How to use Safari extensions on your iPhone and iPad

Along with some extensions to try.

By Barbara Krasnoff , a reviews editor who manages how-tos. She’s worked as an editor and writer for almost 40 years. Previously, she was a senior reviews editor for Computerworld.

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does safari have browser extensions

One of the handiest types of software in anyone’s quiver is the browser extension: those cool little applets that let your browser do what you want it to do. And one of the nicest things about iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 is that you can now add extensions to the Safari browser. Even though this is a new feature that launched with the latest iOS version, there are already a number of useful extensions available for you to add.

What follows is a rundown on how to add extensions to your Safari app — while we’ve illustrated the process using an iPhone, you can follow the same basic directions with an iPad. We’ve also included a sampling of some extensions you can try.

How to add extensions

  • Tap on the Settings app.
  • Scroll down to and select Safari > Extensions.
  • Any extensions that you’ve already installed will be listed here. Tap on “More Extensions” if you’d like to see what’s available in the App Store. (You can also simply go to the App Store and search on “Safari Extensions.”)

In your settings, go to Safari > Extensions to see your current extensions and get new ones.

  • Once you’ve installed your first extension, you’ll see a little “puzzle piece” icon on the left side of Safari’s address bar. Tap that, and the menu that pops up will include your current extensions plus a “Manage Extensions” selection, which lets you toggle your extensions on and off.

It’s simple to install a new extension from the App Store.

Some extensions to try

This is a small sampling of some of the extensions that you can now access via the App Store. While there are not many extensions yet available (compared to the number of extensions for, say, Chrome), it’s a pretty safe bet that there will be lots more to come over the next few months.

Amplosion ($2.99)

AMP, which is short for “Accelerated Mobile Pages,” is a web format created by Google to optimize search results for mobile browsers. However, if you’d rather not have Google tweaking the webpages you upload, you can use Amplosion to redirect the AMP links that show up in search results into normal mobile links.

Noir ($2.99)

When you’re browsing at night and you’ve set your iPhone or iPad to dark mode, you will often hit a website that is bright enough to make your eyes water. Noir allows you to set a dark mode for all the websites you visit.

1Password (subscription needed)

1Password is a well-known and respected password manager . If you’re a 1Password user, there’s no question that you’re going to want to add this one to your mobile Safari app.

Super Agent for Safari (free)

This handy extension automatically fills out a website’s cookie consent forms based on your preferences, which can save you a lot of time and irritation.

Web Inspector (free)

Something for developers: an app that lets you inspect the HTML coding of a website, modify it, debug it, and perform other essential tasks.

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How to Manage Extensions in Safari on Mac and More

Arnold Zafra

Like Google Chrome, Apple’s Safari browser for Mac allows you to use extensions. I’m sure you’ve heard of browser extensions, even though you may have not used them before. In the case of Apple’s Safari browser for Mac, there are many extensions you can download and install that can greatly improve your web browsing experience. That’s because Safari extensions enhance the browser’s functionality. In this guide, I will show you how and where to manage extensions in Safari on Mac and more.

What is Safari Extension and How to Install It

As its name suggests, extensions are generally described as software modules that you can use to customize the browser you use. They extend the functionality of a web browser. A single extension installed on your browser can greatly improve the way you browse the internet and the tasks that you need to do.

For the Safari app for Mac, extensions allow you to do many things, such as display social media and news buttons, block content on websites, extend your access to apps, and more.

In case you’re wondering where to get Safari extensions, you can find and download them from the App Store. All the Safari extensions that you can find from the App Store are vetted by Apple just like any other app. So. you are sure that those extensions are safe and won’t harm your Mac in any way.

How to Install Extensions in Safari on Your Mac

Time needed:  1 minute

To install an extension for Safari on your Mac, just follow these steps.

does safari have browser extensions

Choose the one you would like to install.

does safari have browser extensions

How to See and Manage Safari Extensions

When you’ve installed Safari extensions, you may not notice some of them at once. Some stay hidden and work in the background. Others appear when you are about to do something in Safari that needs the installed extensions. For example, if you installed the Grammarly Safari extension, you will only see it working when you’re composing a text or message.

To see and manage the Safari extensions on your Mac, simply open the Safari app, then click Setting s > Extensions .

does safari have browser extensions

From here, you can do several things.

  • Turn an extension on or off by deselecting the extension’s checkbox.
  • Use the Safari extensions on your other Apple devices, as long as you’ve signed in with the same Apple ID on your other devices. In addition, you must have Safari turned on in iCloud, enabled two-factor authentication, and selected Share across devices .
  • Change an extension’s settings.
  • Remove an extension by selecting it, then clicking Uninstall . You may also delete the app that contains the extension.

Relatedly, iPhone or iPad users can check out our separate guide on how to manage Safari extensions on those devices.

How to Remove Unwanted Extensions

In case you’re asking yourself, “How do I remove unwanted extensions in Safari?” This only takes a few simple steps.

  • In the Safari app on your Mac, Click Settings .

does safari have browser extensions

  • If you don’t want to remove the app, you can just disable its extension.
  • If you want to remove the app as well, simply click the Show in Finder button.

does safari have browser extensions

  • Click Move to Trash .

How to Edit Safari Extensions

Another question that you might ask yourself is, “How do I edit Safari extensions?” For that matter, can you edit Safari extensions? The answer to the second question is yes. Unfortunately, however, editing Safari extensions requires you you to be knowledgeable about the Safari Extension builder.

You will also need to execute a Terminal command that extracts all the files contained in the extensions you’ve downloaded. Then, you have to edit it with the Safari Extension Builder. This is something I hope a general user won’t need to do, but if you like to tinker and customize the add-ons for your browser … more power to you.

Final Words: Remove Unused and Unsupported Safari Extensions

Safari will regularly inform you when there are extensions that slow down browsing or when they are no longer supported by Safari. Be sure to remove or delete these extensions.

There may also be instances when extensions can slow down browsing if they are installed but not enabled. So, be sure to enable Safari extensions after installing them.

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  • Arnold Zafra

does safari have browser extensions

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How to use Safari Extensions in 2022 — and five of our favorites

Darryl Boxberger's Avatar

Safari Extensions are small utilities added on top of the Safari browser on your Apple device. Through these utilities, they dynamically change the browsing experience. Safari Extensions offer tools to change up your browsing experience just the way you want.

Here are five of our favorites.

Dark Reader

Compatible with: iPhone, iPad , and Mac

Price: $4.99

does safari have browser extensions

Many devices have adopted a Dark Mode for a more comfortable viewing experience at night. However, many websites still lagged behind, and continue to only offer light-colored backgrounds. Dark Reader is a powerful way to make these websites just as comfortable to look at at night.

Turn the extension on, and Dark Reader automatically turns every site into a white-on-black version.

It intelligently works around photos and links, and simple controls make it easy to turn off when need be if a site is better served in its regular appearance.

Yet, its more granular options give users a lot of control — from the exact color of the background to precise sliders to adjust brightness and contrast.

Among dark mode extensions available as extensions, Dark Reader stands out as the perfect balance of ease-of-use and detailed control. It works across all Apple devices that support Safari Extensions.

Compatible with: iPhone/iPad and Mac

Price: Free

does safari have browser extensions

The popular coupon-finding extension is available for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

When the user goes online shopping on their device, Honey automatically fills the coupon field with valid codes to save money at checkout.

Its lightweight package means it will not affect browsing when the user is not shopping, yet it's efficient when a code comes in handy. It'll automatically appear when a code is found when on iPhone.

Honey is famous for its comprehensive database of coupon codes and is the most extensive extension of its kind on the Internet.

OverPicture

Compatible with: Mac

Price: $2.99

does safari have browser extensions

While Picture-in-Picture is slowly rolling out for certain YouTube users on iPhone and iPad , it has yet to arrive on the Mac.

