> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/shlokjain2031/email-tracker-extension/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install the extension

> Load the unpacked Chrome extension in developer mode

The Email Tracker extension is a Chrome Manifest V3 extension that injects tracking pixels into Gmail messages and displays open analytics in the Gmail interface.

## Prerequisites

Before installing the extension, ensure you have:

* Chrome browser (version 88 or later)
* Built extension files (see [Installation](/installation) for build instructions)
* Tracker server running and accessible

## Installation steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Chrome extensions page">
    Navigate to `chrome://extensions` in your Chrome browser. You can either:

    * Type `chrome://extensions` directly in the address bar, or
    * Click the three-dot menu → More Tools → Extensions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable developer mode">
    Toggle the **Developer mode** switch in the top-right corner of the extensions page. This reveals additional options for loading unpacked extensions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Load the extension">
    Click the **Load unpacked** button that appears in the top-left corner after enabling developer mode.

    In the file picker dialog, navigate to your email tracker repository and select the `extension/` directory.

    The extension directory contains:

    * `manifest.json` - Extension configuration
    * `src/` - Extension source code
      * `background/serviceWorker.js` - Background service worker
      * `content/gmailCompose.js` - Gmail content script
      * `popup/` - Extension popup UI
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify installation">
    After loading, you should see the **Gmail Email Tracker** extension card appear in your extensions list with:

    * Extension name: "Gmail Email Tracker"
    * Version: "0.1.0"
    * Status: Enabled (toggle should be blue)

    The extension icon should also appear in your Chrome toolbar.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Pin the extension to your toolbar for quick access by clicking the puzzle piece icon in Chrome's toolbar and selecting the pin icon next to "Gmail Email Tracker".
</Tip>

## Permissions explained

The extension requests the following permissions in `extension/manifest.json:6-7`:

* **storage**: Stores user ID, tracker configuration, and recent email metadata
* **host\_permissions**:
  * `https://mail.google.com/*` - Access Gmail to inject tracking pixels and display badges
  * `http://*/*` and `https://*/*` - Communicate with your self-hosted tracker server

## Updating the extension

When you make changes to the extension code:

1. Navigate to `chrome://extensions`
2. Find the Gmail Email Tracker extension card
3. Click the circular **Reload** icon

Chrome will reload the extension with your latest changes.

<Tip>
  If you modify the `manifest.json` file, you may need to remove and re-add the extension instead of just reloading it.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

### Extension doesn't appear after loading

* Verify you selected the correct `extension/` directory containing `manifest.json`
* Check the Chrome extensions page for error messages under the extension card
* Ensure all required files are present in the `extension/` directory

### Permission warnings

Chrome may display warnings about the extension's broad host permissions. This is expected since the extension needs to:

* Access Gmail to inject pixels
* Connect to your self-hosted tracker server (which can be any HTTP/HTTPS URL)

## Next steps

After installing the extension:

1. [Configure the extension](/extension/configuration) with your tracker base URL and dashboard token
2. [Start using the extension](/extension/usage) to track emails in Gmail