reset safari settings iphone

How to Reset Safari on iPhone & Mac : A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Reset Safari on Mac & iPad?

Before we proceed to the complete guide about how to reset Safari on iPhone, Mac, and iPad, go through the brief about the Safari browser.

Safari, Apple’s native browser comes preloaded with every iPhone, MacBook, and iPad from Apple brands. Safari browser offers a sleek and efficient browsing experience on both macOS and iOS devices. However, like any browser, Safari can run into issues over time—slow performance, unwanted extensions, privacy concerns, or even persistent crashes. Resetting Safari can help resolve these issues by clearing out data, disabling extensions, and essentially giving you a fresh start without removing the browser itself.

Below, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to reset Safari on both macOS and iOS devices.

Why Resetting Safari Can Help?

Long-running software and hardware need a refreshment that can be either removing its temporary files as well as deleting its stored cached because, Over time, Safari accumulates cached files, cookies, extensions, and various other data that can affect its performance. Resetting Safari is an effective way to:

  • Improve Speed: Clear out unnecessary cache and cookies.
  • Fix Errors: Resolve issues such as pages not loading or crashes.
  • Enhance Privacy: Remove any personal data that could be stored within Safari.
  • Disable Extensions: Eliminate any unwanted extensions that may have been installed.

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How to Reset Safari on macOS

There is no direct “Reset Safari” button in newer macOS versions just like you get a reset option for Chrome, Mozilla, or Edge browsers. However, performing these steps achieves the same effect as a full reset:

  1. Clear Safari Cache

  1. Open Safari and click on Safari in the top menu.
  2. Choose Preferences from the dropdown menu.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab and check Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. Now, click on Develop in the menu bar and select Empty Caches.

how to reset safari browser in mac

  1. Clear History and Website Data

  1. In Safari, go to History > Clear History.
  2. In the pop-up window, select all history from the drop-down list.
  3. Click Clear History to remove all browsing history, cookies, and other website data.

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  1. Disable or Remove Extensions

  2. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
  3. Here, you’ll see a list of installed extensions. Uncheck the box next to each extension to disable it, or click Uninstall to remove it entirely.

  4. Reset Safari Preferences to Default

  1. Quit Safari entirely.
  2. Open Finder, click on Go in the top menu, and select Go to Folder…
  3. Type ~/Library/Preferences/ and press Enter.
  4. Find the file named “com.apple.Safari.plist” and delete it. This will reset Safari’s settings to default.

  1. Remove Website Data Completely

  1. Go back to Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
  2. Click Manage Website Data, then select Remove All and confirm.

After completing these steps, Safari will be reset to its default state on macOS. You may need to reconfigure some of your preferences, but performance should be improved.

How to Reset Safari on iOS (iPhone and iPad)?

Resetting Safari on iOS involves clearing website data and disabling extensions (if available). Method of resetting Safari on iPhone and iOS is the same steps so here you can follow the steps for both iPad and iPhone devices.

  1. Clear History and Website Data

  1. Open Settings on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Safari.
  3. Tap Clear History and Website Data and confirm. This will delete all browsing history, cookies, and other website data.

  1. Disable Extensions (if using iOS 15 or later)

  1. In Settings, tap Safari and scroll to Extensions.
  2. Here, you can toggle off any installed extensions.

  1. Block All Cookies (Optional)

Blocking cookies can be an additional measure if you’re concerned about privacy or tracking issues.

  1. Open Settings and go to Safari.
  2. Toggle on Block All Cookies.
  1. Prevent Cross-Site Tracking (Optional)

Safari offers a privacy feature that prevents websites from tracking you across multiple sites.

  1. In Settings > Safari, turn on Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.

These steps should reset Safari on your iOS device, removing unnecessary data and restoring the browser to a cleaner state.

Troubleshooting Common Safari Issues Post-Reset

Even after resetting, some issues might persist. Here are a few additional tips:

  • Update Safari: Make sure you’re using the latest version by updating macOS or iOS.
  • Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a quick restart can fix minor issues.
  • Check Network Settings: If pages aren’t loading, it could be a network issue rather than a browser issue.
  • Test in Safe Mode: On macOS, restart in Safe Mode to check if any third-party software is causing conflicts.

Final Thoughts

Resetting Safari is a straightforward way to enhance its performance and protect your privacy. While the steps vary slightly between macOS and iOS, they share the goal of removing unnecessary data and restoring the browser to a fresh state. Regularly clearing Safari’s cache and history can also prevent many issues from arising, helping keep your browsing experience smooth and secure.

By following these methods, you can keep Safari performing at its best on both desktop and mobile devices.

 

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