Skip to main content
Support Us
Docs / AssisT / Browser Compatibility

Browser Compatibility

Chrome versions, permissions, and known compatibility issues.

Supported Browsers

Primary Support

BrowserMinimum VersionStatus
Google ChromeVersion 88+Fully supported
Microsoft EdgeVersion 88+Fully supported*
ChromiumVersion 88+Fully supported

*Edge uses the same extension from Chrome Web Store.

Not Supported

BrowserReason
FirefoxDifferent extension API
SafariDifferent extension API
OperaLimited, may work with workarounds
BraveMay work, not officially tested
ArcMay work, not officially tested

Chrome Version Requirements

Checking Your Chrome Version

  1. Click three dots menu (top-right)
  2. Click Help → About Google Chrome
  3. Version number is displayed
  4. Chrome auto-updates, but check if updates are paused

Minimum Requirements

FeatureChrome VersionNotes
Core extension88+Manifest V3 support
Speech recognition25+Web Speech API
Text-to-Speech33+Speech Synthesis API
OCR88+Worker thread support
IndexedDB (annotations)23+Data storage
  • Chrome 100+ for best performance
  • Latest stable for security and features
  • Auto-update enabled

Required Permissions

When you install AssisT, Chrome asks for these permissions:

Permission Explanations

PermissionWhy It’s Needed
Read and change all website dataAccessibility features need to modify page content (TTS highlighting, overlays, annotations)
MicrophoneSpeech-to-Text requires microphone access
StorageSaves your settings, annotations, and preferences
TabsNeeded for Reading Mode and multi-tab features

Optional Permissions

PermissionFeatureWhen Asked
NotificationsPomodoro timer alertsWhen enabling timer
ClipboardCopy citationsWhen using copy function

Managing Permissions

  1. Go to chrome://extensions
  2. Find AssisT
  3. Click Details
  4. Scroll to Permissions
  5. Review or modify permissions

Note: Removing permissions may break associated features.

Platform Compatibility

Windows

Windows VersionStatus
Windows 11Fully supported
Windows 10Fully supported
Windows 8.1Works, end of support
Windows 7Chrome no longer supports

Windows-specific notes:

  • Neural voices available through Windows Settings
  • High contrast mode compatible with Dark Mode
  • Narrator (screen reader) compatible

macOS

macOS VersionStatus
Ventura (13)Fully supported
Monterey (12)Fully supported
Big Sur (11)Fully supported
Catalina (10.15)Works, older Chrome versions

macOS-specific notes:

  • macOS voices available for TTS
  • VoiceOver (screen reader) compatible
  • System accessibility settings respected

Chrome OS

Chrome OSStatus
Current stableFully supported
Beta/Dev channelsShould work, may have issues
School-managed devicesMay require admin approval

Chrome OS-specific notes:

  • Extensions may be managed by school/organization
  • Some features may be disabled by policy
  • Check with IT for managed devices

Linux

DistributionStatus
Ubuntu 20.04+Fully supported
Debian 10+Fully supported
Fedora 33+Fully supported
OtherShould work with Chrome 88+

Linux-specific notes:

  • TTS voices depend on installed speech synthesis
  • May need to install additional voice packages
  • Chrome installation method doesn’t affect extension

Known Compatibility Issues

Websites with Known Issues

WebsiteIssueWorkaround
Google DocsTTS highlighting limitedUse Reading Mode
Canvas LMSSome quiz pages block overlaysCanvas Helper adapts
YouTubeVideo captions affect TTSDisable captions
Twitter/XDynamic content resets settingsRe-enable per page
FacebookHeavy JavaScript interferesLimited support

Feature-Specific Issues

FeatureKnown Limitation
TTSSome PDFs not readable (image-based)
OCRAccuracy varies by image quality
Dark ModeSome sites override with !important CSS
AnnotationsURL changes lose note positioning
Focus ModeComplex overlays may conflict

Enterprise/School Environments

Managed Chrome

If Chrome is managed by your organization:

  1. Extension installation may require IT approval
  2. Some features may be disabled by policy
  3. Settings may not sync between devices
  4. Updates may be delayed by organization

Checking for Management

  1. Go to chrome://management
  2. If page shows “Your browser is managed,” contact IT
  3. Organization may have specific installation procedures

Common School Restrictions

RestrictionImpact
Extension whitelistMay need IT to add AssisT
Microphone blockedSTT won’t work
Storage limitsAnnotations may be limited
Incognito disabledN/A for AssisT

Requesting Installation

Provide IT with:

  • Extension name: AssisT
  • Chrome Web Store link
  • Purpose: Educational accessibility tool
  • Permissions explanation (above)

Performance Considerations

Minimum Hardware

ComponentMinimumRecommended
RAM4 GB8 GB+
ProcessorDual-coreQuad-core
Storage100 MB free500 MB+ free

Features with Higher Requirements

FeatureResource UsageNotes
TTS + HighlightingModerate CPUPer-page processing
OCRHigh CPU (brief)During capture only
AI Features (Local)High RAM/CPURequires Ollama
Multiple featuresCumulativeDisable unused features

Optimizing Performance

  1. Disable unused features — Only enable what you use
  2. Use features on-demand — Don’t auto-enable everything
  3. Close other tabs — Reduce Chrome memory usage
  4. Restart Chrome periodically — Clears memory buildup
  5. Update Chrome — Newer versions often perform better

Accessibility Compatibility

Screen Readers

Screen ReaderCompatibility
NVDA (Windows)Compatible
JAWS (Windows)Compatible
VoiceOver (macOS)Compatible
ChromeVox (Chrome OS)Compatible

Notes:

  • AssisT features supplement, not replace, screen readers
  • TTS can be used alongside screen reader
  • Focus management follows WCAG guidelines

System Accessibility Settings

AssisT respects:

  • prefers-reduced-motion — Disables animations
  • prefers-color-scheme — Dark Mode can follow system
  • High contrast mode — Compatible with AssisT overlays
  • Increased text size — Works with Text Customization

Troubleshooting Browser Issues

Chrome Won’t Update

Solutions:

  1. Click menu → Help → About Google Chrome
  2. If stuck, restart Chrome
  3. Check internet connection
  4. On managed devices, contact IT

Extension Disabled After Update

Solutions:

  1. Re-enable at chrome://extensions
  2. Chrome may have updated permission requirements
  3. Review and accept new permissions
  4. If persistent, reinstall extension

Features Work in Chrome but Not Edge

Solutions:

  1. Check Edge version (should be 88+)
  2. Extension may need reinstall on Edge
  3. Some Edge policies differ from Chrome
  4. Verify permissions in Edge settings

Getting Help

Before Reporting Issues

  1. Check this compatibility guide
  2. Try in fresh Chrome profile (no other extensions)
  3. Test in Incognito mode
  4. Note browser version and OS

Information to Include

When reporting compatibility issues:

  • Browser and version
  • Operating system and version
  • Other extensions installed
  • Steps to reproduce
  • Screenshot or video if possible