Need a black screen fast? Opening a website and clicking fullscreen works, but there's a faster way. Our new Black Screen Chrome Extension gives you instant access to a fullscreen black screen with just one click—no tabs, no loading, no distractions.

Whether you're testing your display for dead pixels, protecting your OLED screen from burn-in, taking quick screen breaks, or using your screen as a makeshift light blocker, this extension makes it effortless. In this article, we'll show you why the Chrome extension is a game-changer and how to get the most out of it.

Quick Navigation:

Why Use the Chrome Extension?
Key Features
How to Install
Extension vs Website: What's the Difference?
Real-World Use Cases
FAQ

Why Use the Black Screen Chrome Extension?

Our website at black-screen.cc has been helping users test displays and protect OLED screens since 2025. But we heard feedback: "Can you make it even faster?"

That's why we built the Chrome extension. Here's what makes it special:

Instant Access

Click the extension icon in your Chrome toolbar > instant fullscreen black screen. No waiting for pages to load, no clicking through menus. It's the fastest way to get a black screen when you need one.

Always Available

The extension works offline and doesn't require an internet connection once installed. You can use it anytime, even when you're disconnected or on a slow network.

Zero Clutter

Unlike opening the website, the extension doesn't create a new tab or leave browser UI visible. It's a pure, distraction-free black screen experience—perfect for testing or focus sessions.

Lightweight & Private

The extension is under 100KB and collects zero data. No tracking, no analytics, no permissions beyond what's needed to display a black screen. Your privacy is protected.

Key Features

One-Click Fullscreen Mode

Click the extension icon once > get a fullscreen black screen instantly. No extra steps. Press Esc or F11 to exit.

Why this matters: When you're testing a monitor for dead pixels or backlight uniformity, speed matters. You don't want to waste time navigating through website menus.

Perfect Black (#000000)

Our extension displays a true black screen (RGB: 0, 0, 0, hex: #000000). This is essential for:

OLED screens: True black means pixels are completely off, saving power and preventing burn-in
Dead pixel testing: Any stuck pixels will be immediately visible against pure black
Display calibration: True black is the baseline for accurate color testing

Works on All Displays

The extension adapts to any screen size automatically:

Desktop monitors (1080p, 1440p, 4K, ultrawide)
Laptop displays (13", 15", 17")
External monitors connected to laptops
Multi-monitor setups (use on primary or secondary displays)

Keyboard Shortcuts

Power users can set up custom keyboard shortcuts in Chrome:

Go to chrome://extensions/shortcuts
Find "Black Screen Tool"
Assign a shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+B)
Now you can trigger the black screen without even clicking

Pro tip: This is incredible for streamers who need to quickly black out their screen during breaks.

How to Install the Black Screen Chrome Extension

Installing the extension takes less than 30 seconds:

Step 1: Visit the Chrome Web Store

Go to the Black Screen Tool Chrome Extension page.

Step 2: Click "Add to Chrome"

Click the blue "Add to Chrome" button in the top right corner of the extension page.

Step 3: Confirm Installation

A popup will appear asking to confirm. Click "Add extension."

Step 4: Pin the Extension (Optional)

For easy access:

Click the puzzle piece icon (Extensions) in your Chrome toolbar
Find "Black Screen Tool"
Click the pin icon to add it to your toolbar

Now the extension icon will always be visible for one-click access.

Step 5: Try It Out

Click the Black Screen Tool icon > you should see an instant fullscreen black screen. Press Esc to exit.

That's it! You're ready to use the extension anytime.

Extension vs Website: What's the Difference?

Both our Chrome extension and website give you a black screen, but they serve different needs:

Chrome Extension: Best for Speed & Simplicity

Pros:

One-click instant access
Works offline
No browser UI visible (cleaner experience)
Faster than opening a website
Perfect for quick display tests

Cons:

Only black screen (no other colors yet)
Chrome-only (doesn't work in Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Limited features compared to website

Best for: Quick dead pixel checks, fast screen breaks, OLED protection during idle time, streamers who need instant blackouts.

Website: Best for Full Testing Suite

Pros:

Multiple colors (black, white, red, green, blue, etc.)
Display testing tools (dead pixel checker, backlight bleed test)
Works on any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Works on mobile devices
No installation needed
More comprehensive testing features

Cons:

Requires internet connection
Slightly slower than extension (page load time)
Browser UI visible unless you manually enter fullscreen

Best for: Comprehensive monitor testing, color calibration, testing on non-Chrome browsers, mobile device testing.

Which Should You Use?

Use the Chrome Extension if:

You primarily use Chrome
You need black screens frequently and want instant access
You're testing for dead pixels or backlight uniformity
You want offline access

Use the Website if:

You need other colors (white, red, green, blue)
You're using a browser other than Chrome
You're testing on a mobile device
You want comprehensive display testing features

Pro tip: Many users install the extension for daily quick access and bookmark the website for full testing sessions. You get the best of both worlds.

