Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

You cannot write Chrome’s browser-facing extension code in Python. Build the extension with Chrome’s extension architecture, then—if you need Python—for example to use local libraries or work with local files, connect it to a separate Python program using Native Messaging.

What a Chrome extension consists of

A Chrome extension has a root manifest.json file that declares its metadata, permissions, and component files. The components you need depend on the feature:

  • Service worker: Coordinates background events and extension tasks. It does not have a document Window or direct access to a page’s DOM.
  • Content script: Interacts with the host page’s DOM, but runs in an isolated JavaScript environment.
  • Extension page: Provides a user interface, such as a popup or options page.

Chrome documents these parts in its extension architecture overview. The extension’s browser-facing components are not Python code: Python runs separately when you connect a native application.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Decide whether your extension needs Python

If the feature only needs Chrome APIs and interaction with a web page, implement it in the extension. Add a Python native messaging host when you specifically need a local Python program—for instance, to use Python libraries or access local files. Chrome’s Native Messaging documentation describes this connection, and Google’s official sample includes a Python host example that requires Python to be installed.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Syntech USB C to USB Adapter Pack of 2, USB 3.0 to Thunderbolt 5/4 Adapter
  • Materials and Design: The adapter is made with anti-interference zinc alloy metallic housing and minimalist design with anti-slippery embossments
  • Connectors: Engineered for enhanced durability, the male USB C and female USB3 connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 10000 times
  • Compatibility: This USB C to USB 3.0 adapter is compatible with iPhone 17/17e/17 Air/17 Pro/17 Pro Max and MacBook Pro after 2016 and MacBook Air after 2018 and most of the laptops, tablets and smartphones with a USB Type C port
  • USB 3.0 Speed in Two: Came in two fast speed adapters in data transfer and charging with premium materials. A foam container is also included for storage and travel
  • Compact and Easy to Use: Plug and play, no driver required; Simple structure, lightweight and portability; Also, you can sync or charge your phone with this USB C to USB adapter
Approach Where Python runs What setup it requires
Native Messaging As a separate process on the user’s computer A registered host manifest and operating-system-specific installation
Remote Python service On a remote server A service and a way for the extension to communicate with it; authentication, privacy, and network availability need to be considered

These approaches serve different purposes. Native Messaging connects to a local application; a remote service is a networked design choice. Manifest V3 permits some communication with remote servers, such as fetching data, but does not allow using them to deliver executable extension logic.

Connect the extension to a local Python host

1. Create the extension components

Start with a root manifest.json and include only the components your feature needs. Put page interaction in a content script, background coordination in a service worker, and user controls in an extension page such as a popup. Chrome’s architecture overview also covers messaging and the Storage API.

Rank #2
Anker USB C Adapter (2 Pack), USB C to USB Adapter High-Speed Data Transfer
  • Anker Advantage: Join the 55 million+ powered by our leading technology.
  • Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and connect up a wide range of USB-A devices including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more.
  • Strong and Stylish: Finished in Space Gray and constructed from premium scratch-resistant aluminum, the adaptor not only blends seamlessly with your MacBook Pro but also withstands the wear and tear of day-to-day use.
  • Superior Connectors: Engineered for enhanced durability, the male USB-C and female USB-A 3.0 connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 10,000 times—basically for life.
  • Space for Two: The ultra-slim form factor ensures there’s space to plug two adaptors side by side into your MacBook Pro’s USB-C ports.

2. Register a native messaging host

The host manifest identifies the native application and specifies which extension origins are allowed to connect. Installation varies by operating system: Windows uses a registry entry pointing to the host manifest, while macOS and Linux use browser-specific manifest locations. Follow Chrome’s platform instructions and the official sample’s installation scripts for the relevant setup.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

3. Declare the permission

Add nativeMessaging to the extension’s permissions in manifest.json if it uses this capability. Do not request it if the extension does not communicate with a native host.

Rank #3
Apple USB-C to USB Adapter
  • The USB-C to USB Adapter lets you connect iOS devices and many of your standard USB accessories to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
  • Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, and then connect your flash drive, camera, or other standard USB device.
  • You can also connect a Lightning to USB cable to sync and charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

4. Relay requests through the service worker

A content script cannot call Native Messaging APIs directly. Instead, it sends a message to the extension service worker. After checking the sender and validating the payload, the service worker can contact Python with chrome.runtime.sendNativeMessage() for a one-off request or chrome.runtime.connectNative() for a persistent connection. Extension pages can also use the Native Messaging APIs. Chrome’s Native Messaging guide explains host connections; its message-passing guide covers one-time messages and long-lived connections.

