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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.

On this page

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

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

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

change the blur into words

Helperbird does so many things that are game changing for me! By far the two most important are the font changes and the highlight ruler. I can change fonts to something dyslexia friendly. The ruler helps me stay on the line I'm trying to read. These two things change the blur into words! Tech support has been great when I have had problems!
Firefox userHelperbird user

help deliver the world to some wh...

This is a great little extension, lightweight and non intrusive. With dyslexia its reading that's an issue, not the underlying intelligence. An aid such as this one, can help deliver the world to some who may not otherwise have received it. Great Work.
Colm MurphyHelperbird user
A great working immersive reader extension! Great job
Aaron FlushChrome user
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 44 more.

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