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Helperbird iOS vs Desktop - What's Different?

Compare Helperbird in Safari on iPad and iPhone with desktop browsers. Learn how to open the tools, use your Pro key, and manage settings on each device.

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  • ios

Helperbird works on both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and desktop browsers, but there are some differences due to platform limitations. Here's what you need to know.


Features Available on Both Platforms

These core features work on iOS and desktop:

  • Text to Speech
  • Dyslexia Fonts
  • Reading Mode
  • Immersive Reader by Microsoft
  • Font Customization
  • Letter and Word Spacing
  • Line Height Adjustments
  • Color Overlays
  • Translation
  • Picture Dictionary
  • Magnifier
  • Voice Typing
  • Word Prediction
  • Extract Text from Images (OCR)
  • Auto Scroll
  • Reading Guide

Desktop-Only Features

Some features are only available on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox due to iOS Safari limitations:

Screenshot Tools - Browser screenshot capture is desktop-only.

Some Keyboard Shortcuts - Desktop has more keyboard shortcut options.


iOS-Specific Notes

Accessing Helperbird On iOS, open Safari's page menu or extensions button and choose Helperbird. On desktop, use the Helperbird button in your browser toolbar. Follow the iPhone and iPad guide for the current controls.

Performance Some features may run slightly differently on iOS due to Safari's extension architecture. If you notice any issues, try refreshing the page.

Settings Sync Set up your preferences on each device. Helperbird does not automatically sync desktop browser settings into Safari on iPhone or iPad. Choosing the same Apple Account does not connect your Helperbird settings across different browsers.

Pro Features You can use your existing Helperbird Pro subscription key on iPhone and iPad. Enter it in Helperbird's settings on each device. Safari on iOS does not use Google or Microsoft sign-in. See how to use your subscription key.


Why Are Some Features Desktop-Only?

Apple's Safari extension system has different capabilities than Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions. Some features require APIs that aren't available on iOS, which is why they're limited to desktop browsers.

We're always working to bring more features to iOS as Apple expands what Safari extensions can do.


Need Additional Help?

Have questions about feature availability? Reach out to our Helperbird support team and we'll help you out!

Printed from the Helperbird Help Center · Updated September 14th, 2026

Questions? We are happy to help — helperbird.com/support

Reviews from the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons and G2

Join over 1,000,000 people who use Helperbird every day.

Honest, game changing!

Honest, game changing! The best!! Totally worth trying it
CourtneyMarieiPhone and iPad user
Great app for anyone who is reading a lot on their browser.
daklyyiPhone and iPad user

The customizable features are a g...

This chrome extension is absolutely amazing. I'm a Primary school teacher and it helps children with a broad range of needs. It's so easy to set up. I love the way it syncs across devices so set up is seamless across all the children's computers. The customizable features are a game changer for allowing children to enjoy reading and accessing the web in our school. The best application I have ever seen for school children. Looking forward to trying the iPad application soon.
Luke MccarthyTeacher
Helperbird logo: a stylized owl with large round yellow eyes and a beige face.

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Text to speech, dyslexia fonts, reading rulers, color overlays, and 43 more.

Free to add, and the everyday tools stay free. Works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.