Apple made some significant changes to Safari with its latest iOS 15 software update. The reformed user interface, FaceTime, nifty Tabs Groups, and the productivity-describing web extensions have enhanced Safari’s reputation as a top-notch browsing site. It is quite good news for a person who would like to install third-party web extensions on their iOS devices, alongside Mac. Besides, Apple has made a dedicated store to help users find new extensions. So, if you are ready to adopt this latest feature, let’s dive into step-by-step instructions on how to download and install Safari web extensions on your iPhone or iPad.
What Are Safari Web Extensions?
Before you learn how to download and install web extensions on Safari, you must first understand what they are. Web extensions are quite lightweight software programs developed to offer users a customized browsing experience. They allow you to improve your browser’s functionality so that it can suit your needs better. Web extensions are developed in web development languages such as CSS, Java, and HTML.
Just like other web extensions, Safari web extensions are like miniature apps that only work inside the web browser on your iOS device. Web extensions can help you unlock new features that are not natively available in your Safari browser. For example, you can use extensions to get rid of ads, block content, autofill passwords, enhance quality, and so on.
How To Download and Install Safari Web Extensions
As we discussed earlier, web extensions are a feature that Apple introduced along with iOS 15. So, you need to make sure your iOS device is updated to download and install web extensions for Safari. Unlike Mac, you cannot access the extensions store directly from the browser. Instead, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps:–
Open Settings on your iOS device
In the menu, scroll down and choose Safari, located along with the list of applications
After that, find Extension under the General Category and click on Continue
Then, click on More Extensions
Doing this will launch the Safari Extension Store on your iOS device
Now browse and find the web extensions you like and click on Get to install it
Your desired web extension will install just like any other standalone iOS apps. But don’t worry, we will instruct you on how to use it properly. So, keep reading.
How To Use Safari Web Extensions on iOS Device
Any web extensions that you just installed via the Safari Extension app are disabled by default. You will have to manually enable each extension from the menu before using it within the browser. Also, depending on the extension you downloaded and installed, you may need to launch the extension app to configure its settings.
Let’s take a look at the method:–
Open Settings
Then go to Safari and select Extensions
Here, you will find the extensions you just installed. Use the toggle to enable the feature
Now open the extension’s app from your App Library or Home Screen and configure the in-app settings
After that, open Safari and visit the webpage where you want to use the extension
Now click on the Share icon to bring up the iOS share sheet
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to find the extension options, if available.
Get The Best Out Of Safari Web Extensions on iOS Device
We hope that you have got your fair share of a sneak peek into how to download and install Safari Extensions and how to use them on iPhone and iPad. Although, one of the areas where iPadOS has always been complained about is the lack of an effective browser. And yet, iPadOS 15 still has a lot of ground to cover. By the way, what’s your take on the all-new revamped Safari browser in iOS 15.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
