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What Is ClickToFlash and How to Remove It (2025 Guide)

What Is ClickToFlash?

ClickToFlash was a web browser extension designed to block Adobe Flash content from loading automatically. Instead of running Flash ads, videos, or animations immediately, it displayed a placeholder you could click to load the content manually.

Why it was popular

  • Improved security (Flash was a frequent target for exploits).
  • Faster browsing with less CPU usage.
  • Longer battery life on laptops.

Is ClickToFlash Safe in 2025?

In the past, ClickToFlash was safe if downloaded from its original source. However, it is now obsolete and offers no benefits. Outdated browser extensions like ClickToFlash can expose your browser to unpatched vulnerabilities, putting your online security at risk.

Since Adobe officially ended support for Flash on December 31, 2020, modern browsers no longer support Flash content. Keeping ClickToFlash installed is unnecessary and may even make your browser more vulnerable to attacks.

How to Check if ClickToFlash Is Installed

In Safari (macOS)

  1. Open Safari.
  2. In the Safari menu bar click Safari.
  3. Click Settings (or Preferences on older Macs).
  4. Click Extensions.
  5. Look for ClickToFlash.

In Chrome or Firefox

  1. Open your browser’s Extensions (Chrome) or Add-ons and themes (Firefox) section.
  2. Search for anything named “ClickToFlash“.

How to Remove ClickToFlash on Safari

Method 1: Remove as an Extension (newer macOS)

  1. Open Safari.
  2. In the Safari menu bar click Safari.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select Extensions.
  5. Select ClickToFlash.
  6. Click Uninstall.

Method 2: Remove as an Internet Plug-In (older macOS)

  1. Quit Safari.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. In the Finder menu bar click Go.
  4. Select Go to Folder…
  5. Type /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/, press Enter (or return), and delete any file named ClickToFlash.plugin.
  6. Type ~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/, press Enter (or return), and delete any file named ClickToFlash.plugin.
  7. Restart Safari.

How to Remove ClickToFlash Extension in Firefox

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Click the menu button (≡) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Add-ons and themes.
  4. Click Extensions in the left sidebar.
  5. Locate ClickToFlash.
  6. Click the three dots (…) next to it and select Remove.
  7. Restart Firefox.

How to Remove ClickToFlash Extension in Chrome

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the menu button (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Extensions.
  4. Select Manage Extensions.
  5. Find ClickToFlash.
  6. Click Remove, then confirm by clicking Remove again.

Clean Up and Verify Removal of ClickToFlash

  1. Restart your Mac.
  2. Open your browser to confirm the extension is gone.

Should You Keep ClickToFlash?

No. Flash is no longer supported, and ClickToFlash no longer serves a purpose. Removing it improves your security and browser performance.

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