How to Enable JavaScript in Safari

If Safari Web pages do not display properly, enable JavaScript.

JavaScript adds additional functionality to websites that pure HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) cannot provide. Many sites use JavaScript to create animation, process forms and generate shopping carts. For a browser to use JavaScript, a user must enable it if it is disabled. By default, Safari enables JavaScript when you install the program. If multiple users share the same computer, however, one of them may disable JavaScript and prevent it from working. To restore Safari's JavaScript functionality, re-enable it using Safari's security panel.

Instructions

1. Open Safari. Click "Edit" and select "Preferences." The Preferences window will open.

2. Click the "Security" tab to display security settings.

3. Locate the entry named "Enable JavaScript." Click the box next to that entry to put a check mark there.

4. Close the Preferences window.

Tips & Warnings

• JavaScript operates in a sandbox and normally cannot access resources on your computer such as personal files or even your browser history. Malicious programmers, however, can use JavaScript to compromise browser security and download harmful malware to your computer. Improperly coded programs can also do the same. (See the heading "How to Secure Your Web Browser" on the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team page in References.)

References

• Apple: Safari 3.0 Help - If a Webpage Won't Work
• Oakland Community College: Enable JavaScript
• U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team: Securing Your Web Browser

Resources

• Network World: Apple Releases Safari 5 With Faster Javascript Performance