Efficient Safari Content Blocker Extension on iOS Devices, but Disabled on macOS Sonoma - Troubleshooting Guide

Efficient Safari Content Blocker Extension on iOS Devices, but Disabled on macOS Sonoma - Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction

Creating a Safari content blocker extension that functions seamlessly across platforms can be challenging. This tutorial addresses a specific issue where an extension works perfectly on iOS but becomes disabled on macOS Sonoma. Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.

Steps to Troubleshoot

1. Initial Checks

  • Review Build Settings:

    • Confirm that TARGETED_DEVICE_FAMILY in Xcode is correctly configured for both platforms.
    • Include both macOS and iOS under the SUPPORTED_PLATFORMS setting.
    • Verify that the Deployment Target specifies support for macOS Sonoma.

  • Check Extension Status:

    • Open Safari on macOS Sonoma and navigate to "Extensions Preferences" to confirm whether the extension is listed.
    • If it's not listed, revisit the build settings and provisioning profiles for potential issues.

2. Inspect the Code

  • Content Blocker JSON Validation:

    • Ensure your JSON file complies with Safari's content blocker format. For example:




 [

  {

    "action": { "type": "block" },

    "trigger": { "url-filter": ".*" }

  }

]



    • Validate the JSON structure and identify any macOS-specific discrepancies.

  • Extension Communication:

    • Test whether the extension registers correctly with Safari.
    • Use Xcode Debug Logs to verify the registration status.

3. Check Dependencies

  • Framework Compatibility:
    • Ensure the libraries and frameworks used are compatible with both iOS and macOS.
    • Replace unsupported libraries with macOS-compatible alternatives, if necessary.

4. Test Alternative Scenarios

  • Create a Minimal Example: Develop a simplified version of the extension to isolate potential issues.
  • Safari Reset: Restart Safari and clear the browser cache to reload the extension.
  • Debugging Tools:
    • Log essential messages in Xcode Console, such as

print("Extension registration successful!")
print("Content Blocker JSON loaded successfully!")




5. Seek Help When Needed

If the issue persists, explore community resources like the Apple Developer Forum, Stack Overflow, or Safari documentation for additional insights.

Conclusion

This tutorial outlines the key steps to troubleshoot a Safari content blocker extension on macOS Sonoma. By following these guidelines, you can address platform-specific issues effectively. For persistent challenges, seek support from the developer community to identify a suitable resolution.