Are you tired of dealing with a slow and unresponsive Safari browser on your Mac? Do you want to get rid of annoying pop-ups, cookies, and browsing history that are taking up space on your device? Resetting Safari can be a great solution to these problems. In this article, we will walk you through the process of resetting Safari on a Mac, and provide you with some useful tips to keep your browser running smoothly.
Why Reset Safari on a Mac?
Before we dive into the process of resetting Safari, let’s take a look at some reasons why you might want to do so. Here are a few:
- Slow browsing speed: Over time, Safari can accumulate a lot of data, including browsing history, cookies, and cache, which can slow down your browsing speed. Resetting Safari can help you get rid of this data and improve your browsing experience.
- Pop-ups and malware: If you’ve been noticing a lot of pop-ups and malware on your browser, resetting Safari can help you get rid of them. This is especially useful if you’ve accidentally downloaded a malicious extension or plugin.
- Browsing history and cookies: If you’re concerned about your online privacy, resetting Safari can help you get rid of your browsing history and cookies. This can be especially useful if you’re using a shared computer or if you’re concerned about your online activity being tracked.
- Extensions and plugins: If you’ve installed a lot of extensions and plugins on Safari, resetting the browser can help you get rid of them and start fresh.
How to Reset Safari on a Mac
Resetting Safari on a Mac is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Reset Safari from the Safari Menu
To reset Safari from the Safari menu, follow these steps:
- Open Safari on your Mac.
- Click on “Safari” in the top menu bar.
- Select “Reset Safari” from the drop-down menu.
- A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm that you want to reset Safari. Click on “Reset” to confirm.
What Happens When You Reset Safari from the Safari Menu?
When you reset Safari from the Safari menu, the following things will happen:
- Browsing history: Your browsing history will be deleted.
- Cookies: All cookies will be deleted.
- Cache: The cache will be cleared.
- Extensions: All extensions will be disabled.
- Pop-up windows: All pop-up windows will be closed.
Method 2: Reset Safari from the Terminal
If you’re comfortable using the Terminal on your Mac, you can also reset Safari from there. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Terminal on your Mac. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in Spotlight or by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type the following command into the Terminal:
defaults write com.apple.Safari NSUserDefaultRemovedWarning -bool YES - Press Enter to execute the command.
- Type the following command into the Terminal:
defaults delete com.apple.Safari - Press Enter to execute the command.
- Restart your Mac.
What Happens When You Reset Safari from the Terminal?
When you reset Safari from the Terminal, the following things will happen:
- Browsing history: Your browsing history will be deleted.
- Cookies: All cookies will be deleted.
- Cache: The cache will be cleared.
- Extensions: All extensions will be disabled.
- Pop-up windows: All pop-up windows will be closed.
- Safari preferences: All Safari preferences will be reset to their default values.
Tips for Keeping Your Safari Browser Running Smoothly
Resetting Safari can help you get rid of a lot of problems, but it’s also important to keep your browser running smoothly in the future. Here are a few tips to help you do so:
- Clear your browsing history regularly: Clearing your browsing history regularly can help you get rid of data that’s taking up space on your device. To clear your browsing history, go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced > Show Develop menu in menu bar. Then, go to Develop > Empty Caches.
- Use the Safari Private Browsing feature: The Safari Private Browsing feature allows you to browse the internet without storing any data on your device. To use Private Browsing, go to Safari > File > New Private Window.
- Avoid installing too many extensions: Installing too many extensions can slow down your browser and make it more vulnerable to malware. Only install extensions that you really need, and make sure to read reviews and check the developer’s website before installing.
- Keep your Mac and Safari up to date: Keeping your Mac and Safari up to date can help you stay protected from security vulnerabilities and ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes.
Conclusion
Resetting Safari on a Mac can be a great way to get rid of problems and improve your browsing experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can reset Safari and start fresh. Remember to also follow the tips outlined in this article to keep your Safari browser running smoothly in the future.
What are the benefits of resetting Safari on a Mac?
