If you can’t turn on extensions in Safari for Mac

Learn what to do if you can't select the checkbox to turn on an extension in Safari settings on your Mac.

Starting with macOS Catalina, your Mac includes a security feature designed to prevent malicious software from tricking you into turning on a Safari extension. In some cases, this feature is affected by the use of legitimate software that has certain screen-recording or accessibility features. If that happens:

  • You might see a message that Safari detected an app or service interfering with clicking.

  • You might be unable to turn on Safari extensions in Safari settings. You can deselect the checkbox to turn off an extension, but you can't select the checkbox to turn it on.

To resolve, install the latest Apple software updates, then try again. After updating your software, if you still can't turn on extensions in Safari for Mac:

  1. Start your Mac in safe mode.

  2. Open Safari and turn on any Safari extensions that you want to use.

  3. Restart your Mac.

General information about how to use Safari extensions is available for Mac and for iPhone and for iPad.

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