In the world of Linux, GNOME Shell Extensions are a popular way to add extra functionality to your desktop. However, users may sometimes encounter issues with the GNOME Shell Integration Extension, specifically the Native Host Connector, in their browsers. This article will guide you through the process of resolving these issues.
To fix the GNOME Shell Integration Extension Native Host Connector issue in browsers, you can try manually installing Gnome Shell Extensions, installing the regular version of the browser instead of the snap version, or using Flatpak with Extension Manager.
Understanding the Issue
In Ubuntu 21.10, Firefox, by default, is installed as a snap package. A browser installed as a snap cannot connect to the main system, including the connector “chrome-gnome-shell” that enables communication between the Gnome Shell Extensions website and Gnome Shell. This can result in the GNOME Shell Integration Extension not working as expected.
Possible Solutions
There are several workarounds to this issue. Here are three methods you can try:
1. Manual Installation of Gnome Shell Extensions
One way to circumvent the issue is to manually install Gnome Shell Extensions. While this may not be as convenient as installing directly from the website, it is not overly complicated. Some extensions are readily available in the default Ubuntu software center. Installing from the software center is officially supported, and these extensions are packaged and tested to work with the Ubuntu desktop.
2. Installing the Regular Version of the Browser
Another solution is to remove the snap version of the browser and install the regular .deb version instead. In Ubuntu 21.10, the regular version is still available. However, please note that this may not be the case in the upcoming LTS version 22.04.
To uninstall the snap version of Firefox, you can use the following command:
sudo snap remove firefoxThis command uses sudo to run the command with root privileges, snap to manage snap packages, remove to uninstall the specified package, and firefox as the name of the package to be removed.
Then, to install the regular version, use:
sudo apt install firefoxThe apt command is used here to handle packages in Ubuntu, and install is used to install the specified package.
3. Using Flatpak with Extension Manager
If you have Flatpak enabled, you can install Extension Manager, a GTK4 desktop application that allows you to browse and install extensions without relying on a browser. You can find Extension Manager on Flathub.
Conclusion
While the GNOME Shell Integration Extension Native Host Connector issue can be a nuisance, the solutions provided above should help you resolve it. Always remember to take caution when making changes to your system, and only install software and extensions from trusted sources. Happy tweaking!
One way to determine if you have the issue is if the GNOME Shell Integration Extension is not working properly in your browser. This can manifest as extensions not being installed or not functioning correctly.
Yes, you can still use GNOME Shell Extensions by following the alternative methods mentioned in the article, such as manually installing extensions from the default Ubuntu software center or using the Extension Manager with Flatpak.
The solutions mentioned in this article are specifically tailored for Ubuntu 21.10. While they may work for other Linux distributions, it is recommended to consult the documentation or community support for your specific distribution for the most accurate instructions.
Installing Gnome Shell Extensions manually is generally safe as long as you download them from trusted sources. However, it is always a good practice to review the extension’s details, user reviews, and ratings before installation to ensure its authenticity and reliability.
Yes, you can switch back to the snap version of the browser if desired. Simply uninstall the regular version and reinstall the snap version using the appropriate commands for your Linux distribution.
