Using Firefox Focus and Safari: The Ultimate Browsing Setup for Enhanced Online Safety

As an avid Safari user on the iPhone, I continuously seek out extensions to enrich my browsing experience. Recently, I stumbled upon a Firefox Focus extension designed specifically for Safari, and although I installed it on a whim, it proved to be more beneficial than I expected.

Enhancing Safari with Firefox Focus

For those who may not be familiar, Firefox Focus is an independent mobile browser that emphasizes privacy and security. With its default setting for private browsing, it automatically shields your online activities.

This browser is adept at eliminating ad trackers and analytics that follow your behavior online, including on social media platforms. Moreover, it blocks ads by default, which results in a more streamlined and enjoyable browsing experience. Backed by Mozilla, a well-respected proponent of online privacy, Firefox Focus emerges as a compelling alternative to traditional browsers.

While Firefox Focus operates as a standalone application on iOS, integrating it directly into Safari through an extension can be more advantageous for those predominantly using Safari.

Although you still need to download Firefox Focus (since Safari extensions require the base application), the benefit lies in enjoying Safari’s native features while benefiting from the privacy enhancements offered by Firefox Focus.

Safari includes advanced functionalities like an intuitive bookmarking system, PDF annotation tools, distraction controls, tab organization, and seamless syncing across Apple devices—features that Firefox Focus lacks. Therefore, for a comprehensive browsing experience, it’s advisable to use Safari alongside the Firefox Focus extension.

Unlocking the Best of Both Browsers

To enable Firefox Focus in Safari, follow these simple steps to add the extension.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then navigate to Apps -> Safari.
In the General section, select Extensions.
Scroll down to the bottom and tap on More Extensions.
Search for and install Firefox Focus. Keep in mind that installing the extension necessitates downloading the app itself, as the extension is bundled within it. It cannot be installed separately, as is common with other browsers.
After installation, the extension will show up in the Extensions section of Safari Settings. Enable Firefox Focus from there.
You can also activate the extension via the Firefox Focus app. After installing it from the App Store, open the app and tap the hamburger menu in the upper right corner, then select Settings.
In the Safari Integration section, toggle on the option for Safari.
Finally, open Safari and tap on the stack icon located in the address bar.
Select Turn on Content Blockers.

With these steps completed, Firefox Focus will function in the background, enhancing your browsing experience by eliminating most ads and activating its tracker-blocking features.

However, do note that the extension currently does not allow modifications to its settings. You can adjust various settings in the app regarding which types of trackers and scripts to block, but this is not possible through the extension. Still, the default settings of the extension are quite satisfactory.

Although Safari offers its own tracker-blocking mechanisms, comparing the performance of both browsers over several days revealed that Firefox Focus significantly outperforms Safari in tracking protection.

If you need to disable the extension, you can quickly do so by tapping the stack icon in the address bar and selecting Manage Extensions.