Do you know the difference between a website and a web application?
There are many in terms of operations, but one of the most significant differences is JavaScript use. A web application contains all elements made in JavaScript. In contrast, a website may or may not have any JavaScript element.
JavaScript plays an essential role in a website’s moving elements, such as like button, checkboxes, and much more. Basically, everything that changes after your interaction without refreshing the page.
Therefore, it is vital to keep JavaScript active on your browser for the best web browsing experience. We will see how to disable and enable JavaScript on Chrome in this guide.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
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Why Should I Enable or Disable JavaScript?
Most of the website without any fancy elements also has JavaScript-based functions in terms of ads. When you have JavaScript enabled, which is usually the case, you can view all these ads. It, in turn, support the websites to generate revenue.
Now that you get the idea, you can disable JavaScript on specific websites where you don’t want the ads to load. However, if the page also contains some useful JavaScript functions, we suggest using an ad blocker to get rid of advertisements.
Many websites require JavaScript to be enabled for the best function. Otherwise, you might have to compromise like and bell buttons for that website. Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter can not load if you disable JavaScript on your browser.
Sometimes, you might need to disable JavaScript purposely to check a website without ads. Google Chrome provides you an option to either disable JavaScript on all or selective sites. Here is how to do it.
Ways to Disable or Enable JavaScript in Google Chrome
You first have to open the JavaScript setting page to make changes to existing settings. You can take help from the below steps.
1. Open Chrome’s Menu. (Three vertical dots at the top-right corner)
2. Go to “Settings.”
3. Then, click on “Privacy and Settings” or scroll down to find the same.
4. Now, open “Site Settings” and look for the title “Content.”
5. Click on the “JavaScript” option.
You can skip all the above steps by visiting the following URL.
chrome://settings/content/javascript
Here you will find a toggle switch. Usually, Chrome keeps the JavaScript option enabled. In this position, the toggle switch appears in blue.
You would require to slide it to the left to disable the JavaScript from all sites.
Allow or Block JavaScript on Specific Sites
Chrome allows you to block or allow JavaScript permanently on particular sites. You have to follow the steps mentioned above to get to the JavaScript settings page. Or, use the following URL.
chrome://settings/content/javascript
Here, you will see two sections, namely, Block and Allow. If you want to disable JavaScript from a site, enter the URL in the Block list.
If you want to enable JavaScript for a particular site, add it in the Allow section.
By doing so, Chrome will allow or block JavaScript on the mentioned site according to your preference. The overall setting would not affect the sites.
Disable or Enable JavaScript Temporarily for Testing
Chrome contains some fascinating features in the developer tools. If you want to check how a particular site would look if you disable the JavaScript, use developer tools.
Press Ctrl+Shift+J (Windows) or Command+Shift+J (Mac) to open the Developer tools. You can also use the F12 key as a shortcut.
Once it is open, press Ctrl+Shift+P or Command+Shift+P to open the command menu. Here, type “javascript” in the filter search box. You can see the option to Disable or Enable JavaScript based on your current global setting. Select the filter to activate the debugger option.
Now you can visit the website of your choice to check how it behaves. Click refresh if you are already on it.
Remember, this method only works on the tab you are tinkering on. Moreover, the tab will get back to the original state as soon as you close the developer tools.
Note: Chrome notifies you if any website or all websites are blocking the JavaScript by showing you a notification icon in the URL bar. You can click on it to change the settings quickly.
Conclusion
We discussed the permanent and temporary ways to disable or enable JavaScript on Chrome in this article. You can use it to block ads or other nosy elements on a site from loading. That said, we suggest enabling the setting globally and add a specific website to the block list if you want.