Turning off Reader View in Safari on your Mac is straightforward. It’s just a matter of a few clicks, and you’ll be back to viewing websites in their original format. Don’t worry, it’s a piece of cake, and you’ll have it done in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial on Turning Off Reader View in Safari on Mac
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. Reader View is a feature in Safari that simplifies the webpage, stripping away ads and other distractions for a clean reading experience. However, there are times when you want to see the full page. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open Safari on your Mac
Open the Safari web browser on your Mac by clicking on its icon in the dock or finding it in your Applications folder.
When you open Safari, it should take you to your homepage or the last page you visited. If you’re not already on a webpage, go ahead and navigate to one.
Step 2: Check if Reader View is Enabled
Look at the left side of the address bar for the Reader View icon, which looks like a small piece of paper or lines of text.
If the icon is highlighted (usually in blue or purple), it means Reader View is enabled on the webpage you’re viewing. If it’s not highlighted, Reader View is not active.
Step 3: Click on the Reader View Icon
Simply click on the Reader View icon to toggle it off.
Once you click on it, the page should refresh automatically, and you’ll see the website in its standard, non-reader view. The icon will no longer be highlighted, indicating that the reader view is turned off.
After completing these steps, the webpage will be returned to its original layout, showing all the images, ads, and design elements that were previously hidden by Reader View.
Tips for Turning Off Reader View in Safari on Mac
- If you don’t see the Reader View icon, it means that the website you’re on doesn’t support Reader View.
- You can also use the shortcut Shift+Command+R to toggle Reader View on and off.
- Remember that not all websites support Reader View, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see the option on some sites.
- If you find yourself frequently toggling Reader View, consider adjusting your web browsing habits or using a different browser that doesn’t have this feature.
- If you’re having trouble with Reader View, ensure that Safari is updated to the latest version for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable Reader View permanently?
No, you cannot disable Reader View permanently, but you can easily turn it off each time it activates.
Can Reader View be set to activate automatically?
Yes, you can set Reader View to activate automatically on certain websites by clicking and holding the Reader View icon and selecting ‘Use on All Websites.’
Why doesn’t the Reader View icon appear on some websites?
Reader View is not compatible with all websites. If the website doesn’t have a clear article structure, the icon might not appear.
Is Reader View available on all devices that run Safari?
Reader View is available on Macs, iPhones, and iPads that run Safari.
Can I customize the look of Reader View?
Yes, you can customize the font, background color, and font size when in Reader View by clicking on the ‘Aa’ icon on the right side of the address bar.
Summary
- Open Safari on your Mac.
- Check if Reader View is enabled by looking for the highlighted icon.
- Click on the Reader View icon to turn it off.
Conclusion
Turning off Reader View in Safari on a Mac is a breeze once you know where to look. The feature is designed to help you focus on reading by eliminating distractions, but sometimes you need to see the full website with all its bells and whistles. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can toggle Reader View on and off as needed. Keep the tips and FAQs in mind for a smoother browsing experience. And remember, the internet is vast and full of wonders—don’t let a feature like Reader View stop you from experiencing it in full color. Keep exploring and happy browsing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.