Browser extensions

How to sell a Chrome extension: license keys, payments, and a buy page for Manifest V3

Google removed paid extensions from the Chrome Web Store in 2020. Since then, every developer who wants to sell a Chrome, Firefox, or Edge extension must build their own payment and license key system. Licensr replaces ExtensionPay and DIY solutions with a Stripe-powered buy page, license key validation API, and a self-service customer portal. Everything runs on your own Stripe account with 0% revenue share.

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JavaScript (Manifest V3 service worker)

// background.js — validate on install or periodically
chrome.runtime.onInstalled.addListener(async () => {
  const { licenseKey } = await chrome.storage.sync.get(
    "licenseKey"
  );
  if (!licenseKey) return;

  const res = await fetch(
    "https://api.licensr.app/v1/license/validate",
    {
      method: "POST",
      headers: {
        "Content-Type": "application/json",
        Authorization: "Bearer " + PLUGIN_API_KEY,
      },
      body: JSON.stringify({
        license_key: licenseKey,
        plugin_slug: "my-extension",
      }),
    }
  );

  const { valid } = await res.json();
  await chrome.storage.local.set({ licensed: valid });
});

Works across all browser extension platforms

Chrome (Manifest V3)

Firefox (WebExtensions)

Edge (Chromium)

Safari (Web Extensions)

Opera

Any browser with fetch()

Why extension developers choose Licensr to monetize browser extensions

Chrome Web Store killed paid extensions. Licensr replaces them.

Since 2020, the Chrome Web Store has no payment or licensing mechanism. Licensr gives you everything you need to sell a paid Chrome extension: a buy page, license key generation, validation API, and customer portal.

One license key system for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari

The same license key and validation call work whether your extension runs on Chrome (Manifest V3), Firefox (WebExtensions), Edge, or Safari. One licensing backend for every browser platform.

An ExtensionPay alternative with 0% revenue share

ExtensionPay acts as a payment middleman with its own transaction fees. Licensr runs on your own payment account with 0% revenue share. You own the customer relationship and payment data.

Freemium model: free extension, paid premium features

Ship a free extension on the Chrome Web Store. When users enter a license key, unlock premium features. The validation call returns plan metadata so you can gate features per tier.

Customer self-service portal for billing and keys

Users sign in on a branded page to manage their subscription, view their license key, and update billing. No support tickets for common self-service actions.

Ready to monetize your browser extension?

Free tier available. From signup to a live buy page in 15 minutes. The Chrome Web Store can’t do this for you.

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