USB Devices

usb

High RiskCategory: Device AccessView Official Docs↗

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Install Warning

"Access USB devices."

Technical Context

Grants access to the chrome.usb API for direct communication with USB devices. This enables low-level control over USB protocols beyond what standard web APIs provide.

What This Means For You

The extension can communicate with USB devices connected to your computer at a low level. This is used for programming hardware or transferring files to specialized devices.

Related APIs

This permission enables access to these Chrome APIs:

chrome.usb

Common Use Cases

✓Hardware programming
✓Device management
✓File transfer tools

How to Declare in manifest.json

Add the "usb" permission to your extension manifest:

{
  "manifest_version": 3,
  "name": "My Extension",
  "permissions": [
    "usb"
  ]
}

What Users Will See

When users install your extension, Chrome will display this warning:

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This extension can:

"Access USB devices."

Related Permissions

Geolocation

geolocation

The extension can find out where you are located, either precisely through GPS or approximately through your internet connection. This is used for local search or mapping features.

high

Audio Capture

audioCapture

The extension can listen through your microphone and record audio. This is necessary for voice commands or transcription but means it can hear what you say.

high

Video Capture

videoCapture

The extension can use your webcam to capture video or take photos. This is necessary for video calls but means it can see you when active.

high

Clipboard Read

clipboardRead

The extension can see anything you copy to your clipboard, including passwords or sensitive text you might copy from other applications.

high

Audio

audio

On Chromebooks in kiosk mode, the extension can see and control connected audio devices like speakers and microphones. This is mainly for enterprise or kiosk deployments.

low