Real-World Use Cases for the Chrome Extension

1. Quick Display Testing

Bought a new monitor? Testing for dead pixels takes seconds with the extension:

Click the extension icon
Look closely at the black screen
Any stuck pixels will appear as colored dots
Press Esc when done

This is way faster than opening a website, especially if you're testing multiple monitors.

2. OLED Burn-In Prevention

If you have an OLED laptop or monitor, displaying a black screen during breaks helps prevent burn-in:

Going to lunch? Click the extension before leaving
Taking a phone call? Black screen saves your OLED
Stepping away from your desk? One click protects your display

Unlike screensavers, a true black screen turns OLED pixels completely off, maximizing protection.

3. Screen Breaks & Focus Sessions

Following the Pomodoro Technique or taking regular screen breaks? The extension makes it effortless:

Work for 25 minutes
Click the black screen extension
Rest your eyes for 5 minutes (screen is black, no light emission)
Resume work

The black screen reduces eye strain better than just dimming your display.

4. Streaming & Content Creation

Streamers and content creators use the extension for:

Transition screens: Quick black screen between scenes
Break screens: Black out the stream during bathroom breaks
Clean recordings: Start/end recordings with a black frame

Set up a keyboard shortcut (chrome://extensions/shortcuts) for hands-free control.

5. Battery Saving (OLED Laptops)

OLED displays consume almost zero power when showing black. If you have an OLED laptop and need to step away without closing the lid:

Click the black screen extension
Your screen stays on but draws minimal power
Your laptop doesn't go to sleep (useful if you're running background tasks)

This is smarter than using a screensaver, which still consumes power.

6. Photography & Video Lighting

Photographers sometimes use laptop screens as improvised lighting:

Black screen as a light blocker (blocking reflected light in setups)
Quick on/off control for testing lighting setups

While the website offers white screens for fill light, the extension's black screen is useful for contrast testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Black Screen Chrome Extension free?

Yes, completely free. No ads, no in-app purchases, no premium tiers. We built it as a companion to our free Black Screen website.

Does the extension collect any data?

No. Zero data collection. The extension doesn't track your usage, doesn't send analytics, and doesn't require any intrusive permissions. Your privacy is protected.

Will it work in other browsers like Firefox or Edge?

Not yet. The current version is Chrome-only (and works in Chromium-based browsers like Brave and Opera). We're exploring Firefox and Safari versions based on user demand.

In the meantime, you can use our website, which works in all browsers.

Can I use the extension offline?

Yes! Once installed, the extension works completely offline. No internet connection needed.

Does it work on Chromebooks?

Yes. The extension works perfectly on Chrome OS and Chromebooks.

Can I get other colors (white, red, green, blue)?

The current extension version only displays black. We're considering adding more colors in a future update based on user feedback.

For now, use our website if you need other colors—it offers black, white, red, green, blue, yellow, orange, pink, and purple.

How do I uninstall the extension?

Right-click the extension icon > "Remove from Chrome" > Confirm. Or go to chrome://extensions/, find "Black Screen Tool," and click "Remove."

Can I use it on multiple monitors?

Yes. The extension will display a black screen on whichever monitor your Chrome window is currently on. To use it on a secondary monitor, move a Chrome window there first, then click the extension.

Does it prevent my computer from going to sleep?

No. The extension just displays a black screen—it doesn't change your system's sleep settings. If you want to prevent sleep, adjust your power settings separately.

Why isn't the screen completely black?

If you're seeing a slight glow, that's likely your monitor's backlight or IPS glow (common on LCD screens). The extension displays true black (RGB: 0, 0, 0).

For testing backlight bleed, check out our Black Screen Test guide.

Get the Extension & Start Testing

Ready to experience the fastest way to get a black screen?

Install the Black Screen Chrome Extension (Free)

Installation takes less than 30 seconds, and you'll have instant black screen access whenever you need it.

Want More Display Testing Features?

The Chrome extension is perfect for quick black screens, but if you need comprehensive display testing:

Black Screen Website - Full color suite (black, white, red, green, blue, and more)
Black Screen Test Guide - Complete guide to testing for dead pixels, backlight bleed, and uniformity
Black Screen Wallpaper - Download pure black wallpapers for OLED protection
White Screen Test - Test for dead pixels and backlight issues with a white screen

If you found this extension useful, check out these guides:

How to Fix YouTube Black Screen - Troubleshoot black screens in YouTube videos (not the same as testing displays)
Laptop Black Screen Troubleshooting - Fix black screen issues on laptops (hardware problems)
Windows Black Screen Fix - Solve Windows black screen on startup

Final Thoughts

The Black Screen Chrome Extension is the fastest way to access a fullscreen black screen. Whether you're testing a new monitor, protecting your OLED display, taking screen breaks, or creating content, the extension saves you time and clicks.

Install it once, use it forever. It's free, lightweight, and respects your privacy.

Get the Black Screen Extension for Chrome

And if you need more advanced testing features, visit black-screen.cc for our full display testing suite.

Last Updated: October 2025

Black Screen Chrome Extension: Instant Access to Display Testing [2025]