How to Enable Safari Extensions on iPhone and iPad
Safari extensions on iPhone and iPad come from the App Store as part of an app. Installing the app isn’t enough on its own – you also have to turn the extension on and allow it on the websites you visit. Here’s how.
Step 1: Install the app and open it once
Install the app that contains the extension from the App Store – for example Glida, which adds auto scroll to Safari. Open the app once after installing; some extensions don’t appear in Safari’s settings until you do.
Step 2: Turn the extension on
iOS 18 and later:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Safari.
- Tap Extensions.
- Tap the extension’s name and turn on Allow Extension.
iOS 17: open Settings → Safari → Extensions, then tap the extension and turn it on.
You can also do it from inside Safari: tap the page menu button in the address bar, choose Manage Extensions, and switch the extension on.
Step 3: Allow it on websites
Most extensions need permission to work on the pages you visit. On the same settings screen, under Permissions for [extension name], set All Websites to Allow. If you’d rather approve sites one by one, choose Ask – Safari will then ask the first time you use the extension on each website.
To use the extension in Private Browsing too, turn on Allow in Private Browsing.
Step 4: Use it
Open any page in Safari and tap the page menu button in the address bar. Your extensions are listed there – tap one to use it. Some extensions, like Glida, also add a small floating control on the page.
Troubleshooting
The extension isn’t listed in Settings. Open the app once, then check again. If it still isn’t there, restart your iPhone.
It’s turned on but doesn’t appear in Safari. Make sure it’s allowed under Permissions (Step 3), then close and reopen the Safari tab. If you use Safari Profiles, extensions are turned on per profile – check the settings for the profile you’re using.
It works on some sites but not others. Check whether that website is set to Deny under Permissions → Other Websites. Some pages – such as Safari’s start page, the App Store and some Apple pages – don’t allow extensions at all.
It disappeared after an update. Updates occasionally reset permissions. Go back to Step 2 and Step 3 and turn it on again.
It’s on another device but not this one. With Share Across Devices turned on in the Extensions settings, Safari shows extensions installed on your other Apple devices so you can install them here too – but each device needs the app installed.
Screen Time is blocking it. If Content & Privacy Restrictions are on, check Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure the app isn’t restricted.
Next steps
With an extension like Glida turned on, you can read any page hands-free. See every way to auto scroll on iPhone & iPad, or how to read webtoons and manga in Safari.