Can Chrome Extensions Open Popups Without User Interaction?

The answer to that question depends on how you define 'popup'. A browser plugin can't open the action popup without user clicking on the action icon. But it can open other types of user interfaces that can be defined as a popup.

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Every chrome extension has an icon at the top right side of the browser.

When you click it - a default popup appears.

Many developers refer to it as the chrome extension popup.

If you click anywhere outside - it will disappear immediately.

This type of popup can't be opened automatically.

But if a chrome extension has the permission to read and change data on a website - it can show a popup inside of that page.

For example, a productivity browser plugin that automatically shows a warning if you have been procrastinating and watching a YouTube video for too long.