It was a peaceful Sunday afternoon, and I was spending time with my 4-year-old niece.
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.
I knew the latest macOS and Google Chrome versions no longer support Flash. But I couldn’t let her down.
So, I started digging into solutions. In this article, I’ll share my findings on how to enable Flash on Chrome.
Is Adobe Flash Player Still Available on Mac?
Modern macOS and Chrome versions do not support Flash. However, it may still work on older macOS versions like Snow Leopard and Lion.
Adobe officially discontinued Flash Player on December 31, 2020. Apple had already removed Flash support in Safari 14 in September 2020.
Then, Microsoft removed Flash from Edge and Internet Explorer 11 in December 2020. A month later, Google Chrome entirely blocked Flash.
Reasons for Flash Player’s Decline
| 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. |
The result? Flash disappeared from mainstream use.
Enabling Flash Player on Older Chrome Versions
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.
Safety Tips Before Using Flash
- Keep your antivirus updated.
- Back up your files to prevent data loss.
- Monitor your Mac for malware or security threats.
- Remove Flash immediately after use.
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.
Installing an Older Chrome Version That Supports Flash
Since Flash no longer works on the latest Chrome versions, you’ll need an older version (before Chrome 87). Here’s how:
- Remove Current Chrome Version
- 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.
- Download an Older Chrome Version
- Visit trusted sites like FileHippo or Slimjet Browser Archives to download Chrome 86 or earlier.
- Disable Chrome Auto-Updates
- Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Enter: sudo defaults write com.google.Keystone.Agent checkInterval -int 0 and press Return.
- Enable Flash on Chrome
- Open Chrome (older version) and type chrome://settings/content/flash.
- In settings, enable Flash.
After using Flash, uninstall the old Chrome version to protect your Mac.
| Tip | To protect important files before making changes, use Disk Drill. It tracks deleted files and makes recovery easier if needed. |
Turning On Flash in Older Chrome Versions
If you still want to proceed, follow these steps:
- 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.
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Flash Player no longer supported?
Adobe discontinued Flash due to security risks, poor performance, and better alternatives like HTML5.
Which browsers still support Flash?
No major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox) support Flash. Only older browser versions allow it.
Why did Apple remove Flash?
- Flash was outdated.
- It drained battery life quickly.
- It posed significant security risks.
Should I uninstall Flash Player?
Yes, since it is no longer supported, using it can make your system vulnerable to threats.
Using Flash Player in Chrome today is not recommended due to security risks.
But if you must, ensure you download Chrome from a trusted source, enable Flash only when needed, and remove it immediately after use.
To stay secure, consider apps like CleanMyMac for malware protection, Get Backup Pro for data safety, and Disk Drill for recovery options.
These are available on Setapp’s 7-day free trial, giving you access to over 250 Mac and iOS apps.
Stay safe and keep your Mac secure!