GNOME’s panel or window behavior may not suit the way you use the desktop. GNOME Extension Manager is a community app for finding and managing GNOME Shell extensions.
This guide covers installing Extension Manager from Flathub on Ubuntu and using Browse and Installed to find or manage extensions.
TL;DR
GNOME Extension Manager is a desktop app for finding and managing GNOME Shell extensions. On Ubuntu, install its Flathub package after setting up Flatpak.
- App ID: com.mattjakeman.ExtensionManager.
- Browse extensions, then check Shell-version compatibility.
- Use Installed to enable, disable or remove add-ons.
What is GNOME Extension Manager?
GNOME Shell extensions are add-ons that change parts of the desktop, such as the panel or window behavior. Extension Manager is a community app for browsing and controlling them.
GNOME’s own Extensions app focuses on installed items and their preferences. Extension Manager adds catalog browsing through its Browse view, while Installed lists extensions available to your account or system. Use the former when you need to discover an add-on and the latter to manage one already present.
Compatibility remains tied to GNOME Shell: an extension declares the Shell versions it supports, and an unsupported version can keep it from loading correctly. Flathub distributes the app as a Flatpak under com.mattjakeman.ExtensionManager.
How to install and use GNOME Extension Manager
Flathub provides an Ubuntu install route that does not depend on a particular Ubuntu release’s package list. Flatpak and its Flathub remote must be configured first, so use our Flatpak setup guide if that prerequisite is missing.
Step 1: Install the app from Flathub
Search for Extension Manager in Ubuntu Software and confirm Flathub as the source, or run this command in a terminal after configuring the remote.
flatpak install flathub com.mattjakeman.ExtensionManager
I did not run this command because it installs software and would change the host. Run it on Ubuntu after configuring Flathub.
Step 2: Find an extension
Open Extension Manager from the applications grid, choose Browse and search by name or purpose. Open a result to read its description and compatibility details before installing. The catalog is also available on the web at extensions.gnome.org.
Check the GNOME Shell version reported by your desktop against the versions listed for the extension. Review what it changes before selecting Install.
Some add-ons expose preferences beside the item. Our Tiling Shell guide and GSConnect guide cover examples with different uses.
Step 3: Disable or remove an extension
In Installed, switch an extension off to test whether it is causing a problem. Disabling leaves it available to turn on again. Remove an extension from your account when you no longer want it.
System-provided extensions may have different removal permissions. If the app does not offer removal, use its available enable or disable control rather than deleting package files.
What should you check when an extension will not install?
Use the extension’s compatibility information and current Shell version to diagnose an install or loading problem. The table maps common symptoms to a safe next step.
| Symptom | Check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Install is unavailable or a warning appears | Supported Shell versions | Choose a compatible extension or wait for its maintainer to update it |
| Install finishes but no feature appears | Whether it is enabled and needs preferences | Enable it, configure it if settings exist, then sign out and back in if Shell has not loaded the change |
| It stops working after a GNOME upgrade | Current listing and maintainer notes | Disable it until a compatible release is available |
| Updates are missing | Installed view | Check project update information. GNOME Extensions may help on some releases |
A manager can show compatibility details, but it cannot update an extension that its maintainer has not adapted. Avoid disabling version checks to force an install because extensions run inside the desktop shell and may affect the session.
Extension Manager handles Shell add-ons rather than GTK themes or every desktop customization. For broader setup, see our guide to installing GNOME on Ubuntu. Flatseal covers permissions for Flatpak apps, a separate task.
Conclusion: use the app to manage Shell extensions
Install Extension Manager from Flathub, browse for an add-on and check its declared Shell compatibility before enabling it. Keep GNOME Extensions available when its preference or update controls suit your release.
FAQ
These answers cover the app’s status and Ubuntu installation.
Is GNOME Extension Manager an official GNOME app?
No. Extension Manager is a community project. GNOME’s own app is called Extensions.
How do I install GNOME Extension Manager on Ubuntu?
Install the Flathub package com.mattjakeman.ExtensionManager through Ubuntu Software or with Flatpak after configuring Flathub.
Why is an extension marked incompatible?
Its declared GNOME Shell support may not include the version running on your desktop. Choose a compatible extension or wait for its maintainer to update it.
Can Extension Manager update GNOME extensions?
Update behavior depends on the GNOME Shell release. Check the Installed view and use GNOME Extensions as a companion if needed.