Enable JavaScript in Apple Safari

Complete guide to enable JavaScript in Apple Safari on Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices with step-by-step instructions.

Apple Safari

Apple Safari

Follow these steps to enable JavaScript in Apple Safari on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

Quick Navigation

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Mac / Desktop

  1. Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar
    Step 1 screenshot for Chrome (desktop)Screenshot — 1
  2. Select Preferences (or Settings on newer versions)
    Step 2 screenshot for Chrome (desktop)Screenshot — 2
  3. Click the Security tab
    Step 3 screenshot for Chrome (desktop)Screenshot — 3
  4. Check the box next to Enable JavaScript
    Step 4 screenshot for Chrome (desktop)Screenshot — 4
  5. Close the preferences window and refresh any open web pages
    Step 5 screenshot for Chrome (desktop)Screenshot — 5
Note: In newer versions of macOS, Safari Preferences has been renamed to Safari Settings.

iPhone / Mobile

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari
  3. Scroll down to the Advanced section
  4. Toggle JavaScript to ON (green)
  5. Return to Safari and reload the page
Tip: JavaScript settings on iOS are in the device Settings app, not within Safari itself.

iPad / Tablet

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari
  3. Scroll down to the Advanced section
  4. Toggle JavaScript to ON (green)
  5. Return to Safari and reload the page

Tips & Best Practices

Safari Preferences

On macOS, Safari preferences are now called 'Settings' in newer versions. Look for either 'Preferences' or 'Settings' in the Safari menu.

iOS Settings Location

On iPhone and iPad, JavaScript settings are in the device Settings app, not within Safari itself. Go to Settings → Safari → Advanced → JavaScript.

Content Blockers

Safari supports content blockers that can control scripts. If a site doesn't work, check your content blockers in Settings → Safari → Extensions.

Develop Menu

Enable the Develop menu in Safari → Settings → Advanced → Show Develop menu. This gives you access to Web Inspector and other developer tools for troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable JavaScript in Safari?

To enable JavaScript in Safari:
  1. Open Safari and click 'Safari' in the menu bar
  2. Select 'Preferences' (or 'Settings' on newer versions)
  3. Click the 'Security' tab
  4. Check the box next to 'Enable JavaScript'

Close the preferences window and refresh any open web pages.

How do I enable JavaScript in Safari on iPhone or iPad?

On iOS:
  1. Open the 'Settings' app
  2. Scroll down and tap 'Safari'
  3. Scroll down to the 'Advanced' section
  4. Toggle 'JavaScript' to ON (green)

This enables JavaScript for all websites in Safari on your iOS device.

Can I control JavaScript per website in Safari?

Safari doesn't have built-in per-site JavaScript controls. JavaScript is either enabled or disabled for all sites.
Alternatives:
  • Use Safari extensions or content blockers to manage JavaScript on a per-site basis
  • On macOS, use the Develop menu to disable JavaScript temporarily for testing

Read Also

Chrome

Enable JavaScript in Chrome

Step-by-step guide to enable JavaScript in Google Chrome browser.

Firefox

Enable JavaScript in Firefox

Step-by-step guide to enable JavaScript in Mozilla Firefox browser.

Edge

Enable JavaScript in Edge

Learn how to enable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge browser.

Brave

Enable JavaScript in Brave

Guide to enable JavaScript in Brave browser.

Opera

Enable JavaScript in Opera

How to enable JavaScript in Opera browser.

Internet Explorer

Enable JavaScript in Internet Explorer

Instructions for enabling JavaScript in Internet Explorer.