What is f.txt.js Safari Download?

Me too. On my iPhone—it happened when I linked out from the NYT app to a news story. When I googled the term “f.txt.js,” there is contradictory info. One site describes it as a virus blocker; another connects to a prompt to buy a malware product and describes it as a “ad tracking virus.”

Because these are fellow user supported communities and aside from the Apple hosts and associated community specialists, Apple Support, and Apple Product teams do not participate here.

Tagging along on someone elses post will not get your post noticed, or responded too, as effectively as your submitting your own original post in the proper community (e.g. iPhone).

Never download something, especially executable JavaScript (.js) that is not from an original software vendor site, or you don't know what it is. This is how adware/malware, and other malicious content get into Macs. I would avoid that site from now on.

I’m trying to find out too! It asked me to download it on a Wiki, CNET, and a few news sites. I’m just wondering why it started now, I’m assuming it has to do with iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 since it started after I downloaded it and I’m hoping apple comes in with a security update soon.

Same here, started popping up on phone & iPad after last system update. Basic advice as already stated, NEVER click on un-invited links....it’s simple really.

This could be relatively innocent, just trying to sell you something, but it could be all sorts of nasty.

just stick to the basics......don’t click on it!!

My husband and I are getting it too on 2 separate iPads. It asks about downloading f.txt.js . It’s happening a few times a day on news sites, entertainment news and on a forum Mac rumors site which I was on trying to find out how to stop it! I just keep closing down safari and clearing my cache etc but it keeps happening.

I was in my browser - safari that is - and on the REDDIT page on the four occasions this happened to me. I will give the benefit of the doubt and not condemn Reddit, but that doesn’t mean I feel any better about the popup for f.txt.js which someone here said is a javascript chunk. I think, it occurs at about the point in time, Reddit web page USED TO pop up with ‘Do you want to download the Reddit APP instead?’. Now, I have in fact downloaded the Reddit app, but am not as keen on it as browsing, because it has ads or something - can’t remember, it’s got something ‘in the way’ whenever I try to use that, so I stick to the browser.

I won’t download it deliberately - but it is surprising, how often a slight glitch or delay occurring, results in me hitting a spot or ‘return’ on the keyboard I often have plugged into the ipad Pro 2 I use, and then accidentally, the thing I wanted done does not happen, and the pox someone is trying to throw onto my device, gets the go-ahead. Obviously, DO NOT download anything like this. If you wanted this thing badly, you’d be out looking for it - did you query Google for ‘f.txt.js’ so you could obtain it? Nor I.

Just had this pop up on Reddit for the first time. I’m on an iPad 5th gen on 13.7 and never saw this before. I guess it’s a common problem since a lot of people are getting this. I hit the “x” on pop up and ignored it, but still, what the **** is it??

Same! Last two days and it doesn’t seem to have a specific site, just when I’m on Safari. Came here looking for answers as well. Looks like everyone is just as perplexed. Frustrating, though! My fella has an iPhone as well, but hasn’t happened to him yet.

Anyone have a fix for this? How do I remove it?

It is quite annoying. It is not website specific as I was browsing a UK recipe site then gmail when it popped up for me. Has been happening for 3 days now. It is happening on my laptop in Safari. Hasn't yet popped up on phone.

I have been getting this download prompt as well but I have been getting it while visiting safe, well known websites. This makes me think something is already on my phone instead of thinking that the websites themselves are the cause.

It’s not directly related to any particular iOS version or device. Also, it’s not directly the fault of any particular website.

Most web pages are a compilation of different urls: the site you go to, plus all the various ad servers. I suspect that whoever is behind this has planted it inside one or more ad servers. Easiest thing is to turn on pop up blocking on Safari in settings.

Getting the same tight here on my iPad & iPhone (the have “block popups on in settings & also have a 3rd party ad blocker running). Haven’t seen it on Safari on my Mac yet.

while I know enough now to click it...it’s super annoying!

I had turned off the blocker a few days ago, because sometimes certain things require pop ups to be allowed.

In any case, when I started getting the f.txt.js, I turned the blocker back on and haven’t seen f.txt.js since. I suppose it could be a coincidence.