In this tutorial, we will show you how to install, view, run, and manage Safari extensions on your Mac to add extra features to your web browser.
There are plenty of great features you can take advantage of on Safari. One of them, like other browsers, is the ability to install extensions. These handy tools can help you do more when using Safari. Extensions can be anything from tab savers, to shopping helpers, to ad blockers.
Installing extensions from the App Store is easy, but you should also periodically review the extensions you have installed. Plus, knowing how to remove an extension is essential for those you no longer want to use. We’ll go over all this.
Also see: How to safely install and use Safari extensions on iPhone
View your Safari extensions
Follow these simple steps to see the extensions you have installed on Safari.
1) Open Safari and click Safari > Settings or Preferences from the menu bar. Note: The Safari Extensions option you see in this menu is for viewing extensions available in the App Store, not those you have installed.
2) Click the Extensions tab.
- On the left of the window, you’ll see all of the Safari extensions you have installed.
- On the right, you’ll see the name, version, brief description, and the permissions you have given to that extension.
Activate an extension
Extensions are not automatically enabled after you install them. So, you must go to Safari Extensions settings and check the box for an extension to make it active.
Use an extension
Once you have activated an extension, its icon will appear at the top of the Safari window. Click to use it. Note that an extension may ask for your permission to access a particular site or all websites before you can use it.
Get more extensions
You have two handy ways to check out additional Safari extensions in the App Store.
Click Safari > Safari Extensions, and it will open the Mac App Store showing the extensions section.
The other is in the Safari > Settings > Extensions area described above. Click the button at the bottom for More Extensions.
Both options will take you right to the Safari Extensions section of the Mac App Store.
Disable or delete an extension
Extensions for Safari can be super handy tools, but only if you use them. If you have an extension that you no longer use or want to remove permissions from, you can easily disable it or uninstall it.
To stop using an extension, simply uncheck the box next to it in the sidebar. This is ideal for extensions you want to stop using temporarily but don’t necessarily want to delete from Safari.
To delete an extension, click Uninstall. Most Safari extensions downloaded from the App Store are parts of apps or apps themselves. So when you click Uninstall, you’ll see a message stating that you must remove the application.
The app and its Safari extension will be moved to the Trash, where you can delete it permanently. You’ll also notice that the extension no longer displays in your list.
What are your thoughts on Safari extensions?
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