disconnected.

• Dark Theme: Enables a darker interface for low-light conditions.

• Debug mode: Writes messages to a debug log. Press Ctrl + D to display the log.

• UI Language: Sets the language used for the extension text.

Bypass List

Exclude specific websites from the PIA extension connection. This is helpful if a website blocks proxy connections. Requests made to websites on the Bypass List use a direct connection and are not protected by PIA.

Smart Location

Assign specific URLs to different server locations. When the VPN is connected and you visit a Smart Location site, the extension automatically switches the connection for that specific tab.

Account and Support

• Account Settings: Opens the PIA website login screen to manage your online account.

• Help & Support: Links to the PIA Help Center for troubleshooting and information.

• Logout: Logs you out of the extension.

Note: If you make changes to any extension settings, you must disconnect and reconnect to apply the changes.