How to Reset Safari on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

To reset Safari on a Mac, clear its history and website data, then disable extensions and restart Safari. Modern versions of Safari do not have one reset button, so use only the steps needed for the problem you are seeing.

When might you need to reset Safari on a Mac?

Resetting Safari may help when pages remain stuck, websites load incorrectly, sign-in pages return to the login screen, or browsing has become unusually slow. It can also help when an extension changes page behavior or causes repeated errors.

Start with the narrowest fix. If only one website is affected, remove data for that site before clearing information for every website. If the trouble began after installing or updating an extension, disable that extension first.

• For a single broken website, remove that website’s stored data.
• For widespread loading or login problems, clear Safari history and website data.
• For unexpected page changes, pop-ups, or conflicts, disable extensions.
• For continuing crashes, update the Mac and test the network after completing the Safari steps.

What does resetting Safari on a Mac actually mean?

Safari does not provide a single command that returns the entire browser to a factory-new state. “Resetting Safari” usually means clearing selected browser data and reversing settings that may be causing trouble.

• Clearing history removes Safari’s record of pages you visited. Safari’s Clear History command also removes cookies and other website data, which can sign you out of websites.
• Removing website data deletes cookies, cached files, and other information stored by websites. You can remove data for one site or all sites.
• Emptying the cache removes saved page resources so Safari downloads fresh copies. The cache command is available through Safari’s developer features.
• Disabling extensions stops add-ons from changing Safari without deleting ordinary browsing data.

Before continuing, save unfinished forms and note which accounts are currently signed in. Clearing website data can end website sessions. Safari bookmarks and saved passwords are managed separately, but review any confirmation message before approving a removal.

How do you clear Safari’s cache and history?

Use Clear History when several websites are failing or when you want to remove browsing history and associated website data. Close or save important work first.

1. Open Safari.
2. From the menu bar, select Safari, then Clear History.
3. Open the time-range menu and choose the period you want to clear.
4. Select Clear History.
5. Quit Safari, reopen it, and test the affected website.

This action removes history for the selected period and can remove cookies and other website data. It may sign you out of accounts. It does not serve as a command to delete Safari bookmarks or saved passwords.

To empty cached page files without deliberately clearing the full history, open Safari Settings and select Advanced. Enable the option that shows features for web developers, if that option is present. Then use the developer menu in the menu bar and select Empty Caches. Menu wording can differ, so look for the developer-features option rather than relying on a specific Safari version.

How do you remove Safari data for one website?

Removing data for one website is the safer first step when only that site has a login loop, stale page, or loading error. The website may forget your preferences and sign you out, but data belonging to other sites remains selected separately.

1. Open Safari and choose Safari, then Settings.
2. Select Privacy.
3. Select Manage Website Data.
4. Wait for the list of websites to appear.
5. Search for the affected website’s name.
6. Select the matching entry and choose Remove.
7. Confirm the change, close Settings, and reload the website.

Check the selected name carefully before removing it. Choosing Remove All affects every listed website and is unnecessary when the problem is limited to one site.

How do you reset Safari settings and extensions?

Safari settings must be reviewed individually because Safari has no universal “restore defaults” button. Start with extensions, since disabling an extension is reversible and often identifies a conflict quickly.

1. Open Safari and choose Safari, then Settings.
2. Select Extensions.
3. Turn off every extension temporarily.
4. Close Settings and test the page again.
5. If Safari works, enable extensions one at a time and retest after each one.
6. When the problem returns, leave the most recently enabled extension off.
7. If you no longer need that extension, select it and use the uninstall option shown by Safari.

Next, review settings under General, Tabs, Search, Websites, Privacy, and Security. Reverse only changes you recognize, such as a custom home page, website permissions, download location, search choice, or tab behavior. Do not copy supposed “default” values from an unverified guide because available controls can change.

What should you do if Safari still will not work after resetting?

If Safari still fails after its website data and extensions have been checked, test the Mac and connection before deleting anything else.

1. Quit Safari completely and restart the Mac.
2. Open the Mac’s software update settings and install an available macOS update. Safari updates are generally delivered through macOS updates.
3. Try another website. If no websites load, check Wi-Fi or the active network connection.
4. Temporarily disconnect a VPN, proxy, content filter, or security tool only if you know how to reconnect it safely, then test Safari again.
5. Try the same connection with another browser or device. If every device fails, restart the network equipment or contact the internet provider.
6. If Safari repeatedly closes, record what you were doing and whether one page or extension triggers it. That information helps when seeking technical support.

Frequently asked questions about resetting Safari on a Mac

Will resetting Safari delete bookmarks or passwords?

Clearing Safari history or website data is not the same as deleting bookmarks or saved passwords. Avoid deleting items from the Bookmarks or Passwords sections, and read each confirmation message before proceeding.

Does resetting Safari sign me out of accounts?

Yes, it can. Removing cookies or website data can end saved login sessions, so have your usernames and access to any required verification method ready.

Does resetting Safari fix crashing?

It may fix crashes caused by damaged website data or an extension conflict. If crashes continue with extensions disabled and after a Mac restart and software update, the cause may require further troubleshooting.