JavaScript is usually on by default, but you may need to turn it back on if a website stops working

JavaScript is a programming language that runs inside your web browser and makes websites interactive — it powers things like dropdown menus, live search results, and buttons that respond when you tap them. Most Android phones and tablets have JavaScript turned on automatically in Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, and other browsers. If a website suddenly looks broken or won't let you click buttons, JavaScript may have been turned off, and you can turn it back on in your browser settings in about one minute.

The steps differ slightly depending on which browser you use, but the setting is always in the same place: your browser's advanced settings or privacy settings. You do not need to restart your phone afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • JavaScript is turned on by default in most Android browsers, so you only need to change this if a website stops working properly.
  • In Chrome, open Settings, tap Site Settings, then JavaScript, and make sure the toggle is switched on.
  • In Firefox, open Settings, scroll to Privacy, tap Tracking Protection, and make sure JavaScript is not blocked.
  • In Samsung Internet, open Settings, tap Websites, then JavaScript, and turn it on.
  • After you turn JavaScript back on, refresh the website by pulling down from the top of the page or tapping the refresh icon.

How to turn on JavaScript in Chrome

Chrome is the most common browser on Android. Open Chrome and tap the three vertical dots in the bottom right corner (or top right, depending on your phone). Tap Settings, then scroll down and tap Site Settings.

In Site Settings, look for JavaScript — it is usually near the top of the list. Tap it, and you will see a toggle switch. Make sure the toggle is blue and switched to the right, which means JavaScript is on. If it is gray and switched to the left, tap it once to turn it on. Close the settings and go back to the website you were trying to use. Pull down from the top of the page to refresh it, or look for a circular refresh icon and tap it.

How to turn on JavaScript in Firefox

Open Firefox and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings, then scroll down to the Privacy section.

Under Privacy, tap Tracking Protection. You will see options for Standard, Strict, and Custom. If you have Strict selected, it may block JavaScript on some websites. Switch to Standard or Custom instead. If you are using Custom, scroll down and make sure the toggle next to "Tracking content" is off — when it is on, it can block JavaScript. Go back to your website and refresh the page.

How to turn on JavaScript in Samsung Internet

If you have a Samsung phone, you may use Samsung Internet instead of Chrome. Open the browser and tap the three vertical dots in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings, then Websites.

In Websites, look for JavaScript and tap it. Make sure the toggle is on. Close settings and refresh the website you were using. If the page still does not work, try closing the browser completely and opening it again.

How to turn on JavaScript in other Android browsers

If you use Opera, Edge, or another browser, the steps are similar. Open your browser, go to Settings, look for Site Settings or Privacy, and find the JavaScript option. Turn the toggle on if it is off. The exact location varies by browser, but it is always in the settings menu under a section about site permissions or privacy.

If you cannot find JavaScript in your browser's settings, search the help section by typing the browser name and "how to enable JavaScript" into Google. The browser's official support page will show you the exact steps for your version.

What to do if JavaScript is on but websites still do not work

If you have turned JavaScript on and the website still looks broken or will not let you click buttons, the problem may be something else. Try refreshing the page by pulling down from the top or tapping the refresh icon. If that does not work, close the browser completely and open it again. Clear your browser's cache by going to Settings, tapping Apps, finding your browser, tapping Storage, and tapping Clear Cache — this removes temporary files that sometimes cause problems.

If the website works in one browser but not another, the problem is specific to that browser. Try using a different browser instead. If the website does not work in any browser, the problem is with the website itself, not your phone, and you may need to contact the website's support team or try again later.

Why websites need JavaScript

JavaScript makes websites do things that plain text and images cannot do. When you type in a search box and see suggestions appear below it, that is JavaScript. When you tap a button and something happens when ready without the page reloading, that is JavaScript. When you scroll through photos on a shopping site and they load automatically, that is JavaScript.

Without JavaScript, many modern websites will not work at all — you may see blank spaces, broken buttons, or error messages. Some websites will load but feel frozen or unresponsive. This is why turning JavaScript back on usually fixes the problem when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to turn JavaScript on?

Yes. JavaScript runs only on websites you visit and cannot access your files or contacts. It is a standard part of how the web works, and turning it off breaks most websites. Your browser already has built-in protections against malicious code.

Will turning on JavaScript slow down my phone?

No. JavaScript may use a small amount of processing power on very old phones, but on any phone made in the last five years, you will not notice a difference. The benefit of having websites work properly is much larger than any slowdown.

Why would JavaScript be turned off in the first place?

Usually it is not — it comes on by default. If it is off, you or someone else may have turned it off to troubleshoot a problem, or a browser update may have changed your settings. Some people turn it off to reduce tracking, but modern browsers have better privacy tools that do not break websites.

Do I need to turn JavaScript on for every website?

No. Once you turn it on in your browser settings, it stays on for all websites you visit. You only need to change the setting once.

What if I do not see a JavaScript option in my browser settings?

Most Android browsers have JavaScript turned on by default and do not show an option to turn it off. If you cannot find the setting, JavaScript is almost certainly already on. Try refreshing the website or clearing your browser cache instead.