The Download
- Erase browsing history: Safari > Clear History > All History > Clear History.
- Delete cookies: Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
- Clear cache: Turn on Show features for web developers, then open Safari to Develop > Empty Caches.
This article explains how to reset Safari to default settings by removing its history and cookies, clearing the cache, and disabling extensions. Instructions apply to Safari for macOS and iOS.
How to Reset Safari’s Browser History
An important step if you want to reset Safari is removing your browser history. When you clear this information, Safari removes data such as recent searches, frequently visited sites, web page icons, the history of web pages you’ve visited, and more.
From Safari’s menu bar, select Safari > Clear History
In the drop-down menu, select All History.
Select Clear History to complete the process.
To clear a particular website instead, navigate to History > Show All History. Select the website you want to clear, and press Delete.
How to Reset Safari’s Cookies
When you remove all cookies from Safari, you’ll lose personal registration data such as your name and address, shopping cart contents, preferred web page layouts, and more.
From Safari’s menu bar, select Safari > Settings.
Select the Privacy tab.
Select Manage Website Data.
Select Remove All.
Select Remove Now, and then click it again to confirm.
How to Reset the Safari Cache
When you clear Safari’s cache, you’re removing stored website data.
Open the browser and click Safari > Settings.
Select the Advanced tab.
Place a check next to Show features for web developers, and then close out of the settings.
If you don’t see that option, look for Show Develop menu in menu bar.
From Safari’s menu bar, select Develop > Empty Caches.
How to Uninstall Safari Extensions
Safari extensions are like mini-apps that add functionality to the browser. If you’re trying to reset Safari, you’ll want to uninstall all extensions.
Open Safari’s settings by selecting Safari > Settings in the program’s menu.
Select the Extensions tab.
Click Uninstall next to an extension.
You’ll see a message that the extension is part of an application, and that you’ll need to remove the application. Select Show in Finder.
Finder will open with the app selected. Right-click on the application and select Move to Trash.
Enter your password and select OK. You’ve deleted the extension.
How to Clear Safari’s Website Data on iPhone
Follow these steps to reset Safari’s history and website data log on your iPhone:
Open the Settings app on your phone and tap Apps > Safari.
Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
Select a time period, like All history, and then tap Clear History to confirm.
Thanks for letting us know!
Subscribe
Tell us why!
Other
Not enough details
Hard to understand
