How to Disable Javascript in Popular Browsers

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Disabling JavaScript is a step towards a simple and clean internet. Having done it, you will notice that the page loading speed will increase. Also, a huge number of distractions will disappear on sites: advertising, features with infinite scrolling of pages, and pop-ups. To get into this minimalistic world, you just need to figure out how to disable JavaScript in popular browsers.

Below we will attach the instructions for Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Safari, and Explorer/Edge.

How to Disable JavaScript in Major Browsers

You’ll learn how to disable JavaScript across the most popular browsers, both on desktop and mobile. This will help you control scripts for privacy, faster browsing, or troubleshooting.

How to Disable JavaScript in Opera

To disable JavaScript in Opera, follow our instructions:

  1. Launch a browser.
  2. Go to the menu. Its icon is located in the upper left corner.
  3. Go to the "Settings" section.
  4. When the settings search engine appears in front of you, enter the word "Java" there.
  5. Go to the menu section called "Site Settings".

  6. Go to the "JavaScript" section.
  7. Turn the toggle switch to the inactive position.

How to Disable JS in Firefox

On the Mozilla browser, the process looks a little different, but in general it is also uncomplicated, even for novice computer users. To turn off JavaScript, follow the instructions below:

  1. Launch a browser.
  2. In the address bar, enter 2 words, separated by a colon about:config. To enter data, press the Enter key.
  3. Click Accept Risk and Continue.
  4. You will have a special search line where you need to write javascript.enabled.

  5. Click on the Toggle icon. It will be located in the line that appears on the right side.

  6. Alternatively, restart Firefox to apply the change.
  7. For partial control, use Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection to limit some scripts without fully disabling JavaScript.

On Firefox for Android, the process is the same using about:config and toggling javascript.enabled.

That`s all, disabling JavaScript on Firefox is completed.

How to Turn off JavaScript in Google Chrome

In this browser, the option is deactivated through the settings. To disable JavaScript in Google Chrome, you need to take 5 simple steps:

  1. Open the menu.
  2. Go to "Settings".
  3. In the "Search for settings" field, enter the word "Java".
  4. Go to the "Content Settings".

  5. Click on the "JavaScript" field.

  6. Turn the toggle switch to the off position.

  7. To allow scripts on certain sites, use Custom behaviors to add exceptions.
  8. For developers, Chrome DevTools offers temporary script blocking: Open DevTools, go to Settings > Preferences > Debugger, and enable Block scripts. This stops scripts during your current session without changing browser settings.

On Chrome Android, open Chrome > Settings > Site Settings > JavaScript, then toggle it off.

Disabling JavaScript in Google Chrome was completed successfully. Read also a useful article about the best proxy extensions for Google Chrome.

How to Disable JavaScript in Safari

To deactivate JavaScript in Safari, follow the instructions:

  1. On macOS, launch a browser.
  2. Go to "Settings".
  3. Click on the "Security" section.
  4. Uncheck the box next to "Enable JavaScript".

On iOS devices, open Settings > Safari > Advanced. - Toggle off JavaScript.

Note that iOS has system-level restrictions, so disabling JavaScript on mobile Safari may not block all scripts as completely as on macOS.

How to Disable JavaScript in Internet Explorer

To deactivate JavaScript in Internet Explorer, you need to follow a simple instruction:

  1. While in the browser, click on the gear icon.
  2. Click on the "Internet Options" section.
  3. In the window that opens, select the "Security" tab.
  4. Click on the "Internet" zone.

  5. Click on the "Custom Level" button.

  6. Under "Scripting of Java applets", click "Disable".

  7. Click OK to save the changes.

How to Disable JavaScript on Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Edge Settings from the three-dot menu.
  2. Navigate to Cookies and Site Permissions.
  3. Find JavaScript and toggle to “Don’t Allow Sites to Use JavaScript.”
  4. Use Edge DevTools to block scripts temporarily for testing or debugging during your current session.

Disabling JavaScript in Other Browsers

Many mobile browsers limit disabling options due to UI restrictions. Consider third-party browsers like Kiwi Browser, which supports extensions such as NoScript, or DuckDuckGo Browser for built-in script blocking.

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Proxy-Seller supports multiple protocols and authentication methods, with proxies available worldwide in 220+ countries. Their dashboard is easy to use and offers 24/7 support. Whether you are web scraping, verifying ads, conducting market research, or simply want secure anonymous browsing when JavaScript is disabled, Proxy-Seller helps maintain both functionality and privacy.

How to Test JavaScript

There are two ways to verify whether you managed to disable this option or not:

  1. Go to the desired browser settings according to the instructions above and see if the option responsible for Java Script is disabled.
  2. Go to a well-known site and check if the usual objects have disappeared on it: ad unit, pop-up banners, navigation elements. If they are missing, then JavaScript is disabled.

Effects of Disabling JavaScript on Webpages

Disabling JavaScript can significantly change how websites behave and look. Here’s what to expect:

Positive Effects (Speed & Privacy) Negative Effects (Functionality)
Faster page loads: Browsers skip many DOM manipulations and network calls, speeding up page rendering. Broken functionality: Many websites rely on JavaScript for forms, logins, menus, sliders, and chat widgets. These may stop working or become unusable.
Fewer ads and trackers: Scripts powering ads, pop-ups, and trackers like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel will not run, improving privacy. Simplified layouts: Script-generated content won’t load, which often means missing parts of pages, especially on modern Single Page Applications (SPAs) built with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.
Multimedia issues: Features like video players, interactive maps, and dynamic content generally require scripts, which may fail to display properly.

These changes are a trade-off. Disabling JavaScript enhances speed and privacy but can break site functionality. Be prepared to enable scripts selectively or switch them back on when needed.

Alternatives to Completely Disabling JavaScript

If you want control over scripts without fully disabling JavaScript, try these practical options:

Script-Blocking Extensions

  • NoScript (Firefox, Chrome variants): Blocks scripts by default and lets you whitelist sites to run scripts you trust.
  • uMatrix: Gives detailed control over scripts, iframes, cookies, and other resources per site (best for advanced users).
  • uBlock Origin: Primarily an ad blocker but also supports filtering scripts with custom rules.
  • ScriptSafe (Chrome): Controls JavaScript and plugins with easy site-specific toggles.

Privacy-Focused Browsers with Granular Script Control

  • Brave: Built-in shields block trackers and scripts with adjustable settings per site.
  • Tor Browser: Comes with NoScript integrated for strict script blocking, supporting anonymity.

Developer Tools for Temporary Control

  • Use DevTools in Chrome and Firefox to disable JavaScript during testing without changing browser settings.

Balanced Approaches

  • Use whitelists and blacklists to enable JavaScript only on trusted sites.
  • Web developers use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict which scripts can run, an advanced way to control JavaScript safely.
  • Sandboxing and browser containers (like Firefox Multi-Account Containers) isolate JavaScript execution site-by-site for security.

By using these tools and techniques, you gain flexible control over JavaScript, balancing privacy and web functionality without fully disabling scripts. This keeps your browsing smoother and safer while accessing necessary web features.

Final Words

The process of disabling JavaScript takes only a couple of minutes. Keep in mind that this solution can provide not only advantages in the form of faster page loading and the disappearance of annoying ads. Along with this, important elements may disappear on sites, without which it will not be possible to fully work on them. For example, in Bitrix, when JavaScript is disabled, the artist will no longer display the tasks assigned to him.

And now, find out what is WebRTC and how to disable it.

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