Is the Chrome extension free?

Yes. There is no cost, no subscription, and no donation. The extension is funded by the revenue from idle bandwidth tasks, not by you.

Will the extension slow down Chrome or my internet?

No. It uses only the bandwidth you are not using, and it steps back the moment you need it. When you start a video call, open a heavy site, or download a file, the extension backs off. Your browsing keeps its full speed.

Is the extension safe?

Yes. IdleForest is featured on the Chrome Web Store and rated 4.8 stars from 33 reviews. It runs in the background and touches only spare bandwidth, not your personal data.

What permissions does it need?

The extension needs the permissions Chrome requires to run background network tasks. It does not read your tabs, your bookmarks, or your browsing history. You can review the permissions on the store listing before you install.

Does it work with Ecosia or other extensions?

Yes. IdleForest does not change your search engine or your other extensions. It runs alongside Ecosia, ad blockers, and anything else you already use. You can stack the impact.

How do the trees get planted?

The extension uses your idle bandwidth to run small data tasks for paying clients. That revenue funds planting with Trees for the Future, Tree-Nation, and 1ClickImpact. You can see the live count on the transparency page.

How do I remove the extension?

Right-click the IdleForest icon in Chrome and choose remove, or manage it from the extensions menu. Once removed, no bandwidth is used. The trees you have already funded stay funded.

Is there a version for Mac, Windows, or Linux?

Yes. If you would rather run it outside the browser, IdleForest has a desktop app for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The desktop app can fund more trees because it runs even when Chrome is closed.

IdleForest for Chrome

The free tree planting Chrome extension

Add it in one click. It funds verified trees while Chrome is open, with no change to how you browse.

Add to Chrome — It’s Free

Installs in one click
No search engine switch
4.8 stars from 33 reviews

Set up in about a minute

Open the store
Click the button to open the Chrome Web Store page.
Add to Chrome
Click “Add to Chrome” and confirm.
Browse as usual
It runs quietly while Chrome is open.

Trees you can verify

Funded through Trees for the Future, Tree-Nation and 1ClickImpact. All planting records are public.

See the transparency report

5,364
trees planted: $2,796
contributed: 10.1M
requests powered: 1,000+
users

Quick answers

Is it really free?

Yes. No cost, subscription or donation. Idle bandwidth tasks fund the trees, not you.

Will it slow Chrome or my internet?

No. It only uses bandwidth you are not using and backs off when you need it.

What passes through my connection?

Automated requests from paying clients, like uptime checks. Your files, logins and browsing history never enter the process.

Desktop app or extension?

The desktop app funds more, since it runs even when your browser is closed. You can use both.

How do I remove it?

Open chrome://extensions and remove IdleForest. Trees you already funded stay funded.

Use your computer like always. Trees get planted.

Add to Chrome — It’s Free

Also available for: Windows · Mac · Linux

The free tree planting Chrome extension

Set up in about a minute

Open the store

Add to Chrome

Browse as usual

Trees you can verify

Quick answers

Use your computer like always. Trees get planted.