OverPicture implements a simple interface on top of YouTube in Safari to allow users to take YouTube videos in Picture-in-Picture. In addition, users can watch a smaller version of the video as it floats over their work by clicking an integrated toggle in the video player.

The Apple-like interface means that it is instantly familiar to those who have already sued the feature on iPhone and iPad.

It is the simplest way to get the functionality for the Mac, and it fits in with the design of the software.

Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, Mac

Price: Free to install, requires subscription for full functionality

does safari have browser extensions

The password utility 1Password helps users organize passwords and strengthen their security by generating hard-to-crack passwords.

The extension will automatically fill these passwords in for the user, freeing the user from memorizing tricky passwords themselves.

Featured in numerous "best password manager lists," the utility is simple to invoke when needed and does not interrupt when the user is browsing.

Compatible with: iPhone/iPad, Mac

Price: Free for basic functionality, paid tiers for more features

does safari have browser extensions

The recipient of many software design awards, Grammarly is an extension that aims to improve users' writing.

The extension automatically suggests better word choices, corrects spelling and gives fixes to sentences in a compact window to the side.

It also intelligently adapts to different writing scenarios. So whether it's a formal business email or a casual text chat between friends, Grammarly promises to optimize the writing for the user in a simple, easy-to-use extension.

However, before you can use Safari Extensions, you'll need to turn them on. The steps are a little different for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

How to turn on Safari Extensions on iPhone and iPad

  • Launch Settings on your device.
  • Tap Safari .
  • Under General, tap Extensions .
  • Select the extension you want enabled and turn it on.

Return to Safari on your iPhone or iPad, and tap the puzzle icon in your address bar. You can see the Safari Extension has been enabled.

does safari have browser extensions

How to turn on Safari Extensions on Mac

  • In the Menu Bar, click Safari .
  • Click Preferences .
  • In Safari Preferences, click Extensions .
  • You should see all available Safari Extensions in a vertical list to the left. Click the checkbox of your chosen extension to turn it on.

You should now see the icon of the Safari Extension you have enabled show up next to the other toggles and settings in the Address Bar.

If you would no longer like a Safari Extension to be enabled, here's how to disable it.

How to turn off Safari Extensions on iPhone and iPad

  • Select the extension you want disabled and turn it off.

Return to Safari on your iPhone or iPad, and tap the puzzle icon in your address bar. You can see the Safari Extension has been disabled.

does safari have browser extensions

  • You should see all available Safari Extensions in a vertical list to the left. Uncheck your chosen extension to turn it off.

does safari have browser extensions

You should no longer see the icon of the Safari Extension you have just enabled in the Address Bar.

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iOS 15 Safari Extensions Worth Checking Out

With iOS 15, Apple introduced a new design and a range of new features , including better support for extensions. Safari in iOS 15 supports web extensions, which can be downloaded and installed through the App Store , so there are a much wider range of extension options for you to choose from.

iOs 15 Safari Feature

  • 1Password (Subscription Required) - For 1Password users, the 1Password extension allows users to input their saved 1Password information in Safari, similar to how it works on the Mac. 1Password can autofill logins, passwords, credit card information, two-factor authentication codes, and more. A 1Password subscription is required, which is priced at $2.99 per month.
  • Amplosion ($2.99) - Amplosion redirects Google's AMP pages and links to standard links in Safari, which is a good solution for those who don't like AMP pages. Amplosion, designed by Apollo creator Christian Selig, is open source and designed with transparency so users can verify what the extension is doing.
  • Apollo (Free) - Reddit app Apollo has a new Safari extension that's designed to allow the Apollo app to open any Reddit weblink rather than requiring the link to be opened in the Reddit app. If you pair Apollo with Amplosion, Safari will open any Safari Reddit link in the Apollo app automatically, which is great for those who prefer Apollo to the official Reddit app. Apollo is free, but the Pro unlock costs $4.99.
  • Achoo - ($0.99) - Another extension created by Christian Selig, Achoo is an HTML viewer and inspector. If you need to see the HTML of a webpage on your iPhone and iPad , this is a simple app worth picking up. You can inspect HTML, copy/paste it, and edit it.
  • StopTheMadness ($7.99) - StopTheMadness is a privacy protecting extension that has several functions. It stops Google from loading AMP pages, ends clickjacking in Google search results, Facebook, and Gmail, removes tracking parameters from the ends of URLs, loads unshortened versions of URLs, prevents videos from autoplaying, and more. It's expensive, but for those who want to cut out a lot of the Safari browsing annoyances, it's worth checking out.
  • Super Agent (Free) - Super Agent is an extension that automatically fills in cookie consent forms based on your preferences, getting rid of frustrating cookie pop up forms.
  • Overamped ($1.99) - Overamped is another extension that is designed to direct AMP and Yandex Turbo to the original sites, disabling AMP and Yandex Turbo in Safari.
  • Dark Reader ($4.99) - Dark Reader for Safari brings Dark Mode to every website by adding dark themes for websites that don't support ‌Dark Mode‌ natively. There are controls for adjusting brightness and contrast, swapping between Dynamic and Filter mode, toggling the dark themes off for individual websites, and more.
  • Noir ($2.99) - If you have ‌Dark Mode‌ turned on and visit a website that does not support it, Noir will automatically turn it dark so that you're not blinded by a sudden bright webpage with ‌Dark Mode‌ enabled. Noir only activates when a website does not have a ‌Dark Mode‌ option, and you can choose to turn ‌Dark Mode‌ on or off on a site by site basis.
  • Convusic ($0.99) - Convusic is a Safari extension that's designed to open any Spotify link in Apple Music . If you're an ‌Apple Music‌ subscriber and often come across Spotify links but still want to hear the songs, this extension offers a solution. When installed, you can choose which app will open music streaming links. It works both ways - Spotify users can set it to open ‌Apple Music‌ songs in Spotify, and ‌Apple Music‌ users can set it to open Spotify songs in ‌Apple Music‌.

Installing Extensions

To install an extension, you need to download the extension app from the ‌App Store‌ and then open up the Safari section of the Settings app. From there, tap on "Extensions" and select the toggle next to the extension you want to enable.

If you want to find more extensions, just tap on the "More Extensions" button to go to the "Safari Extensions" section in the ‌App Store‌.

Alternatively, extensions can also be managed right in the browser window by tapping on the "Aa" button and then choosing the "Manage Extensions" option.

Guide Feedback

Have a favorite extension not listed here or want to offer feedback on this guide? Let us know in the comments below.

Get weekly top MacRumors stories in your inbox.

Top Rated Comments

ChristianSelig Avatar

Should also be pointed out that those of us who previously paid for 1Password, and are still using stand alone vaults with no subscription, can not only NOT use the new extension, but they took away the existing share sheet with no warning.

Oberhorst Avatar

Come on. The extensions for Safari are just an utter joke.

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Blazing fast. Incredibly private.

does safari have browser extensions

Safari is the best way to experience the internet on all your Apple devices. It brings robust customization options, powerful privacy protections, and optimizes battery life — so you can browse how you like, when you like. And when it comes to speed, it’s the world’s fastest browser. 1

Performance

More with the battery. less with the loading..

