Find out how to install Archive Page extension to Chrome with this quick tutorial.
On March 13 2025, Chrome Web Store has removed the Archive Page extension.
But you can still download and install Archive.Today extension manually from the code found in Chrome-Stats site.
You need to have a free account with Chrome-Stats.
Follow this a step-by-step tutorial how to download and install the extension in your Chrome browser.
You can use Archive.Today to bypass paywalls of many popular websites.
Welcome to another post from The DiGiztal Bypass Paywalls Tips series.
How to install Archive Page extension to Chrome browser
First go to this Download Archive Page at Chrome-Stats.
Click the "Download ZIP file" button.
Sign into your account.
Another box pops up, telling you to check your email for the sign-in verification code.
Get the verification from your email, and copy it into the space provided and click the "Sign in" button.
Likewise you can click the "Sign in" button in the email.
After signing in, again click the "Download ZIP file blue button.
It opens a new page and this time the blue button has the words "Download now".
This folder appears next to it.
Now go to Chrome Extensions, click the "Load unpacked" button.
Ensure the the toggle switch "Developer mode" on the top right side is enabled.
Select the gcaimhkfmliahedmeklebabdgapipbia folder, and then click the "Select Folder" button.
Immediately the Archive Page extension is installed to your Chrome browser.
Click the Archive.today extensions icon (jigsaw puzzle piece) at the toolbar, a menu drops down, and pin the Archive Page extension to the toolbar.
This is the Archive Page icon.
The next time when you come to The Economist paywalled article, click this Archive Page icon at the toolbar.
Instantly you could view that particular archived webpage in full, without the The Economist paywall.
That's how people use Archive.Today to read web articles for free.
How does it work: It doesn't actually hack or disable the paywall on the live site.
Archived snapshot: It saves a copy of the page as it was at the time of archiving, before the paywall might have fully engaged or if the content was temporarily accessible.
Static copy: The archived version is static and doesn't interact with the live website's dynamic elements (like JavaScript, cookies, or real-time paywall checks). This is why it can circumvent certain paywall types.
Accessibility: If someone archived an article when it was freely available, that archived version remains accessible regardless of whether the live site later puts it behind a paywall.
In short, you're not viewing the current, paywalled version of the site, but rather a frozen moment in time when the content was visible.
Here is a detailed tutorial how to use Archive.Today to bypass paywalled articles for free.
NOTE: This method may not involve direct hacking or unauthorized access, it can still violate anti-circumvention laws and terms of service. Consider using the legal and ethical ways to access paywalled web articles.
RELATED TIPS:
DISCLAIMER: This post is for educational purposes only. It aims to help you better understand web technologies and digital security. It does not endorse breaking website rules or illegal activity. Use responsibly; the author is not liable for misuse or legal issues.