> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.4thewords.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing & Connecting

> Add the extension to Chrome and link it to your 4thewords account.

Install once from the [Chrome Web Store](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/4thewords-fight-monsters/iiamioklfgpfmdnehdefdnfmoedmhmco), then connect your account to start syncing words. The whole thing takes under a minute.

## Installing the extension

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_x-pudXD2v4?start=0" title="Install: 4thewords Extension Walkthrough" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Chrome Web Store listing">
    Go to the [4thewords Chrome Extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/4thewords-fight-monsters/iiamioklfgpfmdnehdefdnfmoedmhmco) listing and click **Add to Chrome**. You need Chrome 114 or later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the permissions">
    Chrome shows a permissions prompt: "Read and change all your data on all websites." This is required so word counting works on any site you write on. Click **Add extension** to confirm. See [Permissions & Privacy](/tools/chrome-extension/permissions-and-privacy) for why this is needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pin it for easy access">
    Click the puzzle-piece icon in your Chrome toolbar, then click the pin next to 4thewords so it's always one click away.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connecting your account

You can use the extension without an account first. See **Writing without an account** below. Connecting syncs your words to your real battles, streak, and quests.

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_x-pudXD2v4?start=45" title="Connect an account: 4thewords Extension Walkthrough" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the extension">
    Click the 4thewords icon in your toolbar (or open the side panel), then click **Connect account**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in">
    A 4thewords login page opens. Sign in or create an account, and the extension links automatically. No need to copy or paste any codes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Signing in happens on 4thewords.com, so you never type your password into the extension itself. No codes or keys to copy.

<Tip>
  **Writing without an account.** The extension works before you connect. Your words fight four starter monsters (Reenu, Wignow, Aracni, and Nitana) locally, right in your browser. Connect any time to claim that progress into your real account. See [Battles, Streaks & Quests Sync](/tools/chrome-extension/battles-streaks-and-quests).
</Tip>

## Disconnecting

Open the popup or side panel, go to **Settings**, and click **Disconnect** on your account card. A confirmation appears before anything is cleared.

Disconnecting clears your cached profile, word counts, battle status, streak, and quests from the extension. It does not delete your 4thewords account or anything you've written.

<Warning>
  Disconnecting only affects the extension. Reconnecting later restores your synced progress since it lives on your account, not in the extension.
</Warning>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need a 4thewords account to use the extension?">
    No. You can write and fight local monsters without connecting. Progress only syncs to your real account, streak, and quests once you connect.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Which browsers are supported?">
    Chrome 114 or later. Other Chromium browsers (Edge, Brave, Arc) can install it and it generally works, but Chrome is the only browser we test and support.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I connected but the popup still shows a Connect button.">
    Close and reopen the popup, or reload the page you were on. If it still shows Connect, open **Settings**, click **Disconnect**, and connect again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my login handled securely?">
    Yes. The extension never sees or stores your password. Signing in happens on 4thewords.com and issues a token to the extension, which refreshes periodically and can be revoked any time by disconnecting.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I uninstalled and reinstalled the extension. Did I lose progress?">
    No, as long as you were connected. Your battles, streak, and quests live on your account. Reconnect after reinstalling to pick up where you left off. Unsynced local progress from before you connected is not saved.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

**Next: set up what counts**

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card icon="pen" href="/tools/chrome-extension/word-counting-and-my-sites" title="Word Counting & My Sites">
    Choose which sites count toward your battles and streak.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="shield-halved" href="/tools/chrome-extension/permissions-and-privacy" title="Permissions & Privacy">
    What the extension can access, why, and what it never reads.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>