With a blazing-fast JavaScript engine, Safari is the world’s fastest browser. 1 It’s developed to run specifically on Apple devices, so it’s geared to make the most out of your battery life and deliver long-lasting power.

does safari have browser extensions

Increased performance

We’re always working to make the fastest desktop browser on the planet even faster.

does safari have browser extensions

Improved power efficiency

Safari lets you do more online on a single charge.

does safari have browser extensions

Up to 4 hours more streaming videos compared with Chrome 3

does safari have browser extensions

Up to 17 hours of video streaming 3

Best-in-class browsing

Safari outperforms both Mac and PC browsers in benchmark after benchmark on the same Mac. 4

  • JetStream /
  • MotionMark /
  • Speedometer /

JavaScript performance on advanced web applications. 4

Safari vs. other Mac browsers

Safari on macOS

Chrome on macOS

Edge on macOS

Firefox on macOS

Safari vs. Windows 11 browsers

Chrome on Windows 11

Edge on Windows 11

Firefox on Windows 11

Rendering performance of animated content. 4

Web application responsiveness. 4

4K video streaming

See your favorite shows and films in their best light. Safari supports in-browser 4K HDR video playback for YouTube, Netflix, and Apple TV+. 5 And it runs efficiently for longer-lasting battery life.

does safari have browser extensions

Privacy is built in.

Online privacy isn’t just something you should hope for — it’s something you should expect. That’s why Safari comes with industry-leading privacy protection technology built in, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention that identifies trackers and helps prevent them from profiling or following you across the web. Upgrading to iCloud+ gives you even more privacy protections, including the ability to sign up for websites and services without having to share your personal email address.

does safari have browser extensions

Intelligent Tracking Prevention

does safari have browser extensions

Safari stops trackers in their tracks.

What you browse is no one’s business but your own. Safari has built‑in protections to help stop websites and data-collection companies from watching and profiling you based on your browsing activity. Intelligent Tracking Prevention uses on‑device intelligence to help prevent cross‑site tracking and stops known trackers from using your IP address — making it incredibly difficult to learn who you are and what you’re interested in.

Privacy Report

Safari makes it simple to see how your privacy is protected on all the websites you visit. Click Privacy Report in the Safari menu for a snapshot of cross-site trackers currently prevented from profiling you on the website you’re visiting. Or view a weekly Privacy Report to see how Safari protects you as you browse over time.

does safari have browser extensions

Customization

Putting the you in url..

Safari is more customizable than ever. Organize your tabs into Tab Groups so it’s easy to go from one interest to the next. Set a custom background image and fine-tune your browser window with your favorite features — like Reading List, Favorites, iCloud Tabs, and Siri Suggestions. And third-party extensions for iPhone, iPad, and Mac let you do even more with Safari, so you can browse the way you want across all your devices.

does safari have browser extensions

Safari Profiles allow you to separate your history, extensions, Tab Groups, favorites, cookies, and more. Quickly switch between profiles for topics you create, like Personal and Work.

does safari have browser extensions

Web apps let you save your favorite websites to the Dock on Mac and to the Home Screen on iPhone and iPad. A simplified toolbar and separate settings give you an app-like experience.

does safari have browser extensions

Safari Extensions add functionality to your browser to help you explore the web the way you want. Find and add your favorite extensions in the dedicated Safari category on the App Store.

does safari have browser extensions

Save and organize your tabs in the way that works best for you. Name your Tab Groups, edit them, and switch among them across devices. You can also share Tab Groups — making planning your next family trip or group project easier and more collaborative.

does safari have browser extensions

Smart Tools

Designed to help your work flow..

Built-in tools create a browsing experience that’s far more immersive, intuitive, and immediate. Get detailed information about a subject in a photo with just a click, select text within any image, instantly translate an entire web page, and quickly take notes wherever you are on a site — without having to switch apps.

does safari have browser extensions

Notes is your go-to app to capture any thought. And with the Quick Note feature, you can instantly jot down ideas as you browse websites without having to leave Safari.

does safari have browser extensions

Translation

Translate entire web pages with a single click. You can also get translations for text in images and paused video without leaving Safari.

Interact with text in any image or paused video on the web using functions like copy and paste, translate, and lookup. 6

does safari have browser extensions

Visual Look Up

Quickly learn more about landmarks, works of art, breeds of dogs, and more with only a photo or an image you find online. And easily lift the subject of an image from Safari, remove its background, and paste it into Messages, Notes, or other apps.

does safari have browser extensions

Surf safe and sound.

Strong security protections in Safari help keep you safe. Passkeys introduce a safer way to sign in. iCloud Keychain securely stores and autofills passkeys and passwords across all your devices. Safari also notifies you when it encounters suspicious websites and prevents them from loading. Because it loads each web page in a separate process, any harmful code is always confined to a single browser tab so it won’t crash the entire application or access your data. And Safari automatically upgrades sites from HTTP to the more secure HTTPS when available.

does safari have browser extensions

Passkeys introduce a more secure and easier way to sign in. No passwords required.

Passkeys are end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks, and they are stronger than all common two-factor authentication types. Thanks to iCloud Keychain, they work across all your Apple devices, and they even work on non-Apple devices.

Learn more about passkeys

does safari have browser extensions

Apple Pay and Wallet make checkout as easy as lifting a finger.

Apple Pay is the easiest and most secure way to shop on Safari — allowing you to complete transactions with Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad, with Touch ID on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, or by double-clicking the side button on your Apple Watch.

Learn more about Apple Pay

With AutoFill, you can easily fill in your previously saved credit card information from the Wallet app during checkout. Your credit card details are never shared, and your transactions are protected with industry-leading security.

Same Safari. Different device.

Safari works seamlessly and syncs your passwords, bookmarks, history, tabs, and more across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. And when your Mac, iOS, or iPadOS devices are near each other, they can automatically pass what you’re doing in Safari from one device to another using Handoff. You can even copy images, video, or text from Safari on your iPhone or iPad, then paste into another app on your nearby Mac — or vice versa.

does safari have browser extensions

When you use Safari on multiple devices, your tabs carry over from one Apple device to another. So you can search, shop, work, or browse on your iPhone, then switch to your iPad or Mac and pick up right where you left off.

Save web pages you want to read later by adding them to your Reading List. Then view them on any of your iCloud-connected devices — even if you’re not connected to the internet.

iCloud Keychain securely stores your user names, passkeys, passwords, and credit card numbers and keeps them up to date on your trusted devices. So you can easily sign in to your favorite websites — as well as apps on iOS and iPadOS — and quickly make online purchases.

does safari have browser extensions

Designed for developers.

Deep WebKit integration between Mac hardware and macOS allows Safari to deliver the fastest performance and the longest battery life of any browser on the platform, while supporting modern web standards for rich experiences in the browser. WebKit in macOS Sonoma includes optimizations that enable even richer browsing experiences, and give developers more control over styling and layout — allowing for more engaging content.

Make Safari your default browser

Customize your start page, view your browsing privacy report, monitor your saved passwords, use apple pay in safari, view your tabs across all your devices, read the safari user guide, get safari support.

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9 Best Safari Extensions of 2024

Add more functionality to Safari

does safari have browser extensions

  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University

does safari have browser extensions

Like Chrome , Safari isn't just a stagnant web browser, it also has additional functionality via its Safari Extension plugins which take seconds to install . A form of add-on, Safari extensions now come bundled with relevant Mac apps, as well as via the App Store. 

Whether you're looking for productivity hacks, easy ways of saving money on your shopping, or ways to make your browsing experience more pleasant, there's a Safari extension for you.

Looking for great Chrome extensions? There are plenty out there.

Grammar Checker: Grammarly

Simple and clear writing suggestions.

You need a subscription to get the most from it.

Grammarly is there for those times when you're not quite sure if your spelling or grammar is up to scratch. It highlights issues via a red line underneath a word and allows you to easily correct them, whether you happen to be typing a Facebook status or a blog post. It's a useful service that's like a little nudge in the right direction when trying to improve your writing ability. 

Cinema Style Lighting Effect: Turn Off the Lights

Neat atmospheric lighting effect.

Need to load the separate app to change settings.

One of the most effective things at the cinema is how the lights go down and you can focus solely on the cinema screen. Turn Off the Lights offers that same kind of effect on your laptop or desktop.

When on YouTube or another video based site, click the lightbulb icon on Safari, and the lights around the video playing are immediately dimmed. You can focus on the screen itself rather than everything going on around it. To get the full effect, you need to tweak some settings, but it's a neat way of adding some atmosphere when watching a video.

