How to Enable JavaScript in a Browser on a Mac

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A simple guide to enabling JavaScript in your browser on macOS
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This wikiHow teaches you how to enable JavaScript in Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox when you're using a Mac. JavaScript is enabled by default in most modern web browsers or is prompted whenever an application needs to use it, so you shouldn't have to enable it unless you've turned it off. Keep reading to learn how to enable JavaScript on a Mac, including an expert tip from computer specialist Yaffet Meshesha.

Quick Steps

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Click Safari in the top bar.
  3. Click Settings .
  4. Select Security at the top of the window.
  5. Click the box next to Enable JavaScript .
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Safari

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  1. It's the blue, white, and red compass icon on the Dock. The Dock is usually at the bottom of the screen.
  2. It's in the menu bar near the top-left corner of the screen. [1]
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  3. This opens the Settings panel.
  4. It's the padlock icon near the top of the window.
  5. It's in the "Web content" section. As long as this box is checked, Safari will allow websites to display JavaScript elements, such as buttons, forms, and certain visual elements.
    • If you're using a browser plugin that blocks JavaScript from running on one or more websites, you'll usually need to disable it. You can do so on the Preferences panel by clicking Websites and de-selecting the plugin name. [2]
    EXPERT TIP

    Yaffet Meshesha

    Computer Specialist
    Yaffet Meshesha is a Computer Specialist and the Founder of Techy, a full-service computer pickup, repair, and delivery service. With over eight years of experience, Yaffet specializes in computer repairs and technical support. Techy has been featured on TechCrunch and Time.
    Yaffet Meshesha
    Computer Specialist

    JavaScript is enabled by default in most web browsers. You'll only need to enable it if you've disabled it. Some websites might prompt you to enable JavaScript when the site needs to use it, but this isn't very common.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Google Chrome

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  1. You'll usually find it in the Applications folder and/or on the Launchpad.
    • JavaScript is allowed by default in Chrome. You shouldn't have to manually enable it unless you've turned it off.
  2. It's near the top-right corner of Chrome.
  3. It's toward the bottom. This opens the Settings page.
  4. It's in the left-hand sidebar, and it has an icon of a shield.
  5. It's at the bottom of the page, and it has an icon of two horizontal sliders.
  6. It's under the Content header.
    • If you see "Sites can use JavaScript" right below "JavaScript," JavaScript is already enabled.
    • If JavaScript isn't working despite being enabled, it's likely due to a security extension you've installed on Chrome. Click the ⁝ menu, click Extensions , and then Manage extensions . Toggle off any extensions you don't want to use.
  7. This will enable JavaScript for all websites that you visit in Chrome. [3]
    • Chrome lets you manually disable JavaScript by website. If you manually disabled JavaScript on a certain site and want to re-enable it, you can do so under the "Not allowed to use JavaScript" header. Click the ⁝ menu next to the site's name and click Remove .
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Mozilla Firefox

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  1. You'll usually find it in the Applications folder and/or on the Launchpad.
    • JavaScript is enabled by default in Firefox. There's no way to disable it in your general Firefox options, so it's unlikely that you'll need to turn it on unless you've manually edited the about:config page.
    • If you've installed a privacy extension like Ghostery or NoScript that disables JavaScript, you may need to disable it to use JavaScript. Click the ≡ menu, click Add-ons , and then click Disable next to the extension. [4]
  2. You'll usually see a somewhat-scary message that says "This might void your warranty!" This message is just a reminder that you should only edit this file if you have a specific reasons for doing so.
  3. It's the blue button below the message. This opens a searchable list of settings.
  4. It's at the top-left corner of the page. This filters the list to only display settings that include the word "JavaScript."
  5. The "javascript.enabled" option should be the first or second option in the list. The value next to it will either say "True" or "False."
    • If the Value is set to True : JavaScript is already enabled and there's no need to make any changes. Do not continue with this method.
    • If the Value is set to False : Continue with this method.
  6. This button is on the far right side of the page, and looks like a combination left and right arrow. This changes the value from False to True . JavaScript is now enabled in Firefox. [5]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/security-ibrw1074/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/disable-block-a-safari-plug-sfri27594/mac
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/12654?hl=en
      4. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/javascript-settings-for-interactive-web-pages
      5. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/javascript-settings-for-interactive-web-pages

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Safari.
      2. Click the Safari menu.
      3. Click Preferences .
      4. Click Security .
      5. Check the "Enable JavaScript" box.

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