Quick answers, how to handle common issues, and information about the Extension’s permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to log in to use it?
It is not required for auditing pages, but logging in is recommended so you can use Rank Checker fully and sync your account.
Does the Extension work on every website?
Yes, you can audit any http or https page, including competitors’ pages.
Is my data sent anywhere?
Scoring runs locally in your browser. Only a few features need to call external services: PageSpeed Insights (Google), AI Chat and Search Intent (the AI provider you choose), and SERPUPDATE account authentication.
How is GEO different from SEO?
SEO optimizes for traditional search engines; GEO optimizes so that content can be understood and cited by AI assistants.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|
| The popup is empty, with no score | Reload the page (F5), then reopen the extension. Make sure the page is http or https (not chrome://). |
| The Performance/Domain score does not appear | Wait a few seconds (it is fetched asynchronously). If it still does not appear, check your network or enter your own PageSpeed API key. |
| Rank Checker stops partway through | It may have hit a captcha: verify it manually yourself, or use the Pro plan to have it solved automatically. Alternatively, click Stop and run it again. |
| AI Chat returns an error | Check the API key and provider in Settings, and confirm the key still has quota. |
| Search Intent does not appear | Re-enable the option in Settings; it only works on google.com/search and google.com.vn/search pages. |
| PDF export has a Vietnamese font error | The report automatically switches to the English version. Try again after reloading the extension. |
Permissions and Security
Permissions the Extension Requests
- Access to the current page: to read and score the page.
- Storage: to save settings, language, and the API key locally.
- Cookies, windows, alarms, request: to support Rank Checker, login, and optimizing search requests.
External Services Called
Only when you use the corresponding feature: app.serpupdate.com (account authentication), googleapis.com (PageSpeed Insights), and the AI providers you choose. The API key and settings information are stored in your browser’s storage.