Categories: AsperaIBMTips

How Do I Enable Aspera Connect in Chrome

TL;DR: Enabling IBM Aspera Connect in Chrome requires both installing the Connect application and adding the browser extension for Chrome. The procedure for installing IBM Aspera Connect offers two pathways: guided installation, which automatically prompts users during file transfers, and manual installation for system-wide deployment. To add the IBM Aspera Connect extension, navigate to the Chrome Web Store, click “Add to Chrome,” and confirm the extension addition. Enable the extension by right-clicking the Connect icon and accessing “Manage extensions” to ensure the toggle switch is set to “On.” Note that the extension link for the browser is disabled by default in Chrome’s incognito mode, requiring users to download and install additional permissions through the extension settings. This diagnostic tool streamlines file transfers at record speeds across any browser.IBM Aspera Connect is a lightweight client built on Aspera technology that works with web applications. It allows users to upload and download files at record speeds. This transfer client allows users to move files and folders of any size through a simple download and installation process.

One of the many key features of Aspera Connect is that it enables web browser support. IBM Aspera Connect is browser agnostic with Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge Chromium. If you’re looking at how to enable Aspera Connect in Chrome, we have step-by-step instructions below.

How to Install Aspera Connect

The process for installing IBM Aspera Connect requires enabling a browser extension for Connect in addition to installing the Connect application. In this case, we’ll be looking at how to install Aspera Connect in Chrome. There are two ways to install it in your system:

Guided Installation: This is the most common way of installing Connect. If you do not have Connect installed and you attempt to transfer packages or files with an Aspera web application, the Connect Welcome screen will appear and prompt you to install Connect.
Manual Installation: This is for a system-wide or multi-user installation, as well as a fallback method for users with non-typical web applications. You first install the Connect web extension for your browser, then install the Connect application by running a desktop installer.

Adding the Connect Browser Extension in Chrome

When using the guided install with Chrome, clicking “Install Extension” opens the extension link within the Chrome Webstore. With a manual install, you will have to download the extension for it.

To obtain and install the Connect extension for Chrome:

Click “Install Extension” or open the IBM Aspera Connect page on the Chrome Web Store.
Click “Add to Chrome”. The “Add ‘IBM Aspera Connect?’” popup appears.
Click “Add extension”. If successful, you will see the message “IBM Aspera Connect has been added to Chrome”.

Enable the Aspera Connect Chrome Extension

To enable the Connect extension:

Right-click the small Connect icon in the upper-right corner of your browser page.
Open “Manage extensions” and make sure the switch beside the “On” is highlighted blue and aligned right.

Note that, by default, the Connect extension is disabled in Chrome’s incognito mode. To enable while in incognito mode, you will have to go into “Manage extensions” and scroll down to the heading “Allow in incognito. Then, set the switch to “On” as you did before.

Quick Console Fix for Aspera Connect Connection Issues

If Aspera Connect still won’t work after enabling it in Chrome, you may need to manually switch the connection method. This JavaScript command forces Aspera to use HTTP instead of HTTPS, which resolves most compatibility problems.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Chrome Developer Tools Press F12 on your keyboard (or right-click anywhere on the page and select “Inspect”).

2. Navigate to the Console Tab Click the “Console” tab at the top of the Developer Tools panel.

3. Paste the Fix Copy and paste this code into the console:

javascript

(function(){localStorage['aspera-connect-method']='http';window.location.reload();})()

4. Press Enter Hit Enter to execute the command. The page will automatically reload with the corrected connection method.

What This Code Does

This snippet performs two actions:

Sets the Aspera Connect method to HTTP in your browser’s local storage
Reloads the current page to apply the change

The connection method change persists across sessions, so you typically only need to run this once per browser.

When to Use This Fix

Use this console command if you’re experiencing:

Aspera Connect failing to initialize
“Unable to connect” error messages
The extension appearing enabled but not functioning
Connection timeouts during file transfers

Still Having Issues?

If the console fix doesn’t resolve your problem, try these additional steps:

Restart Chrome completely
Reinstall the Aspera Connect extension
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Check that Aspera Connect desktop application is running

Key Takeaways:

Dual Installation Required: The procedure for adding an extension to Chrome involves both installing the IBM Aspera Connect application and enabling the browser extension—each step is essential for proper functionality.
Two Installation Methods: Guided installation automatically prompts users when attempting file transfers, while manual installation supports system-wide deployment and non-typical web applications.
Simple Extension Process: Download the Connect extension by visiting the IBM Aspera Connect page in the Chrome Web Store, clicking “Add to Chrome,” and confirming the installation prompt.
Enable Through Settings: Access the extension for the browser by right-clicking the Connect icon, selecting “Manage extensions,” and toggling the switch to “On” to activate the diagnostic tool.
Incognito Mode Configuration: The Connect extension is disabled by default in Chrome’s incognito mode; users must manually enable it through “Manage extensions” and activate the “Allow in incognito” setting.
Browser Agnostic Design: IBM Aspera Connect supports Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge Chromium, making it a versatile solution for file transfers across different browsers.
Record-Speed Performance: This lightweight client enables users to upload and download files of any size at exceptional speeds through the Aspera transfer server.

How PacGenesis Helps With Aspera Connect

IBM Aspera Connect is easy to configure, getting you online and transferring files to the Aspera transfer server in a matter of minutes. If you’d like to learn more about Aspera or other solutions that support today’s data transfer needs, reach out to one of our highly capable team members at PacGenesis. As a leading IBM solutions partner, PacGenesis has supported over four hundred customers in the installation and use of leading technology-focused solutions.

To learn more about PacGenesis, follow @PacGenesis on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or go to www.pacgenesis.com.

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