Important Takeaways:
- Trust Wallet’s Chrome extension has been temporarily delisted due to a publishing bug.
- A recent security incident affecting version 2.68 led to losses and safety warnings.
- Google Chrome Web Store issues have postponed the updated release.
- Users should avoid unofficial add-ons and rely on official updates only.
- There is no official timeline yet, but Trust Wallet expects resolution soon.
Why the Trust Wallet Chrome Extension Is Down
Trust Wallet’s leadership confirmed that the Trust Wallet Chrome Extension is down due to an unexpected publishing bug tied to the Chrome Web Store Trust Wallet extension issue. The problem emerged while attempting to release a new version of the extension that would include tools designed to assist users affected by a late-December security incident.
The extension was removed from availability on the Chrome Web Store during the rollout, leaving users temporarily unable to download or update it. Trust Wallet’s CEO, Eowyn Chen, publicly described the disruption as a temporary unavailability caused by a platform bug in the publishing process.
This removal is not uncommon when automated publishing pipelines encounter errors. Still, in crypto contexts, even brief disruptions can spark significant user concern.
What Caused the Error in the First Place
At the heart of the problem is a publishing conflict with the Chrome Web Store infrastructure. While deploying the updated extension, the release was blocked by an internal Chrome Web Store malfunction. This bug prevented the extension from being listed or updated, which is why many users now see the extension unavailable when searching the store.
It’s important to understand that this is not indicative of a broader outage in Trust Wallet’s systems or its on-chain infrastructure. Mobile users or those using other versions of the extension remain unaffected.
The Security Incident That Preceded the Down Status
Trust Wallet’s browser extension version 2.68 was compromised in a security breach that resulted in approximately $7 million in unauthorized fund movements, according to industry reporting.
The compromised version included malicious code that extracted mnemonic phrases, giving threat actors a path to drain wallets of funds. Following this discovery, Trust Wallet quickly pulled version 2.68 and urged users to update only through the official Chrome Web Store once the patched version (2.69) became available.
Although this prior incident is separate from the current publishing bug, it cast an immediate spotlight on the risks associated with browser wallet extensions and heightened user sensitivity.
How Trust Wallet Responded to the Security Issue
After identifying the compromised extension, Trust Wallet:
- Advised users to disable version 2.68 immediately to reduce exposure.
- Released a patched version (2.69) to correct the vulnerability.
- Began processing reimbursements for affected users.
- Urged users to remain vigilant against fake or phishing extensions.
This response underscores the seriousness of the security challenge and the complexity involved when decentralized security meets centralized platform requirements.
What Users Must Do While the Extension Is Down
1. Avoid Unofficial Builds
Fake or malicious extensions often proliferate when legitimate tools become unavailable. Users should only engage with official Trust Wallet channels to prevent exposing seed phrases or private keys to phishing threats.
2. Use Mobile or Alternative Access
Since the Chrome extension is temporarily unavailable, users who rely on Trust Wallet on desktop should transition to the mobile app or other supported interfaces.
3. Monitor Official Announcements
Trust Wallet and Google have not published a firm timeline for when the extension will be reinstated. However, leadership has indicated that the fix is forthcoming and that close collaboration with Google is ongoing.
Why This Matters for Crypto Users
Browser wallets offer convenience but carry real security implications, particularly when running as extensions within a general-purpose browser like Chrome. A single compromised update or publishing process bug can expose user assets or lead to downtime.
This incident with the Trust Wallet browser extension unavailable demonstrates how centralized platform bugs and decentralized security models collide, requiring careful management and heightened user awareness.
Timeline of the Downtime Event
December 24, 2025
- A compromised version (2.68) of the extension was published and began draining funds.
December 26, 2025
- Trust Wallet publicly confirmed the security incident and began recommending updates to version 2.69.
January 1, 2026
- Trust Wallet acknowledged a Chrome Web Store bug that blocked the updated extension release, rendering the extension temporarily unavailable.
Ongoing
- Users are warned against fake extensions and encouraged to rely on official releases once the Chrome Web Store bug is resolved.
Technical Barriers to a Quick Return
Reinstating the extension involves more than re-submitting code. The Chrome Web Store publishing pipeline must complete automated checks, security reviews, and verifications before listing an update. Until these automated subsystems clear the current release, the extension will remain inaccessible.
Thus, even though Trust Wallet has prepared a fixed version, external approval timelines remain beyond its direct control.
What to Expect Next
Trust Wallet leadership has indicated:
- A fix is being worked on with Google.
- Users will be notified once the extension returns.
- No changes to wallet recovery processes are expected; users will continue to self-custody their keys as before.
Until then, users should keep funds secure and only use official Trust Wallet methods for access.
Read Also: Crypto Security Emergency: Protect Your Wallet After 16 B Password Leak
Disclaimer!! The information provided by CryptopianNews is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and speculative, and investing in them carries inherent risks. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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