How to Install and Uninstall Browser Extensions in Safari Mac?

Extensions or add-ons are essential part of using browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Edge. When it comes to Mac, many users do not know that Safari browser also offers extensions. Though it is not like Chrome Web Store with huge collection of free extensions and themes, there are handful items worth trying. In this article, we will explain how to install and uninstall extensions in Safari browser in your Mac.

Accessing Extensions in Mac Safari

Unlike other browsers, Apple offers Safari extensions as an app through Mac App Store. Therefore, you can simply go to App Store and install an extension like any other app installation in Mac.

Installing Safari Extensions

• Open App Store and go to “Categories” section from the sidebar.
• Click on “Safari Extensions” category from the list.

• You will find all available extensions and click on any item to view its details.

• If you like an extension, click “GET” button and then “INSTALL” button to add that extension in Safari.

• After installing, click “OPEN” button and most extensions will show a message to enable it from Safari preferences for using it.

Turn On Extension in Safari

Safari will NOT automatically turn on installed extension for using. This is to avoid problems if you have mistakenly installed any extension from App Store.

• If the extension shows a message like above click on the “Finish Setup” button. Otherwise, close the App Store and launch Safari browser app.
• You will find a notification in Safari showing “New Extension Available” and click on the “View Extension…” button. This will open the “Extensions” section of Safari preferences.

• If you have closed the notification, go to “Safari > Preferences” menu or press “Command + Comma” shortcut keys when you are in Safari app.
• Under “Extensions” section, select the extension you have installed and view all permissions required by that extension when using the browser.

• Click the checkbox showing next to the extension name in the left sidebar to turn on the extension.
• You will see a confirmation pop-up and click “Turn On” button.

Now, close the preferences and check the browser window. You should see the extension icon appears left to the address bar, click on to start using.

Uninstalling Extensions in Safari

If you do not want to use the extension, follow the below instructions to uninstall it from the browser.

• Open Safari and go to “Safari > Preferences” menu.
• Go to “Extensions” section and select the item you want to uninstall.
• You can simply disable it temporarily by unchecking the box showing next to extension name on the sidebar.
• For permanent deletion, click the “Uninstall” button. You will see a message like below mentioning the extension is part of an app and you should first remove the app.

• Click on “Show in Finder” button to open “Applications” folder in Finder app.
• You will see an app with the same name as your Safari extension. Simply drag and drop the app in Trash bin or control + click (right-click) and select “Move to Trash” option.

• Confirm the permanent deletion of the app by clicking on “Delete” button. You may need to provide administrator username and password for deleting an app from the system.

Now, go back to “Extensions” preferences in Safari and you will see the extension is already removed.

FAQ on Using Extensions in Mac Safari