Price Comparer: PriceBlink

Easy to compare prices.

Only works in the U.S. and U.K.

PriceBlink keeps an eye on prices so you don't have to. Go to somewhere like Amazon or eBay, and the moment you load an item, PriceBlink pops up with its price elsewhere. You can instantly see if Amazon really is offering the best price or if there's somewhere cheaper you could switch to. If a better alternative is listed, click the site, and PriceBlink loads the alternate option in a separate tab. This simple extension could save you a lot of money over time. 

Password Management: LastPass

Extra layer of protection for passwords.

Little convoluted to setup.

Safari has built-in password management, but LastPass is much better at the job. It works across multiple devices and also gives you somewhere to store files and notes securely.

A lot of the time, you'll need to delve into the separate app to use it fully, but the Safari extension gives you the ability to generate secure passwords, quickly fill in forms, or add notes, all directly from your browser. It's a real game changer for security and privacy concerns.

Easy Coupon Codes: Honey

Easy to browse.

Most coupons are for the U.S. only.

Online, you can find thousands of coupon codes and offers, but it's likely that you forget to look them up until you've already ordered something. At the touch of a button, you can open Honey to the side of Safari, and check out the coupons available to you.

The extension offers up plenty of popular retailers such as Macy's, Bloomingdale's, eBay, and Sears. Just tap on the name of the retailer, and you can look up coupons, as well as details on how long ago they worked correctly. Honey also has a reward scheme for extra bonuses. 

Link Saving: Pocket

Great for storing links for later reference.

You need to sign up first.

How often do you find yourself looking at a great long-form article and realizing you don't have the time to read it right now? With Pocket, you just need to click the "Save to Pocket" button, and the link saves to your account so you can easily consult it later on. It works across multiple devices and you can tag and label articles so that everything is neatly organized. 

Ad blocker: Adblock Plus

Easy to set up.

Settings can be a little tricky.

No one likes obtrusive ads when trying to read an interesting article online. Adblock Plus makes it simple to block ads and tracking ads that bug you, while "safelisting" websites that you want to see all the ads for. Adblock Plus takes a responsible approach to ads with an option allowing for "acceptable ads," appreciating that website owners still need to generate revenue, while saving you the hassle of the worst kind of adverts.

Picture in Picture: PiPer

Supports many different video sites.

Liable to dent your productivity.

Being able to multitask is always a valuable skill. While you can switch between windows and tabs, it hasn't been possible to have YouTube or Netflix running alongside what you're working on in Safari.

PiPer changes all that. Via its extension, you can easily place a video in the corner of your screen, allowing you to continue working while the video plays to the side. It's a great tool for juggling multiple things together.

Translation: Translate

Translates from dozens of languages.

You need to poke around in settings to gain full benefits.

One of the best things about Chrome is its ability to translate websites for you. Translate brings that functionality to Safari. Simply go to a website, tap the translate button, and Translate converts everything to English via Google Translate or Bing Translate. It takes a moment or two but you can see it being converted before your eyes which is neat. Translations are reasonably accurate too.

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The Complete Guide to iOS Safari Extensions + the 10 Best for iPhone and iPad (Dec 2021)

does safari have browser extensions

It's easy to take browser extensions for granted. You find a browser extension, usually for free, that solves some really helpful problem for you. Then you set it up and it just works from that point on. So when do you realize you take browser extensions for granted? When you're browsing the internet on your phone and  don't  have all of those little useful, helpful tools at your disposal.

Fortunately, that's starting to change. In late September 2021,  Apple  rolled out iOS 15 for  iPhones  and  iPads . And one of its biggest new features are browser extensions for the Safari web browser. For the first time ever, a world of browser extensions is now open to Apple mobile users.

Well... "world" might be a bit generous right now. There aren't a ton of extensions available yet, as companies are still developing them and figuring out how to make their desktop extensions viable with the smaller screen and different web browsing behavior on mobile. Still, there are plenty of great extensions out already and certainly plenty more to come.

(Side note: Yes, there are some  Android  browsers that use extensions already, although the default Chrome browser isn't one of them. You can use apps like the Kiwi browser or  Brave browser  on your Android phone to use extensions. However, most, if not all, of the extensions in those cases haven't been optimized for mobile, so your experiences could be all over the place. As for iPhone and iPad users, this is truly the first opportunity to use browser extensions — and these extensions are built specifically for mobile.)

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about iOS Safari extensions: How to install them, whether they're safe, and the best ones you should add to vastly improve your iPhone and iPad browsing experience.

Tutorial: How to Install Safari Extensions in iOS 15

Here's a full walkthrough on how to install Safari browser extensions on your iPhone or iPad, starting with how to find them and going all the way through how to use these iOS Safari extensions on a day-to-day basis.

Where to find iOS Safari extensions on your iPhone or iPad

There are two primary ways you can find Safari browser extensions: by going through Safari settings or by searching in the App Store. They each have their own merits, although we recommend the Settings route to start for a more curated and thorough experience.

Our recommended method for finding iOS Safari extensions is through the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions and click "More Extensions." If you're not seeing the "More Extensions" option, it's because you're not running iOS 15+ — you're probably still on iOS 14 or earlier.

ios safari extensions

From that screen, you can see Apple's curated lists of the best Safari web extensions for your iPhone or iPad as well as the lists of the Top Free and Top Paid extensions. 

(You can also find this section in the App Store by going to Apps, scrolling down to Top Categories, clicking See All, and finding Safari Extensions in that list. That method is more byzantine than the Settings route, which is why we recommended it.)

This is a great search method to see the best of the Safari extensions that are out there — and what Apple is recommending (usually a strong endorsement of quality, utility, and design). However, it's not  the  exhaustive list of all of the available extensions.

You can find even more Safari extensions with an App Store search. The process is as simple as searching for "safari extensions iPhone," "safari browser extensions," or even just "safari extensions." This is good for finding more obscure extensions but, oddly, worse for finding some of the bigger names; we found some Safari app extensions, for whatever reason, didn't appear in the search results.

How to install Safari extensions on your iPhone or iPad

The first step to adding a Safari app extension is just like adding any app to your phone or tablet: Just hit the "GET" button (or the button with the price on it) and the extension will download and install. From there, click "OPEN." That will take you to the extension's companion app. In some cases, the app will walk you through the extension installation process — because, right now, it's actually a bit of a labyrinth to install Safari extensions.

ios safari extensions

In case the app  doesn't  take you through the process, here's what you need to do.

Go to any browser tab in Safari and tap on the "AA" symbol on the left side of the URL bar.

Tap the puzzle piece next to "Manage Extensions."

Tap the slider to turn on the extension.

ios safari extensions

Next up, you'll need to grant permissions to the Safari browser extension you're setting up. We'll get into privacy considerations later in this article, but, in general, iOS Safari extensions work like the browser extensions you use on your desktop computer. That is: They request some pretty serious things (like access to all of your browsing data), so make sure you trust the company behind the extension and you're comfortable with granting that level of access.

To review permissions:

Click the "Review" button in the top right of your screen.

Decide how much access you wish to allow. If you trust the extension and don't want to be annoyed by constant permission pop-ups, you'll want to click "Always Allow..." and then "Always Allow on Every Website."

How to use iOS Safari extensions after they're installed

With that, your extension is set up.

Depending on the extension, it will either pop up automatically on relevant sites, or you can manually trigger it in the future by tapping the puzzle piece on your URL bar, then tapping on the extension in the menu.

