Open Safari settings
On current iOS and iPadOS versions, open Settings → Apps → Safari → Extensions. On older versions, use Settings → Safari → Extensions.
Safari extension for iPhone and iPad
A calmer web after dark.
Dark Surf gives Safari a customizable dark theme with readable colors, per-site controls, schedules, and on-device settings.
Quick start
Enable the extension in three steps
After installing Dark Surf, Safari needs your permission before the extension can change a website’s appearance.
Turn on Dark Surf
Select Dark Surf, enable the extension, then allow website access. Set All Websites to Allow for automatic coverage, or manage access per site.
Choose your look
Open the Dark Surf app or Safari toolbar menu, switch on Enable Dark Surf, choose a preset, and reload any Safari tab that was already open.
Safari does not allow extensions to modify internal pages, Reader start pages, App Store pages, or other protected URLs. Dark Surf works on standard http and https websites.
Troubleshooting
If a page stays bright
These checks resolve the most common permission and site-rule issues.
Dark Surf does not appear in Safari
Confirm the Dark Surf app is installed, then return to Safari’s Extensions settings and enable it. If it still does not appear, restart Safari or restart the device once after installation.
The extension is enabled, but this website is unchanged
Open Safari’s page menu, select Dark Surf, and verify that website access is allowed. Also check that Dark Surf is globally enabled, the current site is not excluded, no temporary pause is active, and the current time is inside your schedule.
Settings differ between the app and Safari
Open the Dark Surf app once, make a small setting change, then return to Safari and reload the page. The app and extension share settings on the device; reopening both sides refreshes that sync.
One website looks incorrect
Try a different preset or lower the intensity. You can exclude that hostname while keeping Dark Surf active everywhere else. When reporting a compatibility issue, include the website address and a screenshot if you are comfortable sharing them.
How do I reset Dark Surf?
Open the app and choose Reset to defaults. You can also clear local usage statistics from advanced extension settings without changing your theme.
Private by design
Your browsing stays yours
Dark Surf applies styles and stores preferences locally. It has no account system, advertising, tracking SDK, or analytics service, and it does not sell personal data.
Still need help?
Talk to the developer
Send a short description of the issue, your iOS or iPadOS version, and the website involved. Please do not email passwords or other sensitive information.