Google Moves Web Vitals Monitoring to DevTools
Google has stopped its Web Vitals Chrome extension with the launch of Chrome 132. Now, all the features from the extension are part of Chrome DevTools’ Performance panel.
This change allows developers to track Core Web Vitals directly in DevTools. It helps make the process simpler and more efficient.
Why Did Google End the Web Vitals Extension?
The Web Vitals extension launched in 2020. It helped developers track important website performance metrics like:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
- Interaction to Next Paint (INP)
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
These metrics measure how fast a website loads, how users interact, and how stable the design is.
Although many developers used the extension, Google now focuses on DevTools because it offers more features in one place.
What’s New in DevTools?
Chrome’s Performance panel in DevTools has all the features of the extension and more. Key updates include:
- Live Metrics: Get real-time Core Web Vitals data during tests.
- Field Data Comparison: Compare your data with the Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX) for mobile and desktop.
- LCP Details: See which element affects your LCP and get a breakdown of loading phases.
- INP Logs: Track user interactions that affect the INP score.
- CLS Logs: View layout shifts that impact your CLS score.
- Advanced Metrics: Get more data like First Contentful Paint (FCP) and Time to First Byte (TTFB).
These updates give developers detailed insights to fix performance issues quickly.
Related: Improve Largest Contentful Paint: A Key to Faster Page Loads
What Should Developers Do Now?
If you are still using the Web Vitals extension, switch to DevTools.
Google has made a migration guide to help with this transition. For those who still want to use the extension, Google has shared instructions to keep a local copy. However, the CrUX API key linked to the extension will stop working soon. You will need to generate a new API key using the CrUX documentation.
Looking Ahead
Google is improving DevTools to be the best tool for web performance monitoring.
With all Core Web Vitals metrics now available in DevTools, developers can track performance issues without needing extra tools. It also makes performance optimization faster and easier.
Sarosh Khan has been part of CyberX Studio since 2024 as a Content Writer and Strategist. With a degree in Media & Communication Studies, Sarosh is passionate about creating content that is both informative and engaging. She specializes in researching topics and crafting content strategies that help boost engagement and support the studio’s marketing goals.