The 11 Best iOS Safari Browser Extensions (Updated November 2021)

Simplycodes (free).

ios safari extensions

SimplyCodes is a browser extension that finds the best coupon codes when you're shopping online and allows you to apply them at checkout. SimplyCodes is one of the first popular desktop shopping extensions to receive a native iOS app and sports the largest number of verified, active promo codes for the largest number of merchants. (Editor's note: The team behind Knoji is also the team behind SimplyCodes. But our editorial team has full discretion over whether or not to include it in our content and we wouldn't put it here if it wasn't a truly outstanding iOS Safari extension.)

Acorns (free)

ios safari extensions

Acorns  is a very popular micro-savings app and  savings goal app . It began as a way to invest the spare change from your purchases — you buy something for $7.49, the app automatically invests 51 cents for you. The extension works a bit differently and operates on a rewards system. When you shop at one of 12,000 or so brands, Acorn will automatically give you a percentage of your purchase back as an investment reward. When you're on one of those brands' websites on Safari, you'll get a pop-up from   Acorns  letting you know how much money they’ll add to your account and invest when you shop on that site. 

AdBlock Pro for Safari (free / premium $10/yr)

In the early days of iOS Safari extensions, a good majority of the options are ad blockers. Ad blocking is a major, if ethically gray, use of browser extensions on desktop, so it's logical that ad blockers made the early leap to mobile. Our pick for the best of the bunch is   AdBlock Pro  for two reasons. One, it’s always been a Safari-only app, meaning it's been designed specifically and solely with the Apple browser in mind. And two, its free plan should be more than enough for most people.

Noir ($2.99)

ios safari extensions

Dark mode just keeps getting more popular, but not every single website offers a dark mode option. With   Noir , you can essentially (and automatically) force dark mode on any site you're browsing. Noir has plenty of configuration options so you can tweak how sites look and a solid privacy policy that states it's not collecting any of your web browsing data.

Language Translator ($29.99)

Language Translator  has an eye-popping price, but for some people, it might be worth that and more. Language Translator is a sophisticated translation app that's now expanded to include a Safari extension as well. With this Safari app extension, you can translate words and websites to and from 103 different languages. Once you have the extension installed, you can highlight any text on a website (or a full page) and have it translated instantly. And while the price is high, it's just a one-time fee and not a subscription.

CardPointers ($3.99/mo)

If you've got a bunch of different credit cards,   CardPointers  can be a very handy iOS Safari extension for making sure you wisely pick the right one for each purchase. You'll enter all of your  credit cards  into the app (but no account info, which is nice) and when you shop, the CardPointers extension will let you know which card you should use to maximize the rewards points and bonuses you'll get back.

PiPifier (free)

If you've gotten used to watching a video while you browse the internet, now you can do that on your iPhone as well.   PiPifier  is an iOS Safari extension that lets you open a video in a small picture-in-picture window while you browse. It's a free app that makes it easier to multitask on your phone the way you do on your computer. 

StartPage.ai (free)

ios safari extensions

StartPage  is a very lightweight Safari app extension — it just has one simple function, but it could really help you get a bit more organized. It's very common to have tons of tabs going in mobile Safari — and no one wants that kind of clutter. With StartPage, whenever you go to open a new tab in Safari on iOS, you'll see a list of all of your open tabs. You can close them or switch to them; that way, rather than opening a new tab, you can just go to an old tab and use that one instead.

1Password ($3.99/mo)

1Password  is a very popular  password management  app, and its Safari extension makes it even easier to use on your iPhone or iPad. With the   1Password  iOS Safari extension, you can automatically fill in your logins and passwords on all of the sites you visit. Typing in passwords on the small iOS keyboard is never fun — especially if you have to try multiple passwords — so the 1Password app should immediately save you lots of time.

Apollo for Reddit (free)

When you're on  Reddit  on iOS Safari it  constantly  prompts you to open the pages in the Reddit app. If you don't use the official Reddit app and you use the popular alternative   Apollo  as your Reddit client, the Apollo for Reddit extension will change the prompt to allow you to open the links in their app instead.

If you'd just like to get rid of the Reddit prompts altogether, there's also an iOS Safari extension called   Viewwit  (99 cents) that gets rid of those popups and banners.

Grammarly ($29.99/mo)

Grammarly  is expensive, but if you regularly write emails, documents, blog posts, or anything else on your phone, it could be worth $1-a-day.   Grammarly  already has a custom keyboard for iOS that you can use across different apps, but if you want to use your regular keyboard on Safari, the extension allows you to do so. The extension will correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation as you type on the standard Apple keyboard (or any keyboard you may want to use) in Safari.

Honorable mentions

Just missing the cut are:   Bring , a shared shopping list app;   Amplosion , which turns Google AMP pages into regular web pages; and   Super Agent , which automatically handles those "cookie consent" pop-ups for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About iOS Safari Extensions

Here are answers to the most common and most popular questions about iPhone and iPad Safari extensions.

Does Safari iOS support extensions?

Yes, as of iOS 15, which was released in late September 2021. iOS Safari extensions will be included in all subsequent releases of iOS as well.

(If you're thinking: Why are you answering this question, that's what this article is about, right? Well, yes, that's what this article was about. But this  is   the most common question, so we thought we needed to answer it for the sake of anyone who stumbled to this article confused.)

Are iOS safari extensions safe? Will Safari extensions be able to see what I'm browsing?

With any browser extensions, whether on your computer or, now, your phone/tablet, you're taking at least  some  privacy leap of faith. Most Safari web extensions will need access to your browsing data in order to work. We have two pieces of advice. One, make sure before you install an iOS Safari extension (or, frankly, an extension on your desktop computer as well), you look into the makers of the extension so you can be sure you trust them. You should also examine what they say they'll do with your data. Will they store it? Will they sell it? Or will they just use it in the moment then forget it immediately? And two, Apple  does  have high (albeit not infallible) standards for the apps they allow in their App Store and especially apps they showcase in their curated lists. So you, perhaps, can have a little more faith that Safari app extensions in Apple's App Store are safer than random extensions you might come across elsewhere.

Will iOS extensions drain my battery?

Safari browser extensions on iOS should not have an impact on battery life. (And, in cases where they block unwanted content on websites, they might even help your battery a little bit.) It's unlikely you'll see any noticeable impact on iPhone or iPad battery life as a result of iOS Safari extensions.

Do iOS Safari extensions work on Apple Watch?

Safari extensions will not work on your  Apple Watch  — and it's hard to imagine they ever will. After all, it's tough to do any web browsing on the small watch screen, so it would be nearly impossible to squeeze an extension pop-up onto that screen as well.

What version of iOS do I need for Safari browser extensions?

You need to be running iOS 15 or later to use Safari web extensions on your iPhone or iPad. In fact, if extensions aren't working, it's likely because you have an older version of iOS installed.

You can see what version of iOS you're using by going to Settings > General > About and looking at "Software Version." If you're using an older iOS, you can run an iPhone iOS update or iPad iOS update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. 

What iPhone/iPad do I need for Safari browser extensions?

You'll need an iPhone or iPad capable of running iOS 15 to use iOS Safari extensions. That means you'll need an iPhone 6s or newer to use Safari extensions iPhone style; and an iPad Air 2 or newer to use Safari extensions iPad style. 

Do browser extensions work on Firefox for iOS? 

While extensions currently work for Safari on iOS as of iOS 15, extensions are not currently available for Firefox on iOS. However it is possible we could get extensions for the Firefox browser on iOS one day — they might just look different than the extensions on Firefox desktop. Apple has locked down the use of browser extensions pretty significantly; however they have been working with Mozilla on universal extensions that could work across all mobile browsers.

Do browser extensions work on Chrome for iOS?

You can get some browser extensions for Safari as of iOS 15, but not for Google Chrome. Apple has very tight rules about extensions on mobile browsers and focused on Safari's extensions first. However, Apple has had discussions with Google (along with Mozilla and Microsoft) about developing a set of universal mobile extensions which will work across all browsers. There's no word on when those might be released.

When are more extensions coming?

