When JavaScript is off, websites can look broken, buttons can stop responding, and sign-in or video pages can fail to load. The fix is built into your browser: turn JavaScript back on, allow it for the site, or remove the extension blocking scripts.
Start with the browser you use most, then check extensions if the page still will not work.
1. Turn on JavaScript in Chrome
On a computer, open Chrome, click More, then go to Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Content, and JavaScript. Under Default behavior, select Sites can use JavaScript.
Reload the page after changing the setting. Chrome uses this path on Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS.
On Android, open Chrome, tap More, then Settings, Advanced, Site settings, and JavaScript. Turn on Javascript.
Chrome on iPhone and iPad does not give you a JavaScript switch. Google says JavaScript is turned on by default on iPhone and iPad.
2. Allow JavaScript for trusted Chrome sites
- 1.Open Chrome and go to More, Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Content, and JavaScript.
- 2.Set Default behavior to Don't allow sites to use JavaScript.
- 3.Add the specific sites you trust to the allowed list.
This is the stricter Chrome setup. Sites you do not add can stay broken until you allow them.
3. Switch on JavaScript in Safari
On iPhone and iPad: open Settings, tap Apps, choose Safari, open Advanced, then turn on JavaScript.
On Mac: open Safari, go to Settings, choose Security, then select Enable JavaScript.
Skip old Safari for Windows instructions and old Mac wording that sends you to Preferences. Current Apple guidance uses Settings on Mac, and Apple no longer ships a current Safari for Windows consumer browser.
4. Enable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge, click Settings and more, then go to Settings, Privacy, search, and services, Site permissions, All permissions, and JavaScript. Make sure Allowed (recommended) is turned on.
If Edge is managed by work or school, an administrator can allow JavaScript with DefaultJavaScriptSetting or allow specific sites with JavaScriptAllowedForUrls. Both policies cover Edge on Windows, Mac, and Android, but not iPhone or iPad.
5. Reset JavaScript in Firefox
Firefox has JavaScript enabled by default. To put the setting back, type about:config in the address bar, choose Accept the Risk and Continue, search for javascript.enabled, then click Toggle or Reset so the value is true.
Do not use old Firefox instructions that mention Options, Content, and Enable JavaScript. Mozilla removed that checkbox from current Firefox.
6. Fix JavaScript in Samsung Internet and Opera
Samsung Internet: open Menu, then Settings, Sites and downloads, Site permissions, and Allow JavaScript. Turn it on.
Opera: open Settings, expand Advanced, go to Privacy & security, choose Site settings, then JavaScript. Turn on Allowed (recommended).
Opera also lets you use Add on the JavaScript settings page to set site-specific preferences.
7. Stop extensions from blocking scripts
A script blocker can keep a site broken even after JavaScript is enabled. Check the browser where the problem happens.
- 1.Chrome: open More, Extensions, and Manage extensions. Turn off the extension, or choose Remove and confirm with Remove.
- 2.Edge: open Extensions, choose Manage extensions, then turn off the extension toggle. To delete it, choose Remove from Microsoft Edge, then Remove.
- 3.Firefox: open the menu, choose Add-ons and themes, then Extensions. Use the blue toggle to disable an extension, or open the three-dot menu and choose Remove.
- 4.Safari on Mac: open Safari, Settings, and Extensions. Deselect the extension checkbox, or select the extension and choose Uninstall.
- 5.Safari on iPhone: open Settings, Apps, Safari, and Extensions. Tap the extension, then turn off Allow Extension.
In Firefox, NoScript and Ghostery are two extensions that can disable JavaScript on selected domains. In Safari on iPhone, you can also open the site, tap the Page Menu button, choose Manage Extensions, and turn the extension off for that site.
8. Allow scripts in Brave Shields
Brave allows JavaScript by default, but Shields can block scripts for a site. Open the site, open the Brave Shields panel, then allow scripts for that site or turn off script blocking there.
You can also change site permissions from Menu, Settings, Privacy and security, and Site & Shield Settings. For one site, open the site, click the tune icon next to the web address, choose Site settings, and change the permission.
9. Check managed browser settings
School and work browsers can enforce JavaScript rules with browser policy. If the browser says it is managed and JavaScript remains blocked after you change the normal setting, contact your administrator.
For current consumer browsers, do not use Internet Explorer instructions such as Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom level, and Active Scripting. Microsoft ended Internet Explorer 11 support on June 15, 2022 and directs users to Microsoft Edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to download JavaScript?
No. Current browser guidance uses built-in settings. Firefox says JavaScript is enabled by default and does not need installation.
Can JavaScript be on for one site only?
Yes. Chrome desktop can block JavaScript by default and add trusted sites to the allowed list. Opera also supports site-specific JavaScript preferences.
Why does Chrome on my iPhone have no JavaScript setting?
Google’s current Chrome for iPhone and iPad settings do not expose a JavaScript toggle. Google says JavaScript is turned on by default there.
What should I do if JavaScript keeps turning off?
Check for a script-blocking extension first. On a managed school or work browser, contact the administrator because policy can override the setting.
