Tip: Here’s how to use the improved Safari extensions in macOS Big Sur

With the improved Safari extensions in macOS Big Sur you add extra functions to your web browser. Read here how to add, use and remove these useful extras.

How do you use the improved Safari extensions in macOS Big Sur?

At first, the Safari web browser was still far behind compared to Google Chrome. The ability to add extensions to Safari existed, but was still very limited compared to Chrome. With macOS Big Sur, this has changed.

At first glance, there is not much of a difference to be seen, but the change is behind the scenes. Developers can now use Apple tools to convert existing Google Chrome extensions to ones that work with Safari.

It looks like extensions will play a bigger role in the future. With this guide we explain how you can best take advantage of this. Especially if you have never used extensions, or your favorite Chrome extension has just moved to Safari, it is advisable to pay close attention in the following paragraphs.

Find and install Safari extensions in macOS Big Sur

1. In Safari on your Mac, choose the Safari menu and then Safari Extensions;
2. The Mac App Store lists popular extensions here;
3. Browse through the categories or search for “Safari extensions” and the name of a desired app;
4. Choose the extension you want to install and click Download;
5. After downloading, open Safari again and then go to Preferences. This can be done with the keys CMD +, (comma);
6. Open the Extensions tab and check the extension.

Instead of step 6 you can also open more details on the right side of the screen. The panel will then show the name of the extension, the app it is part of, and function. This same panel also contains the delete button.

Extensions are automatically updated through the Mac App Store. It is also possible to update them manually. You can find the available updates in the menu on the left of the Mac App Store.

Using Safari Extensions

You can find your downloaded extensions on the left side of the address bar. Click on an extension to use it.

Sometimes a drop-down menu pops up, for example to adjust the privacy settings. After this window the app will open and you can get started with the app in your current Safari webpage.

The extension provides quick access to useful functions that you may have previously had to enable via separate apps. Not so earth-shattering new functions appear, but the option of a shortened route in one button is very useful. After all, convenience serves people.

Disable and remove Safari extensions

If you no longer want to use a particular extension, you can also disable it or remove it completely:

1. In the Safari browser, go to Preferences and then click Extensions;
2. Go to the extension you want to disable or remove;
3. Uncheck the extension in the left column. The extension will then be disabled;
4. Prefer to remove the extension completely? Then click on Delete installation on the right side of the screen.

Some extensions also require you to remove the app from Finder. If necessary, a window in step 4 will direct you to the correct location to do this.

Read more about macOS Big Sur

• Video: How to take a screenshot on your MacBook

• Taking screenshots on your Mac (Book): this is how you do it

• Two new iMacs and iPad Pro 2021 leaked in latest Apple betas

• Important security updates available for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch

• macOS 11.3 (Big Sur) is coming: 5 new features in a row