More iOS Safari extensions are showing up on a daily basis. Like any new category in the Apple App Store, expect massive growth in the number of available apps over the course of the coming weeks and months.

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Safari 17: Everything you need to know about the new macOS features

Roman Loyola

Apple’s built-in browser might be the most frequently used app on your Mac (yes, even more than the Finder, super Mac geeks). So Apple always adds helpful new features to Safari, its browser. In version 17, available with macOS Sonoma or as a separate download for macOS Ventura and Monterey, Safari helps you be more productive and secure, and it’s available for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and the upcoming Sonoma. Let’s take a look at the new features.

Safari for Mac has finally caught up with iOS and iPadOS, which have had this feature for a while. A web app is basically a website saved as a self-contained app that appears in the Dock. Just click on its icon to launch it. We have a separate guide to web apps in macOS Sonoma that details how to make and manage them.

With a profile, you can set up separate browsing sessions based on topics. For example, you can set up a Work profile for all the sites that you use for your job, and you can then set up a separate Personal profile for when you’re using the web on your own time. You can get more specific with your profiles if you want, like say, a profile for making travel plans, or another for your hobby. We have a separate guide to profiles in Safari with instructions on how to set them up.

Private Browsing enhancements

When you open a private window ( File > New Private Window , or Shift+Command+N), it opens a browser window that does not save the details of your session (such as the history), nor does it share the session with your other Apple devices. This has long been a part of Safari’s Private Browsing, but Apple has made a few more enhancements in version 17.

Safari locked private browsing

When a Private Window has been inactive for some time, it becomes locked and requires a user password to reopen.

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  • Locked Private Browsing : When a private window isn’t being used (you step away from your Mac, for example), the window locks, and its contents are hidden. To open the window, the password of the active user account must be entered.
  • Link tracking protection. Websites often use trackers in links, but now when you use Private Browsing (as well as links shared in Messages and Mail), the trackers are removed.
  • Advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection. Prevents known trackers from loading on pages and from identifying your device. This setting can be adjusted in Safari > Settings > Advanced , then check the box for “Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection.” You can always set it to work always or just when using Private Browsing.
  • Extensions are turned off by default . Browser extensions can be turned on by going to Safari > Settings > Extensions and selecting the extension in the left column. Then in the main section, look for a setting checkbox for Allow in Private Browsing and check the box.

Multitab selection

Multiple tabs can be selected by holding down the Shift key and clicking on each tab. Once you have your tabs selected, Control+click, and a pop-up will appear with options on what you can do.

Safari multitab selection

After selecting tabs, you can open them in a new window, create a Tab Group, and do other tasks.

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Favorites bar favicons

Before version 17, the Favorites bar showed links with just text labels. Now, a favicon is included so you can quickly spot the link.

Safari Favorites bar

Top: the old way of how links are labeled in the Safari Favorites bar. Bottom: the new way, with Favicons.

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Desktop Reading List widget

One of the key new features of macOS Sonoma is Desktop Widgets. Among the widgets you can use is a Reading List widget, which lets you access your Safari Reading List on the Desktop. Learn how to add widgets to the macOS Sonoma Desktop .

Sonoma Reading List Desktop widget

Among the new Desktop Widgets in macOS Sonoma is one for Safari’s Reading List.

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Privacy protections for app extensions

Per-site privacy settings are now available for app extensions, in addition to web extensions.

One-time verification code autofill with Apple Mail

When you get a one-time verification code in Apple Mail, Safari can now grab that code for use in the browser.

Author: Roman Loyola , Senior Editor

does safari have browser extensions

Roman has covered technology since the early 1990s. His career started at MacUser, and he's worked for MacAddict, Mac|Life, and TechTV.

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Use Safari extensions on your Mac

Safari extensions enhance and customise the browsing experience on your Mac. Here's how to install them, uninstall them or share them across devices.

Safari extensions add functionality to Safari, so you can explore the web the way you want. Extensions can show helpful information about a web page, display news headlines, help you use your favourite services, change the appearance of web pages and much more. Extensions are a great way to personalise your browsing experience.

Install extensions

Turn on extensions, turn off extensions, uninstall extensions, share extensions across devices.

Use the App Store to conveniently download and install Safari extensions. All extensions in the App Store are reviewed, signed and hosted by Apple for your security, and they’re automatically kept up to date.

Start by installing the latest macOS updates You need Safari 12 or later to get Safari extensions from the App Store.

Open Safari and choose Safari > Safari Extensions from the menu bar.

The App Store opens to the Safari Extensions page. To download and install an extension, click Get or click the price. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.

Click Install.

After the extension has been installed, click Open and follow the onscreen instructions provided by the extension.

After installing an extension, follow these steps to turn it on.

Choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences).

Click Extensions.

Tick the box next to the extension's name. Find out what to do if you can't turn on extensions .

If you’re browsing privately, or using a profile or web app

When browsing in a private window in macOS Sonoma or later, all extensions that require website access will be turned off by default.

Choose Safari > Settings.

Select the extension in the sidebar, then select “Allow in Private Browsing” on the right.

Whether you’re browsing privately or not, you can also restrict the extension’s access to certain websites. Click the Edit Websites button to view the extension in Websites settings. From there you can allow access, deny access or require that websites ask you for access.

When using Safari profiles , extensions for the default profile are managed in the main Extensions tab of Safari settings. Extensions for other profiles are managed in the Profiles tab, which has its own Extensions tab for each profile. By default, extensions are turned off for each new profile.

Share button

Choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences), then click Extensions.

To turn off an extension, untick its box.

If you can't determine what an extension does, or you don't expect to use it again, you should uninstall it.

To uninstall an extension, select the extension and click the Uninstall button.

Starting with macOS Ventura, iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, you can share extensions across your Mac, iPhone and iPad:

On your Mac, open Safari and choose Safari > Settings, then click Extensions. Select “Share across devices” at the bottom of the window.

On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari > Extensions, then turn on Share Across Devices.

No alt supplied for Image

To uninstall an extension from all devices, you must uninstall it on each device.

Safari no longer supports most web plug-ins. To load web pages more quickly, save energy and strengthen security, Safari is optimised for content that uses the HTML5 web standard, which doesn't require a plug-in. To enhance and customise your browsing experience, use Safari extensions instead of web plug-ins.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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Beyoncé shows real locks in cécred hair tutorial, shuts down haters, beyoncé these luscious locks all my own slams haters in tutorial.

Beyoncé 's shutting down the haters and showing she's more than just wigs and extensions ... by embracing her luscious, natural locks while promoting her new natural hair care line.

The singer dropped her in-depth hair-washing routine on IG Sunday ... embracing her naturally thick, glossy tresses as they were washed, conditioned, blow-dried, and styled using products from her own brand, Cécred.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

While her stylists worked their magic, Beyoncé narrated, "Now that Cécred is known for the quality in what it does for your hair, I think it's about time I show y'all what it does for my hair."

Beyoncé also appeared to address the backlash she's been getting since announcing the beauty venture back in February. Some fans complained Bey lacks credibility in the hair biz because they hadn't seen enough of her real hair ... as opposed to hair extensions she wears for productions.

She's clearly heard the criticism, because during the tutorial ... Beyoncé called out the misconception that people who wear wigs and extensions don't have long and healthy hair underneath, labeling it "some bulls**t cause it ain't nobody's business!"

Beyoncé's dad, Mathew Knowles , already stepped up to back his daughter ... telling TMZ she definitely knows a thing or 2 about keeping hair happy and healthy , considering he and Tina Knowles ran a successful salon in Houston for nearly 2 decades.

And, judging by Bey's hair care routine, looks like her products are totally making waves. Now, will that be enough to silence the hate? Of course not.

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How-To Geek

Beginner geek: everything you need to know about browser extensions.