5. Exchange messages using the native protocol

Chrome launches the host as a separate process and communicates over standard input and standard output. Messages are UTF-8 JSON preceded by a 32-bit message-length prefix. Chrome documents a maximum message size of 1 MB from the host to the extension and 64 MiB from the extension to the host; these are protocol limits, not recommended payload sizes. Check the current protocol documentation when implementing the framing.

Rank #4
Basesailor USB to USB C Adapter,USBC Female to USB A Male Charger Adapter
  • TURN USB-A PORTS INTO USB-C: Convert the USB-A ports on your laptops, wall chargers, car chargers, hubs, or power banks into USB-C inputs for everyday charging and data transfer. Just plug the adapter into a USB-A port and connect your USB-C cable to charge or sync compatible devices.
  • DESIGNED FOR USB 2.0 CHARGING & SYNC (NO VIDEO): Supports USB 2.0 data transfer up to 480 Mbps and charging up to 5V/2A, depending on your USB-A power source. Not for HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or any other type of video output, and not for driving a dock’s main USB-C host cable or high-power USB-C fast-charging protocols (PD/PPS).
  • ALUMINUM ALLOY HOUSING: Built with an aluminum alloy shell that helps with heat dissipation during use compared to plastic adapters. The metal body surrounds the internal USB 2.0 components and supports stable charging and data transfer during everyday plug-in, unplugging, and device connections.
  • COMPACT ENOUGH TO LEAVE PLUGGED IN: Low-profile, lightweight design that sits close to the USB-A port, so it can stay plugged into your laptop, charger, or hub without getting in the way. Reduces wear from constant plugging/unplugging and lowers the chance of misplacing the adapter.
  • VERSATILE USB-C ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY: Works with USB-C cables, phones, tablets, earphones, flash drives, card readers, wireless adapters, and other low-power USB-C accessories. A simple, practical add-on to keep your older USB-A gear useful in a USB-C world.

Secure the extension-to-Python bridge

A content script can receive influence from untrusted web pages, so do not treat a request from the page as a trusted command for a local program. Chrome’s messaging guidance warns about this boundary. Before forwarding a request to Python:

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Check the sender’s origin or URL and allow only the intended sources.
  • Validate and sanitize the message payload against the data your host expects.
  • Restrict requests to a small set of permitted operations; do not let page-controlled input invoke arbitrary privileged actions.
  • Keep protocol messages on stdout. Send diagnostic logs to stderr so they do not corrupt the native messaging stream.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Keep Manifest V3 logic inside the extension

Manifest V3 requires extension functionality to be discernible from the submitted code and generally requires extension logic to be self-contained in the package. An extension may fetch data or other external resources, but it must not use a remote server to download executable extension logic, apart from documented API exceptions. This distinction matters if your Python runs remotely: the server may provide data or a service through an interface, but it should not supply code that changes the extension’s functionality at runtime. See Chrome’s Manifest V3 requirements.

Best Value
JSAUX USB C to USB 3.0 Adapter [2 Pack], USB C Male to USB Female OTG Cable Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro/Air, iPhone 18 Pro Max/iPhone Duo‌/Air/17/16/15 Series, Samsung Galaxy S26/S25/S24/S23
  • USB OTG(On The Go): Plug in and use computer peripherals, such as flash drive, keyboard, hub, mouse and more, makes your USB C devices compatible with USB drives and any other USB devices that support OTG. Not compatible with video output.
  • USB 3.0 Super Speed Transfer: Full USB 3.0 super speed data transfer up to 5Gbps, 10x faster than USB 2.0; Transfer files, HD movies and songs to your USB C devices in seconds
  • Nylon Tangle-free Design: Tangle-free nylon braided design, premium nylon braided cable adds additional durability and tangle free
  • Aluminum Body: Made out of sturdy aluminum alloy, innovative engineering ensures durability and a long life span
  • What you get: We provide this 2 USB C adapters. If you have any questions,we will resolve your issue within 24 hours; Compatible with all USB C devices, Compatible with iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo‌, Samsung Galaxy S26/S25/S24/S23, MacBook Pro/Air, LG G6 G5 V20 and more.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.