Hey there, fellow web enthusiast! If you’re here, you probably already appreciate the Opera browser for its sleek interface, built-in ad blocker, and the fantastic free VPN feature. It’s a top-tier choice for a cleaner, faster browsing experience.
But what if you could take its power to the next level? Imagine pairing Opera’s smooth browsing with the unparalleled download acceleration of Internet Download Manager (IDM). By integrating the official IDM extension, you can manage all your downloads with incredible speed and efficiency, right from your browser. No more juggling separate apps—just seamless, powerful downloading.
Ready to make it happen? This guide will walk you through two simple, foolproof methods to add the IDM extension to Opera. Let’s get started!
Method 1: The Manual Drag-and-Drop Install (Using CRX File)
This method gives you direct control by installing the extension file manually. It’s perfect if you prefer a hands-on approach or if the web store method isn’t working for you. First, you’ll need the official extension file.
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Open Opera’s Extensions Page: Launch your Opera browser. In the address bar, type
opera://extensionsand press Enter. This will take you directly to your extensions management page. - Locate and Drag the CRX File: Find the IDMGCExt.crx file. If you downloaded it, it will be in your Downloads folder. If you’re using the one from your IDM installation, it’s usually in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Download Manager. Click and drag this file directly onto the Opera extensions page you just opened.
- Install the Extension: Once you drop the file, a new tile for the “IDM Integration Module” will appear. Click the bright “Install” button on it.
- Confirm the Installation: A confirmation pop-up will appear asking for your permission. Click “Yes, install” to finalize the process.
- Configure Permissions: This is a crucial final step! Find the installed IDM extension on your extensions page and click the “Details” button. On the settings page, enable the toggle for “Allow access to file URLs”. This ensures IDM can capture download links from all types of pages.
Pro-Tip: Enable Private Browsing
If you often use Opera’s private windows, make sure to also check the box for “Allow in private mode” in the extension’s settings. This lets IDM work its magic even when you’re in incognito mode!
Method 2: The Quick and Easy Chrome Web Store Install
Because Opera is built on the same Chromium engine as Google Chrome, it can install extensions directly from the Chrome Web Store. This is often the fastest way to get set up.
Important: The Chrome Web Store is home to many fake and potentially harmful extensions. Only install the official “IDM Integration Module” from the developer “tonec”.
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Go to the Official Extension Page: Click this link to go directly to the correct extension page: Official IDM Integration Module.
- Add to Opera: On the store page, you’ll see a blue button that says “Add to Opera”. Click it. A pop-up will ask for confirmation. Click “Add extension” to proceed.
- Confirm Success: After a moment, a new tab will open from IDM confirming that the extension has been successfully installed. You can simply close this tab. You’re all set!
Pro-Tip: Fixing Installation Errors
If you encounter a “Download interrupted with reason SERVER_BAD_CONTENT” error while trying to install from the Chrome Web Store, it’s almost always because your browser is outdated. Go to the Opera menu, click “Update & Recovery…”, and make sure you’re running the latest version of Opera. This usually resolves the issue instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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How can I fix the IDM extension if it’s not working in Opera?
First, ensure both your Opera browser and your IDM application are updated to the very latest versions. An outdated program is the most common cause of issues. Second, revisit the extension settings (
opera://extensions) and double-check that “Allow access to file URLs” is enabled. If it’s still not working, try removing the extension and reinstalling it using one of the methods above. -
Why can’t I see the IDM download panel on YouTube or other video sites?
This usually happens for one of two reasons. First, go into IDM’s settings (in the IDM application itself, not the browser extension). Navigate to Options > General and make sure “Opera” is checked in the list of integrated browsers. Second, some websites load videos in a way that IDM can’t initially detect. Try refreshing the page (F5), and the download panel should appear.
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Is it safe to install the extension manually using the CRX file?
Absolutely, as long as you’re using the official IDMGCExt.crx file from the IDM installation directory or our provided trusted download link. The manual method is simply a different way to install the exact same official extension.
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Opera says the extension is from an “unknown source” during the manual install. Is this okay?
Yes, this is a standard security warning from Opera whenever you install an extension from outside its official add-ons store or the Chrome Web Store. Since you are using the official file from IDM, it’s safe to proceed by clicking “Yes, install”.
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Do I need to repeat this process every time I update Opera or IDM?
No. Once the integration is set up, it should persist through most updates. IDM is designed to automatically update its browser extension. However, if an update to either program breaks the connection, simply reinstalling the extension using one of the methods above will fix it.