What you need to add Rakuten to Safari on iPhone
To add Rakuten to Safari on iPhone, you need to install the latest version of the Rakuten app from the App Store, because the Safari extension is bundled with it. The mobile extension works only with the newest iOS Safari, so updating the app is the non-negotiable first step. Once the app is current, the extension appears automatically in your Safari settings, ready to enable.
How to enable the Rakuten extension in Safari
After installing or updating the Rakuten app, the extension will be waiting inside Safari. You don't need to download anything else, and you don't need to visit the Rakuten website to turn it on. The entire setup happens within Safari's own menu, which keeps the process fast and secure.
- Open the Safari app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "aA" icon in the bottom left corner of the address bar, or the Page settings icon (a rectangle with two lines underneath).
- From the menu that appears, tap "Manage Extensions".
- Turn on the toggle switch next to "Rakuten".
- Tap "Done" after enabling the toggle.
That's all it takes to get the extension active. You'll see the Rakuten icon appear in your address bar, and it will stay there as you browse different stores.
Grant the required permissions
Once the toggle is on, Safari will ask you to review permissions. Tap "Review" on the top right, and you'll see two prompts. For the first, tap "Always Allow", this lets Rakuten see the pages you visit so it can detect eligible stores. For the second, tap "Always Allow on Every Website" so the extension works on all store sites, not just one or two. Without this second permission, Rakuten might miss a store, and you'd lose out on Cash Back without even knowing it.
These permissions are what make the extension function correctly. They allow Rakuten to check each site you visit for active offers, and they also let it apply coupons or notify you about better prices. Skipping either step means the extension may be silent when you shop, which defeats the purpose of adding it in the first place.
How to activate Cash Back when shopping
With the extension enabled and permissions granted, you're ready to shop. When you visit a store that participates in Rakuten, the extension will automatically notify you if Cash Back is available. But here's the critical part: you must select "Activate Cash Back" through the extension before completing each eligible purchase to earn Cash Back. Simply visiting the store or adding items to your cart is not enough, the activation is what links your purchase to your Rakuten account.
You'll see a small notification or a pop-up from the extension when you land on a supported store. Tap it, and you'll see the Cash Back rate for that retailer. If you navigate away and come back later, you'll need to activate again. The same applies if you switch between stores, each one requires its own activation. This extra step is what ensures your rewards are tracked correctly, so don't skip it.
Troubleshooting and device compatibility
If the Rakuten extension doesn't appear in your Safari settings, the most common cause is an outdated app. Older Safari extensions are no longer supported by Apple, so you need to install the latest version from the App Store. Open the App Store, search for Rakuten, and tap "Update" if it's available. After updating, force-quit Safari by swiping up on the app switcher, then reopen it and check the extension menu again.
Another thing to know: the Rakuten mobile extension is not available for Android devices. This is an iOS-only feature, so if you're using an Android phone or tablet, you won't find this extension in any browser. You can still use Rakuten's mobile website or app on Android, but the automatic Cash Back activation in Safari is exclusive to iPhone users.
Finally, keep both Safari and the Rakuten app updated. Apple frequently changes how extensions work in iOS, and Rakuten updates its app to match. When you update iOS, the extension might get disabled temporarily, just go back into Manage Extensions and toggle it on again. It's a minor inconvenience, but it ensures you never miss out on Cash Back while shopping.
