How to Disable JavaScript in Safari for iPhone

Thank JavaScript for interactive website features

What to Know

  • Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced and toggle JavaScript to Off.
  • Many websites don't render or function as expected while JavaScript is disabled.

This article explains how to disable JavaScript in Safari for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices with iOS 13 through 10.

Disable JavaScript on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

JavaScript is the high-level programming language behind the interactive features of dynamic websites, such as online forms and simple animations. It stands with HTTP and CSS as an essential programming language for the web. However, many people consider it a flawed language because of its history of security vulnerabilities.

If you have an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) and want to disable JavaScript in the Safari browser, whether for security or development purposes, you can do so easily.

To disable JavaScript on your iOS device, follow these steps.

  1. Open the Settings app, scroll down, then select Safari.

  2. Scroll to the bottom of the Safari settings screen and select Advanced.

  3. Toggle the JavaScript switch to the off/white position.

    Screenshots of iOS settings showing how to turn off Safari's JavaScript function

Many websites don't render or function as expected while JavaScript is disabled. If you encounter this problem, return to the Safari settings and activate JavaScript by moving the slider back to the on/green position.

Uses of JavaScript

Javascript is responsible for how a web page responds to input from the viewer. When you select an element on a web page and something happens (a special effect or a survey, for example), JavaScript is responsible. Some of the uses of JavaScript include:

  • Confirmation boxes
  • Slide-in call-to-actions
  • Security password creation
  • Check-off forms
  • Interactive games
  • Special effects
  • Animations
  • Web applications
  • Presentations as websites
  • Providing feedback to web developers

Why Disable JavaScript?

Most people who disable JavaScript do so for security reasons. For regular at-home browsers, JavaScript isn't usually a problem. It is often disabled on secure remote servers or internal networks as a precaution.

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