How to Use Extensions in Safari for iPhone

Extension support plays a very important role when choosing your default browser. With iOS 15, Apple brought a ton of new features. Out of these, third-party extension support in Safari for iPhone should be the most impressive. It’s good to see that the much appreciated feature of Safari for Mac has finally become its iOS counterpart.

If you’ve been waiting to use these productive little plugins to block Ads, manage passwords or find coupons while shopping on your iPhone, now you can. This post will explain how to download, use and manage Safari extensions on iPhone. So let’s get straight to the point.

How to Download Safari Extensions for iPhone

Apple has simplified the process of downloading extensions on iPhones. Unlike Safari for Mac, you can download extensions directly from the App Store.

To use Safari extensions on iPhone, you must be running iOS 15 or later. So, after you upgrade, here is how to download extensions in Safari for iPhone.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Now find Safari and tap on it. Under General, select Extensions.

Stage 3: Here you will find all the extensions pre-installed on your phone. Tap More Extensions to download newer ones.

This will take you to the Safari Extensions Store. You can browse and download them like any other app. Alternatively, you can find extensions directly by visiting the App Store and exploring the Must-Have Safari Extensions menu under the Apps section.

How to Enable Safari Extensions for iPhone

By default, all downloaded extensions for Safari are disabled. Therefore, you cannot use them unless you manually enable them by visiting the Settings app. Here’s how.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app and go to Safari.

Step 2: Tap on Extensions and you will find all the extensions currently installed on your iPhone. Go to the extension you want to enable and turn on the switch next to it.

Once enabled, depending on the extension, the app may or may not be prompted to grant a few permissions or configure the extension.

How to Use Safari Extensions for iPhone

Once you have downloaded and activated an extension, you are ready to use it in Safari for iPhone. Here’s how.

Stage 1: Launch Safari on your iPhone and go to your favorite website.

Step 2: Tap the aA icon to the left of Safari’s address bar and you’ll find all currently active extensions.

Select the extension you want to use. If this is your first time using the extension, Safari will ask you to give it a few permissions.

How to Disable or Remove Safari Extensions for iPhone

If you’ve added too many similar Safari extensions to your iPhone, you’re unnecessarily bloating the browser. To free up some, you may need to disable or remove some of these extensions you no longer need. Here’s how to do it.

Stage 1: Launch Safari on your iPhone and go to your favorite website.

Step 2: Tap the aA icon to the left of Safari’s address bar and select Manage Extensions from the popup menu.

Stage 3: Now find the extension you want to disable and turn it off.

If you don’t intend to use a particular extension anymore, you’d better uninstall it completely. Pretty much the same as deleting an app. Here’s how to do it.

Find the extension icon from your Home Screen or App Library. Now long tap on the app icon and select Uninstall App from the list. Select Delete App when prompted.

Once removed, you will no longer find the extension in Safari.

Extensions for Extended Needs

Extension support is absolutely essential in Safari for iPhone. This is because Google Chrome does not yet provide extension support for the mobile version. You will find only a few extensions for Safari, but they have been handpicked and you can only expect more soon.

If you plan to use Safari extensions, which ones will you use the most? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.