Resetting Safari on a Mac can greatly improve your browsing experience by removing any accumulated data, such as browsing history, cookies, and cache, that may be slowing down the browser. This can also help resolve issues with webpage loading, freezing, or crashing. Additionally, resetting Safari can help remove any malicious extensions or plugins that may have been installed without your knowledge.
By resetting Safari, you can start with a clean slate and enjoy a faster, more secure, and more efficient browsing experience. Your browsing history, bookmarks, and saved passwords will still be intact, so you don’t have to worry about losing any important information. Overall, resetting Safari is a simple and effective way to revive your browsing experience and get the most out of your Mac.
Will resetting Safari delete my bookmarks and saved passwords?
No, resetting Safari will not delete your bookmarks and saved passwords. When you reset Safari, it will remove browsing history, cookies, cache, and other data that may be slowing down the browser. However, your bookmarks and saved passwords are stored separately and will not be affected by the reset process. You can rest assured that your important information will still be intact after resetting Safari.
It’s worth noting that if you have synced your Safari data with iCloud, your bookmarks and saved passwords will be synced across all your devices. This means that even if you reset Safari on one device, your bookmarks and saved passwords will still be available on other devices that are connected to the same iCloud account.
How do I reset Safari on a Mac?
To reset Safari on a Mac, you can follow these steps: Go to the Safari menu and select “Preferences.” Click on the “Advanced” tab and select “Show Develop menu in menu bar.” Then, click on “Develop” in the menu bar and select “Empty Caches.” Next, go to the “Safari” menu and select “Reset Safari.” Finally, confirm that you want to reset Safari by clicking on “Reset.”
Alternatively, you can also reset Safari by going to the “Safari” menu and selecting “Reset Safari” directly. This will open a window with options to reset various aspects of Safari, including browsing history, cookies, and cache. Simply select the options you want to reset and click on “Reset” to complete the process.
What is the difference between resetting Safari and clearing browsing data?
Resetting Safari and clearing browsing data are two different processes that serve distinct purposes. Clearing browsing data removes specific types of data, such as browsing history, cookies, and cache, while resetting Safari removes all data and settings, including extensions and plugins. When you clear browsing data, you can choose which types of data to remove, whereas resetting Safari removes all data and settings by default.
Clearing browsing data is a more targeted approach that allows you to remove specific types of data without affecting other aspects of Safari. Resetting Safari, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive approach that removes all data and settings, providing a clean slate for your browsing experience.
Will resetting Safari remove malware or viruses from my Mac?
Resetting Safari can help remove malicious extensions or plugins that may have been installed without your knowledge. However, it may not remove malware or viruses that are embedded in other parts of your Mac. If you suspect that your Mac is infected with malware or a virus, you should run a virus scan using an anti-virus software to detect and remove any threats.
Resetting Safari is just one part of maintaining your Mac’s security and performance. Regularly updating your operating system, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious downloads can also help keep your Mac safe and secure.
Can I reset Safari on a Mac without losing my extensions?
Unfortunately, resetting Safari will remove all extensions and plugins, including those that you have intentionally installed. If you want to keep your extensions, you should not reset Safari. Instead, you can try disabling or uninstalling individual extensions to see if they are causing any issues.
If you do need to reset Safari, you can try reinstalling your extensions after the reset process is complete. Most extensions can be reinstalled from the Mac App Store or the developer’s website. However, some extensions may not be compatible with the latest version of Safari, so you may need to check for updates or alternatives.
How often should I reset Safari on my Mac?
You don’t need to reset Safari regularly, but you may want to consider doing so if you notice any issues with your browsing experience. If Safari is slow, crashing, or freezing frequently, resetting it may help resolve the problem. Additionally, if you’ve installed a lot of extensions or plugins, resetting Safari can help remove any that may be causing issues.
As a general rule, you can reset Safari every 6-12 months to keep your browsing experience fresh and clean. However, if you’re experiencing issues with Safari, you may want to reset it more frequently to troubleshoot the problem.