Are Safari WebExtensions Enabled in Private Browsing?

This article provides a complete overview of how the Safari web browser handles WebExtensions during Private Browsing sessions. By default, Safari disables WebExtensions when you enter Private Browsing mode to ensure maximum user privacy and security. Below, we explain the reasoning behind this default setting, how it impacts your browsing experience, and how you can manually enable specific extensions for Private Browsing on both macOS and iOS.

The Default Behavior in Safari

No, WebExtensions are not enabled by default in Safari's Private Browsing mode. With the release of Safari 17 (available on macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, and iPadOS 17), Apple strictly enforces a privacy-first approach by automatically turning off extensions whenever you open a private window.

Even if you have granted an extension permission to "Always Allow" on every website during your normal browsing sessions, Safari will block that extension from running in a Private Browsing window unless you explicitly authorize it to do so.

Why Safari Disables Extensions by Default

The primary goal of Private Browsing is to prevent your browser from saving your history, cookies, and site data, while also hiding your activity from others who might use your device.

WebExtensions, by design, often require permission to read and alter data on the webpages you visit. If extensions were allowed to run automatically in Private Browsing, a malicious or poorly coded extension could still track your activity, capture sensitive information, or store your browsing history on an external server. Disabling them by default closes this privacy loophole.

How to Enable Extensions in Private Browsing on Mac

If you trust a specific WebExtension, such as a password manager or an ad blocker, you can manually allow it to run during your private sessions.

  1. Open the Safari browser on your Mac.
  2. Click Safari in the top menu bar and select Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions).
  3. Click the Extensions tab at the top of the window.
  4. Select the extension you want to enable from the list on the left.
  5. On the right side of the window, check the box next to Allow in Private Browsing.

How to Enable Extensions in Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad

You can also manage private extension permissions on mobile devices running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 and later.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
  3. Tap Extensions under the General section.
  4. Tap the name of the extension you wish to use.
  5. Toggle on the switch next to Allow in Private Browsing.

Once enabled, the extension will function normally in both standard and Private Browsing tabs. You can revoke this permission at any time by following the same steps and toggling the setting off.