Browser extensions extend your web browser with additional features, modify web pages, and integrate your browser with the other services you use.

Quick Links

Why would you want to use browser extensions, how secure are they, will they slow down your browser, differences between browsers: chrome, firefox, internet explorer, extensions aren't the same as plug-ins, where to get extensions, smartphones and tablets.

Browser extensions extend your web browser with additional features, modify web pages, and integrate your browser with the other services you use. This guide will introduce you to the world of browser extensions and help you get started.

If you're a geek, this stuff is obvious to you. We geeks take this for granted -- we know exactly what browser extensions can do, when to use them, and what to avoid. But not everyone knows all this stuff.

You might want to use a browser extension for a few different reasons:

  • To integrate with other services you use. For example, Evernote offers an extension that allows you to easily clip websites and save them to your Evernote account.
  • To add additional features to your browser. For example, the JoinTabs extension for Chrome gives you a button you can click to combine all your Chrome tabs from multiple windows into a single window.
  • To modify websites as they appear on your computer -- adding, removing, or modifying content. For example, the InvisibleHand extension adds information to shopping websites, informing you if there's a cheaper price available on a competing retailer's website.

Extensions can do many other things. They're like any other piece of software, although browsers place some limits on what they can do. If you want to integrate your browser with a service or get an additional feature, there's a good chance you can do it with a browser extension that already exists.

Browser extensions are like any other piece of software. Malicious extensions could do bad things and even well-intentioned extensions could have bugs. As with any other type of software, from Windows desktop apps to iPhone apps, you should try to pick trustworthy extensions.

Chrome gives you some idea of the permissions an extension requires when you install it, so you can see if the extension is only operating on a single website or has additional permissions. Firefox doesn't have a fine-grained permissions system, so extensions have access to the entire browser -- and more. Internet Explorer has limited support for add-ons.

You should be particularly careful with browser extensions. They're running in your browser, so a bad extension could use its access to snoop on your browsing, possibly capturing your credit card numbers and passwords. However, while it's good to bear this in mind, the actual risks -- assuming you stick with extensions from well-known developers and well-reviewed extensions with lots of users -- are fairly minimal.

You shouldn't overload your browser with extensions. Each extension is another piece of code running on your computer. Just as you wouldn't install a pile of applications you never use and let them run in the background on Windows, you should try to limit the number of extensions you use.

On Chrome, many extensions run in their own process, adding another process to your system. Firefox runs all extensions in the same process, but many additional extensions can make Firefox even slower.

Performance concerns shouldn't stop you from using a few extensions that will really enhance your browsing, but bear in mind you don't want to use too many. Try to only install ones you'll actually use -- if you don't use an extension, uninstall it from your browser to reduce clutter and speed things up.

Different browsers have different extension systems. Firefox has the most powerful one. Many people use Firefox because of this -- Firefox makes many advanced extensions possible that wouldn't be possible on other browsers. Because of its history, even extensions that would be possible in another browser may only be available for Firefox.

Chrome also has a thriving extension ecosystem and there's probably also a Chrome extension for most everything you'd want to do. Chrome places more limits on its browser extensions so they can't be quite as powerful as they are in Firefox, but these limits allow Chrome to present a permissions system and restrict extensions a bit more for security.

Internet Explorer has a very small add-on ecosystem. Few add-ons are available, and most of the Internet Explorer add-ons in actual use are probably browser toolbars like the terrible Ask toolbar that were foisted on users through bundling with other software. If you want add-ons, Internet Explorer is not the browser to use.

Safari and Opera also have extensions available, but their ecosystems are much smaller than Firefox's and Chrome's.

Note that extensions, or add-ons, aren't the same as browser plug-ins. "Plug-ins" are things like Adobe Flash, Oracle Java, or Microsoft Silverlight. They allow websites to embed and render content -- Flash movies, PDFs, or Java applets, for example -- that are rendered with the plug-in. Plug-ins are a common target for attackers because websites can load them and exploit bugs in them, while extensions are different. Websites you visit can't use your extensions to do anything. Essentially, extensions add features you can use, while plug-ins add features websites can use.

Chrome extensions are available from the Chrome Web Store , while Firefox extensions are available on Mozilla's Add-ons site . Microsoft hosts an Internet Explorer Add-on Gallery website, but the selection is extremely limited. Other browsers have their own sites.

Browser extensions haven't made the jump to mobile devices. Whether it's Safari on iOS, Chrome on Android, or Internet Explorer in Windows 8's Modern environment, none of these browsers has support for extensions. You're probably better off using a dedicated app for whatever you want to do on mobile devices.

There are some exceptions. For example, Firefox for Android has support for browser extensions -- but they must be developed specifically for Firefox for Android, not the desktop version of Firefox. The Dolphin browser for Android supports its own extensions, too.

On an iPhone or iPad, there's no browser that supports extensions -- not even the iOS version of the Dolphin browser -- thanks to Apple's limitations on what apps can do .

Bookmarklets are similar to browser extensions. A bookmarklet is a special bookmark that runs JavaScript code when you click on it. For example, you could have a bookmarklet that sends the current web page to Evernote instead of using the Evernote browser extension. Bookmarklets don't bog down your browser because they only run when you click them -- they're not running in the background. They generally work in every browser, too.

Image Credit: Mikeropology on Flickr (modified)

My 5 must-have Firefox extensions and what I use them for

jack-wallen

Firefox is a much better browser than the market share would indicate. With just one big exception (tab management), I would go so far as to say it's the best browser available to nearly all platforms.

It's a shame that Firefox gets overlooked but for those who do know how well the browser works, you get it. For those who might be on the fence about using Firefox, the extensions feature might help sway you.

Also: Google delays killing third-party cookies in Chrome again. What you need to know

My favorite extensions level up the open-source browser for me and my workflows. Each of these extensions is free to install and use and helps add a bit of extra security and efficiency to the browser.

With that said, let's get to the extensions.

1. uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is the king of content blocking for Firefox. With over 7 million downloads, the numbers speak for themselves. Most think this extension is little more than an "ad blocker" but that's selling it short. 

Also: YouTube videos may no longer play if you use a third-party ad blocker

uBlock Origin is a wide-spectrum content blocker that blocks ads, trackers, coin miners, popups, prefetching, hyperlink auditing, and more. uBlock Origin works with the help of various lists of known threats and issues. Out of the box, the extension uses EasyList (for ads), EasyPrivacy (for tracking), Peter Lowe's Ad server list (for ads and tracking), Online Maclicous URL Blocklist, and uBO's own list. There are other lists you can enable but the default collection works very well.

If I could only install one extension to Firefox, this would be it. I would even go so far as to say uBlock Origin should come pre-installed on Firefox; it's that good (and necessary). In this modern era, visiting certain types of websites is a security and privacy crapshoot but uBlock Origin helps tilt the odds in your favor.

2. Privacy Badger

Unlike the wide-spectrum nature of uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger focuses on one thing: invisible trackers. What makes Privacy Badger so important is that it learns as it is used. Instead of relying on lists, this extension discovers trackers based on behavior. 

Privacy Badger also automatically opts you out of data sharing and selling as well as tracking. If that weren't enough, Privacy Badger also automatically removes link click tracking on both Facebook and Google, so those sites cannot track the links you've clicked on.

Also: The best secure browsers for privacy in 2024

Use Privacy Badger along with uBlock Origin (along with Firefox's built-in security measures) and you've got one of the most secure browsers on the planet.

3. Bitwarden Password Manager

Continuing with our theme of security, you should be using a password manager . When you do adopt a password manager, I highly recommend Bitwarden. 

Also: How to use Bitwarden Identities to secure your most sensitive data

Not only does it have a robust feature set, end-to-end encrypted vaults, and apps for desktop, mobile, and web, but it also has a browser extension. One of the reasons many refuse to use a password manager is that it adds yet another step in their already busy day. To that end, they'll allow their web browser to store passwords for easy logins. Unfortunately, web browsers aren't nearly as safe as legitimate password managers. 

