Installing the Axe DevTools Browser Extension

Published February 3, 2026 by Derrik Bosse.

For axe DevTools version 4.120.1

The axe DevTools browser extension is a free accessibility testing tool by Deque that scans web pages for WCAG violations and common accessibility errors. It provides clear issue descriptions, code references, and suggested fixes. Axe helps developers, designers, and content editors quickly find and resolve accessibility problems during development.

Step 1: Go to the Axe DevTools extension page

  1. Visit: deque.com/axe/devtools/extension
  2. Scroll down until you see Try Axe Devtools Extension in your browser of choice. Select your install.

Install for Chrome

Step 2: Install for Chrome

  1. Click Install Free Chrome Extension.
  2. Click Add to Chrome (top-right).
  3. A dialog box will appear. Click Add Extension.

Step 3: Confirm the extension is working

  1. Click the puzzle piece icon in the top-right of your browser (next to the address bar).
  2. A dropdown menu will appear — axe DevTools should be listed.

Step 4: Initialize axe Devtools

  1. Click the three dots at the top right of your browser
  2. Select More Tools > Developer Tools
  3. A slideout menu will appear. At the top of the menu look for the “>>” icon.
  4. A dropdown list of apps will appear. Click axe Devtools.
  5. You’ll be prompted initially to select your role. Choose the appropriate role, then accept the Terms of Service.
  6. Click Start using axe Devtools.

Step 5: Run axe DevTools on a website

  1. Repeat steps 8 to 11
  2. Click Full Page Scan
  3. Axe will run a test, then provide you with an overview on any accessibility issues that exist on the particular web page.

Install for Firefox

Step 2: Install for Firefox

  1. Click Install Free Firefox Extension
  2. Click Add to Firefox (top-right).
  3. A dialog box will appear. Check Add extension to run in private windows, then click Add.
  4. Check Pin extension to toolbar, then click OK.

Step 3: Confirm the extension is working

  1. Click the puzzle piece icon in the top-right of your browser (next to the address bar).
  2. A dropdown menu will appear — axe DevTools should be listed.

Step 4: Run axe Devtools on a website

  1. Click the hamburger menu (three stacked lines) in the top right of the browser window.
  2. Select More Tools.
  3. Select Web Developer Tools.
  4. A slideout menu will appear at the bottom. At the top of the menu look for the “>>” icon, or axe DevTools will already appear on the dock. Click axe DevTools.
  5. Click Full Page Scan.
  6. Axe will run a test, then provide you with an overview on any accessibility issues that exist on the particular web page.