7 Best Fixes for Reader Mode Not Working in Safari
The Safari browser has a built-in Reader Mode option for an improved reading experience. If you enjoy reading articles saved in your Reading List, you can use Reader Mode to eliminate distractions such as ads, popups, video playback windows, and more.
Some users complain that Reading Mode doesn’t work or gets grayed out in Safari. We will share the best solutions to fix Reader Mode not working in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
1. Check if the Website Supports Reader Mode
The Reader Mode is for websites with a lot of text, like articles, news, blogs, and newsletters. If it’s not working, your current web page may not have enough text.
2. Check Reader Mode Settings
If your web page has enough text but you can’t use Reader Mode in Safari, check the Reader Mode settings on your Apple device.
Step 1: Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and visit the website where Reader Mode isn’t working.
Step 2: Tap the Reader View icon at the bottom and choose Website Settings.
Step 3: Enable automatic Reader Mode for the website if you visit it frequently.
Try enabling the Desktop version of the website and see if you can now use Reader Mode.
On Mac
Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type Safari, and press Return.
To use Reader Mode on a website, follow these steps:
1. Visit the website you want to use Reader Mode on.
2. Click the Safari option at the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Select Settings.
That’s it! You can now enjoy an enhanced reading experience on the website.
Step 3: Click the Website tab and select Reader from the left menu.
Step 4: Ensure you haven’t disabled the Reader View option for the website.
You can enable Reader View for other websites in Safari.
3. Disable Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode can save battery life on Apple devices. However, if Safari’s Reader Mode is not working and you want to use it for a longer time, you can turn off Low Power Mode. This feature does not consume much battery power.
Open the Settings app and tap on Battery.
Step 2: Tap the toggle next to Low Power Mode to disable it.
Step 3: Close Settings and open Safari to check if the problem is solved.
On Mac
To review the provided text and make it more concise and impactful, we have eliminated redundant words and simplified phrases without changing the meaning:
Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type Battery, and press Return.
Step 2: Disable Low Power Mode for your Mac.
To solve the problem, close Settings and open Safari.
4. Force Quit and Relaunch Safari
Force quitting and relaunching Safari will give the app a fresh start and fix the issue if you are still facing it.
On iPhone and iPad
Step 1: Swipe up from the home to reveal the background app windows. Step 2: Swipe right to find Safari and swipe up to close the app window.
Step 3: Relaunch Safari and check if the problem is solved.
On Safari
Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner and select Force Quit.
Step 2: Choose Safari and click Force Quit.
Step 3: Relaunch Safari and check if Reader Mode is working.
5. Update Safari
To update Safari, install a new iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version. This will remove bugs from the browser.
On iPhone and iPad
Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.
Step 2: Tap on Software Update and install it if available.
Step 3: Relaunch Safari to check if the problem is solved.
Step 1: Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Spacebar. Type “Check For Software Updates” and press Return.
Step 2: Download and install any available update.
Step 3: Launch Safari to check if the problem is resolved.
If none of the solutions work, you can reset all settings on your iPhone or iPad. This will restore all system app settings to default, including those for Safari.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on General.
Step 2: Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
Step 3: Tap Reset and select Reset All Settings.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to check if the problem is solved.
After that, open Safari and check if the problem is solved.
7. Use Safe Mode (Mac)
Mac users can try booting in Safe Mode to detect issues with Safari Reading Mode. Safe Mode prevents third-party app interference to troubleshoot problems with system apps. Follow our post to learn how to boot your Mac in Safe Mode.
Safari’s Reading Mode not working? Use these solutions. You can also enable Reading Mode in Private Browsing Tabs and lock them for added security.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.