Install ChessNavio step by step
Download the archive, unpack the folder and add it to your browser once. You verify the result on a safe test position, without using a game session.
This site is the official channel for ChessNavio. The current version of the extension is downloaded here, not from a browser store. Free gives you 3 games once you create an account, and needs no card.
Download the regular version 1.2.3Choose a build
The regular version suits most computers. Max is only worth it for heavier local analysis on a powerful machine.
Regular version
A sensible size and analysis speed for everyday use.
Max version
A heavier build that searches deeper on your own computer.
browser not recognised · your computer
Detected automatically. If that is wrong, pick your browser below.
On Brave or Vivaldi, choose Chrome. Firefox and Safari cannot load this build.
- 1
Download the regular version
Use the button above — your browser saves the ZIP of version 1.2.3 to your downloads. This page stays open. Do not open files from inside the archive.
- 2
Unpack the archive into a permanent folder
Open your downloads folder, unpack the ZIP fully and move the ChessNavio folder somewhere permanent.
The folder you pick must contain
manifest.jsonat the top level. Do not move or delete that folder after installing. - 3
Open the extensions page in Google Chrome
Copy the address below, open a new tab, paste it into the browser address bar and press Enter.
This address has to be typed into the browser bar; a web page cannot open it.
- 4
Turn on developer mode
Turn on the “Developer mode” switch in the top right. Choose “Load unpacked”.
In the file dialog, pick the unpacked ChessNavio folder — the one that contains
manifest.json. Do not pick the ZIP itself, theassetsfolder, or the folder one level up. - 5
Pin ChessNavio and allow your chess site
Click the puzzle-piece icon to the right of the address bar and pin ChessNavio.
Then open a supported chess site and click the ChessNavio icon. Your browser asks once for access to that site only.
- 6
Sign in and check the install
Sign in to ChessNavio from the extension window. If you do not have an account yet, create one on this site and come back to link it. Once linking works, open the test position: it checks the interface locally and does not use a free game session.
Create an accountOpen the test position
Quick fixes
The browser says manifest.json was not found
Pick the unpacked folder that shows manifest.json directly inside it. The ZIP and the assets folder will not work.
There is no “Load unpacked” button
Check that developer mode is on, on the extensions page. The button appears on that same page once it is enabled.
ChessNavio disappeared after I moved the files
Put the folder back where it was, or load it again. The browser reads the files straight from the folder you picked.
It installed but I cannot see it next to the address bar
Open the extensions menu with the puzzle-piece icon and pin ChessNavio. The N icon then stays on the toolbar.
Still stuck? Write to support@chessnavio.ru.
Check the fair-play rules of your chess site before you use hints there. ChessNavio is not a product of Lichess, Chess.com or any other site named here.