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It was a peaceful Sunday afternoon, and I was spending time with my 4-year-old niece.
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She sees me as a magician, so saying no to her is tough. But when I tried to install her favorite puzzle game on my Mac, her excited face turned to disappointment when the message “Adobe Flash Player is blocked” appeared.
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I knew the latest macOS and Google Chrome versions no longer support Flash. But I couldn’t let her down.
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So, I started digging into solutions. In this article, I’ll share my findings on how to enable Flash on Chrome.
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Is Adobe Flash Player Still Available on Mac?
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Modern macOS and Chrome versions do not support Flash. However, it may still work on older macOS versions like Snow Leopard and Lion.
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Adobe officially discontinued Flash Player on December 31, 2020. Apple had already removed Flash support in Safari 14 in September 2020.
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Then, Microsoft removed Flash from Edge and Internet Explorer 11 in December 2020. A month later, Google Chrome entirely blocked Flash.
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Reasons for Flash Player’s Decline
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| Factor | Explanation |
| Security Risks | Flash had numerous vulnerabilities, making it an easy target for hackers. Adobe had to release constant security updates, but threats remained. |
| Performance Issues | Flash was known to slow down Macs and cause high CPU usage. Some users even reported 100% CPU usage on Flash-heavy sites. |
| Better Technologies | Alternatives like HTML5, WebGL, and WebAssembly replaced Flash. These are faster, more efficient, and don’t require additional plug-ins. |
| No iPhone Support | Apple never allowed Flash on iPhones, leading to platforms like YouTube switching to other technologies. |
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The result? Flash disappeared from mainstream use.
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Enabling Flash Player on Older Chrome Versions
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You can still run Flash on older Chrome and macOS versions, but be cautious. Flash is often bundled with malware, so only use it if necessary.
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Safety Tips Before Using Flash
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- Keep your antivirus updated.
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- Back up your files to prevent data loss.
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- Monitor your Mac for malware or security threats.
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- Remove Flash immediately after use.
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To keep your Mac safe, consider using CleanMyMac. It scans your system for threats, monitors suspicious activity, and clears browser data instantly, reducing the risk of malware infections.
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Installing an Older Chrome Version That Supports Flash
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Since Flash no longer works on the latest Chrome versions, you’ll need an older version (before Chrome 87). Here’s how:
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- Remove Current Chrome Version wp:list
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- Open Finder > Applications > Google Chrome > Move to Trash.
- Go to Finder > Click Go > Go to Folder > Enter: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome > Delete the folder.
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- Download an Older Chrome Version wp:list
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- Visit trusted sites like FileHippo or Slimjet Browser Archives to download Chrome 86 or earlier.
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- Disable Chrome Auto-Updates wp:list
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- Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Enter: sudo defaults write com.google.Keystone.Agent checkInterval -int 0 and press Return.
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- Enable Flash on Chrome wp:list
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- Open Chrome (older version) and type chrome://settings/content/flash.
- In settings, enable Flash.
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After using Flash, uninstall the old Chrome version to protect your Mac.
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| Tip | To protect important files before making changes, use Disk Drill. It tracks deleted files and makes recovery easier if needed. |
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Turning On Flash in Older Chrome Versions
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If you still want to proceed, follow these steps:
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- Install an older version of Chrome (before version 87).
- Open Chrome and enter chrome://settings/content/flash in the address bar.
- In the settings window, enable Flash.
- Visit the site requiring Flash and allow it when prompted.
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| Backup Reminder | Using Flash can be risky. Get Backup Pro helps secure your data by offering multiple backup methods, including clone, incremental, and versioned backups. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is Flash Player no longer supported?
Adobe discontinued Flash due to security risks, poor performance, and better alternatives like HTML5.
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Which browsers still support Flash?
No major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox) support Flash. Only older browser versions allow it.
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Why did Apple remove Flash?
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- Flash was outdated.
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- It drained battery life quickly.
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- It posed significant security risks.
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Should I uninstall Flash Player?
Yes, since it is no longer supported, using it can make your system vulnerable to threats.
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Using Flash Player in Chrome today is not recommended due to security risks.
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But if you must, ensure you download Chrome from a trusted source, enable Flash only when needed, and remove it immediately after use.
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To stay secure, consider apps like CleanMyMac for malware protection, Get Backup Pro for data safety, and Disk Drill for recovery options.
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These are available on Setapp’s 7-day free trial, giving you access to over 250 Mac and iOS apps.
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Stay safe and keep your Mac secure!
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