> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.outx.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Chrome Extension

> Everything about the OutX Chrome extension - why it's needed, how to install it, what permissions it requires, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

<Card title="Install OutX Chrome Extension" icon="chrome" href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/outxai-track-linkedin-pos/epnimaeheelhgeelbppbfkjegklflakj">
  Get it from the Chrome Web Store, free to install.
</Card>

## Why OutX Needs a Chrome Extension

OutX uses a Chrome extension to interact with LinkedIn on your behalf. Instead of asking for your LinkedIn password or accessing your cookies, the extension works within your browser session to read LinkedIn data and perform engagement actions.

This approach is:

* **Secure** - Your LinkedIn credentials are never shared with OutX
* **Privacy-first** - No cookies are accessed or stored by OutX servers
* **Reliable** - Uses your authentic browser session, just like you browsing LinkedIn manually

The extension is the execution engine that powers keyword tracking, profile monitoring, auto-engagement, and data exports.

<Warning>
  The Chrome extension must be installed and running for OutX to function. Without it, OutX cannot read LinkedIn data or perform any engagement actions.
</Warning>

***

## How to Install

You can also learn more about the extension on the [OutX Chrome Extension page](https://www.outx.ai/chrome-extension).

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Chrome Web Store">
    Visit the [OutX Chrome Extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/outxai-track-linkedin-pos/epnimaeheelhgeelbppbfkjegklflakj) page in the Chrome Web Store.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Add to Chrome">
    Click the **"Add to Chrome"** button and confirm the installation when prompted.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign In to OutX">
    Click the OutX extension icon in your Chrome toolbar and sign in with your OutX account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign In to LinkedIn">
    Make sure you are signed in to LinkedIn in the same browser. The extension uses your active LinkedIn session.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Connection">
    Go to your [OutX dashboard](https://mentions.outx.ai) and confirm that data is syncing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## What Permissions Are Required

When you install the extension, Chrome will ask you to approve certain permissions. Here is what each permission is used for and why it is needed.

### LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

**Why:** This is the core functionality of OutX. The extension reads LinkedIn posts, profiles, and company pages to power your watchlists, tracking, and auto-engagement features.

### X.com (formerly Twitter)

**Why:** Used for cross-platform social monitoring features. OutX can track relevant conversations across platforms to give you a broader view of buyer intent signals.

### Reddit (reddit.com)

**Why:** Enables Reddit tracking features. OutX monitors subreddits and discussions for keywords relevant to your watchlists.

### Quora (quora.com)

**Why:** Supports cross-platform intent monitoring by tracking relevant questions and answers on Quora.

<Info>
  OutX only reads publicly visible content on these platforms. The extension does not post, message, or modify anything on X.com, Reddit, or Quora without your explicit action.
</Info>

***

## Privacy and Security

OutX is designed with your security in mind:

* **No password sharing** - OutX never asks for or stores your LinkedIn password
* **No cookie theft** - Your browser cookies are not copied or sent to OutX servers
* **Session-based** - The extension uses your existing browser session, exactly as if you were browsing manually
* **Read-only by default** - The extension only reads public content unless you explicitly enable engagement actions (likes, comments)
* **Local execution** - All LinkedIn interactions happen in your browser, not from remote servers

***

## Does It Work When My Browser Is Closed?

**No.** The OutX Chrome extension must be actively running in your browser for any of the following to work:

* Keyword watchlist data fetching
* Profile and company tracking updates
* Auto-engagement rules (auto-like, auto-comment)
* Sales Navigator data exports
* Feed updates and sync

<Warning>
  If your browser is closed or your computer is off, OutX cannot fetch data or execute engagement actions. Auto-engagement rules will resume automatically when you open Chrome again.
</Warning>

<Tip>
  For best results, keep Chrome open with the OutX extension running during your working hours. You do not need to keep LinkedIn open in a tab - the extension works in the background.
</Tip>

***

## Plugin Requirement for API Users

If you are using the [OutX API](/api-reference/introduction), at least one team member must have the Chrome extension installed and active within the last **48 hours**. This is a security and functionality requirement.

If no team member has had the extension active recently, API requests will return a `403` error:

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": "Plugin installation required: Please install the OutX browser extension on at least one team member's account to use the API. The plugin must have been active within the last 48 hours."
}
```

**To resolve this:** Have any team member open Chrome with the OutX extension installed and signed in. The extension will automatically register as active.

***

## Troubleshooting

### Extension Won't Download or Install

* Make sure you are using **Google Chrome** (not Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
* Check that your Chrome version is up to date (Menu > Help > About Google Chrome)
* Disable any browser extensions that may block installations
* Try downloading from a clean Chrome profile

### JavaScript Error During Installation

* Clear your browser cache (Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data)
* Disable other extensions temporarily and try again
* Restart Chrome completely and reinstall

### Extension Not Syncing Data

1. Click the OutX extension icon and verify you are signed in
2. Confirm you are signed in to LinkedIn in the same browser
3. Try disabling and re-enabling the extension (chrome://extensions)
4. Clear browser cache and restart Chrome
5. Uninstall and reinstall the extension if the issue persists

### LinkedIn Detecting Automation

If LinkedIn shows a warning or security prompt:

1. **Reduce your engagement frequency** - Lower auto-like and auto-comment limits to 1-3 per hour
2. **Pause auto-engagement rules** temporarily for 24-48 hours
3. **Complete any LinkedIn security verification** (CAPTCHA, phone verification)
4. Re-enable rules at lower frequencies after the warning clears

See our [LinkedIn Safety guide](/resources/linkedin-safety) for detailed best practices.

### LinkedIn Logging You Out

This is a standard LinkedIn security check that can happen regardless of OutX. Simply:

1. Log back in to LinkedIn
2. Complete any verification LinkedIn requests
3. The extension will resume working automatically

***

## FAQs

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I use OutX without the Chrome extension?">
    No. The Chrome extension is required for all OutX features. It is how OutX reads LinkedIn data and performs actions on your behalf.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does the extension work on other browsers?">
    Currently, OutX only supports Google Chrome. Other Chromium-based browsers (like Brave or Edge) may work but are not officially supported.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need to keep a LinkedIn tab open?">
    No. The extension works in the background. You just need Chrome to be open and to be signed in to LinkedIn.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will the extension slow down my browser?">
    The extension is lightweight and runs background tasks efficiently. You should not notice any significant impact on browser performance.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use OutX on multiple computers?">
    Yes, but the extension only works on the computer where Chrome is currently running. Auto-engagement and tracking will only function on whichever machine has Chrome open with the extension active.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I update the extension?">
    Chrome updates extensions automatically. You can also manually check for updates at chrome://extensions by enabling Developer mode and clicking "Update".
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Related Resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="LinkedIn Safety" icon="shield" href="/resources/linkedin-safety">
    How OutX keeps your LinkedIn account safe
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/resources/troubleshooting">
    Solutions for common OutX issues
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Authentication" icon="key" href="/api-reference/authentication">
    Setting up API access with the plugin requirement
  </Card>

  <Card title="Auto-Engagement" icon="heart" href="/documentation/linkedin-social-listening/auto-engagement">
    Configure auto-like and auto-comment rules
  </Card>
</CardGroup>