With the Bitwarden Password Manager Firefox extension , you get the best of both worlds. Not only do you have the extra security layers of a real password manager, but also the simplicity and efficiency of easy logins.

4. Sideberry

The only area where Firefox struggles is tab management. Out of the box, Firefox's idea of tab management is pretty much the same as it ever was… none. That's a shame, given how browsers like Opera and Safari have created some of the best tab management options available.

Also:  5 ways to improve your Chrome browser's security

Although Firefox doesn't have an extension to rival Opera's Workspaces , it does have Sideberry , which adds a sidebar where you can better manage your tabs with a flat list, tree view, grouped tabs (folders), colorizations, automatic unloading, and custom tab titles. Ever since I started using Arc Browser on MacOS, I've come to really enjoy side tabs. The only thing I wish Sideberry could do is hide Firefox's default tab bar.

5. ClearURLs

How many times have you wanted to share a link with someone, only to find the link a never-ending stream of characters that extends far beyond the necessary address? All of those extraneous characters are tracking elements and look something like this:

The above link is for a vinyl copy of Rush's "Moving Pictures" album on Amazon. The only bit you really need is this:

With the ClearURLs extension, when you click on the Amazon listing, it strips away all of the tracking bits and presents only the necessary link. To me, that's a must-have.

And there you have it, five extensions that help level up Firefox's security and efficiency. If you don't find an extension here that tickles your browser fancy, you can always check the Firefox extension  market and find an exhaustive list of possible add-ons to help make Firefox the web browser you've always wanted and needed.

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  1. Use Safari extensions

    To use an extension when browsing privately: Choose Safari > Settings. Click Extensions. Select the extension in the sidebar, then select "Allow in Private Browsing" on the right. Whether or not you're browsing privately, you can also restrict the extension's access to certain websites. Click the Edit Websites button to view the extension ...

  2. How to Install Safari Extensions on Mac

    Here, click the "Turn On and Review" button. This will directly take you to the "Extensions" tab in Safari Preferences. Alternatively, go to Safari > Preferences from the menu bar and select the "Extensions" tab to see a list of all available extensions. To enable an extension, click the checkmark icon next to the extension in the left sidebar.

  3. How to use Safari extensions on your iPhone and iPad

    How to add extensions. Scroll down to and select Safari > Extensions. Any extensions that you've already installed will be listed here. Tap on "More Extensions" if you'd like to see what ...

  4. Get extensions to customize Safari on Mac

    In the Safari app on your Mac, choose Safari > Preferences, then click Extensions. Do any of the following: Turn an extension on or off: Select or deselect the extension's checkbox. Note: You get a warning if you turn on an extension that slows down browsing. Change an extension's settings: Select the extension, then select or deselect ...

  5. How to Manage Extensions in Safari on Mac and More

    In the Safari app on your Mac, click Safari in the menu bar. Click Safari Extensions. This will open the App Store and displays all the available extensions. Browse through the available Safari ...

  6. How to Install and Use Safari Extensions on iPhone and iPad

    Before you can actually use an extension, you'll need to enable it. The process is the same on both iPhone and iPad. Open Settings, select the Safari settings menu, then tap Extensions. Under Allow These Extensions, you'll see a list of all the extensions you've installed and whether they're enabled or not. To enable an extension, tap on it ...

  7. iOS 15: How to Download and Install Safari Web Extensions

    In iOS 15, Safari now supports third-party web extensions, which can be downloaded and installed through the App Store.Extensions can change how Apple's Safari browser works in useful ways, or ...

  8. How to Install, Manage, and Delete Safari Extensions

    To download and install an extension, go to the Safari menu > Safari Extensions, find an extension, and click Get > Install. To activate an extension, go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions, click the check box next to the extension, then click Turn on. Access an extension via its Safari Toolbar icon. To disable: Preferences > Extensions ...

  9. How to use Safari Extensions in 2022

    Launch Settings on your device. Tap Safari. Under General, tap Extensions. Select the extension you want enabled and turn it on. Return to Safari on your iPhone or iPad, and tap the puzzle icon in ...

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    Installing Extensions. To install an extension, you need to download the extension app from the ‌App Store‌ and then open up the Safari section of the Settings app. From there, tap on ...

  11. How to Use and Manage Safari Extensions on Mac

    From the Safari menu, click on Safari Extensions. 3. You will now be taken to the Mac App Store, where you can find extensions, both free and paid, organized into different categories. 4. Once you ...

  12. 7 iPhone and iPad Safari Extensions Worth Installing

    Extensions for the Safari browser on iPhone and iPad are managed using the App Store. You can search for new extensions as you would any other app, and updates are managed by the App Store and can be applied automatically too. ... You'll even find a dedicated Safari Extensions category in the App Store app by tapping the Apps tab then scrolling ...

  13. Safari

    Safari is the world's fastest browser. Enjoy more third-party extensions, powerful privacy protections, and industry-leading battery life. ... List, Favorites, iCloud Tabs, and Siri Suggestions. And third-party extensions for iPhone, iPad, and Mac let you do even more with Safari, so you can browse the way you want across all your devices. ...

  14. 9 Best Safari Extensions of 2024

    Here are the best Safari extensions and plug-ins, covering productivity hacks and fun tools too. ... Like Chrome, Safari isn't just a stagnant web browser, it also has additional functionality via its Safari Extension plugins which take seconds to install. A form of add-on, Safari extensions now come bundled with relevant Mac apps, as well as ...

  15. Better Browsing: 30 Hidden Tricks Inside Apple's Safari Browser

    Now, here are 30 tricks to help you have a better experience when using Safari. 1. Navigate Tab Bar. (Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple) The jump to iOS 15 moved Safari's address bar to the bottom of ...

  16. 15 Essential Safari Extensions for Mac in 2023

    15. PayPal Honey for Safari. Essential Safari Extensions for Mac: Final Words. 1. Bear - Markdown Notes. Note taking on Bear - Markdown Notes. Whether you're a writer, teacher, lawyer, engineer, student, or parent, Bear - Markdown Notes helps you with organization and editing.

  17. The Complete Guide to iOS Safari Extensions

    Safari browser extensions on iOS should not have an impact on battery life. (And, in cases where they block unwanted content on websites, they might even help your battery a little bit.) It's unlikely you'll see any noticeable impact on iPhone or iPad battery life as a result of iOS Safari extensions.

  18. Safari 17: Everything you need to know about the new macOS features

    Apple's built-in browser might be the most frequently used app on your Mac (yes, even more than the Finder, super Mac geeks). So Apple always adds helpful new features to Safari, its browser. In ...

  19. Use Safari extensions on your Mac

    Starting with macOS Ventura, iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, you can share extensions across your Mac, iPhone and iPad: On your Mac, open Safari and choose Safari > Settings, then click Extensions. Select "Share across devices" at the bottom of the window. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari > Extensions, then turn on Share Across Devices.

  20. Beyoncé Shows Real Locks in Cécred Hair Tutorial, Shuts Down Haters

    Beyoncé called out the misconception that people who wear wigs and extensions don't have long and healthy hair underneath, labeling it "some bulls**t cause it ain't nobody's business!"

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  22. Beginner Geek: Everything You Need To Know About Browser Extensions

    Browser extensions extend your web browser with additional features, modify web pages, and integrate your browser with the other services you use. This guide will introduce you to the world of browser extensions and help you get started. If you're a geek, this stuff is obvious to you. We geeks take this for granted -- we know exactly what ...

  23. My 5 must-have Firefox extensions and what I use them for

    That's a shame, given how browsers like Opera and Safari have created some of the best tab management options available. Also: 5 ways to improve your Chrome browser's security