How To Stop Websites And Apps Automatically Playing Animated Images On macOS

Stopping websites and apps from automatically playing animated images can help you reduce distractions and manage sensory overload while using your Mac running macOS 14. Here’s how to adjust settings in your web browser to control this behavior:

Quick Guide

1. Safari: Preferences > Websites > Auto-Play > Set preferences for current and future websites.
2. Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Additional content settings > Animation > Choose settings for animations.
3. Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Block websites from automatically playing sound or video.

Detailed Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Safari

• Open Safari: Launch Safari from your Dock or Applications folder.
• Access Preferences: In the Safari menu at the top of your screen, choose "Safari" and then select "Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
• Navigate to Websites Tab: Click on the "Websites" tab at the top of the Preferences window.
• Adjust Auto-Play Settings: On the left sidebar under "General," find "Auto-Play." Here, you can see a list of websites currently open and their auto-play settings. You can set options for each site individually or change the default behavior for new websites at the bottom of the window to "Never Auto-Play."

Chrome

• Open Chrome: Start Chrome from your Dock or Applications folder.
• Access Settings: Click the three dots in the upper right corner to open the menu, then select "Settings."
• Navigate to Site Settings: Scroll down to "Privacy and security" and click on "Site Settings."
• Find and Adjust Animation Settings: Scroll down to find "Additional content settings," then click on "Animation." You can choose to allow animations, block them, or limit them under this setting.

Firefox

• Open Firefox: Open Firefox from your Dock or Applications folder.
• Access Preferences: Click on the menu button in the upper right corner (three horizontal lines), then choose "Preferences."
• Navigate to Privacy & Security: Click on "Privacy & Security" on the left-hand sidebar.
• Adjust Auto-Play Settings: Scroll down to the "Permissions" section. Here, you can check the box that says "Block websites from automatically playing sound or video" and make further adjustments by clicking on "Settings" next to it to control media and animations specifically.

General Tips for Managing Animated Content Across Apps

• Update Your Settings Regularly: As apps and macOS itself are updated, new settings may be added or existing ones might be moved. Regularly check settings to ensure they still align with your preferences.
• Consider Content Blockers: If you find animations are still playing despite these settings, consider adding a content blocker from the Mac App Store that can specifically target and block animated images and autoplay videos.
• Adjust Accessibility Settings: macOS also includes broader accessibility settings that can help reduce motion and animation across the OS. You can find these settings under System Settings > Accessibility > Display, and enable "Reduce motion."

By following these steps, you can control the playback of animations and videos on your Mac to create a browsing and app use experience that’s more comfortable and tailored to your needs.