Safari is the default web browser for macOS and it usually performs well. Over time though you might find that pages load slowly bookmarks become cluttered or extensions begin to cause problems. When this happens resetting Safari can help clear out unnecessary data and restore the browser to a cleaner state.
Although Safari does not offer a single button labelled “Reset” like some other browsers do you can still manually reset it by clearing key data such as history cache cookies and extensions. This guide will walk you through every step to reset Safari properly on a MacBook.
Why Reset Safari?
Resetting Safari can resolve several common problems. If Safari crashes often loads slowly or displays websites incorrectly it could be due to stored data conflicting with updates or extensions causing issues. Resetting the browser gives you a fresh start without having to uninstall anything.
It is also useful if you want to erase personal data before handing your MacBook to someone else or if you suspect unwanted pop-ups or tracking cookies are affecting your browsing experience.
Clear Safari History
To begin resetting Safari start by clearing your browsing history. Open Safari then click History in the top menu and choose Clear History. You can select the time range from the drop-down menu. Choose all history if you want a full reset.
This step removes your list of visited websites but does not affect cookies or cached files.
Remove Website Data
Next you will want to delete cookies and cache. Go to Safari > Settings then click the Privacy tab. Select Manage Website Data. Here you will see a list of all websites that have stored data on your browser.
Click Remove All to clear everything or select individual sites if you want to keep data from some. Then click Done. This helps resolve loading errors and site formatting problems.
Disable or Uninstall Extensions
Extensions can sometimes interfere with browser performance. To check your extensions go to Safari > Settings then click on the Extensions tab. Review the list and disable any you do not recognise or no longer use by unchecking the box.
To fully remove an extension select it and click Uninstall. Restart Safari to see if the issue has been resolved.
Reset Homepage and Search Engine
If your homepage or search engine has changed unexpectedly you can restore them manually. In Safari settings go to the General tab to check your homepage and make sure it is set to your preferred website.
Next click the Search tab and ensure the default search engine is what you want. If it has been changed by malware or an extension you can restore it to Google Bing or another trusted option.
Clear Downloads and AutoFill Data
You can also clear your list of downloads by opening the View menu in Safari and selecting Show Downloads. Click Clear to remove the list.
To remove saved AutoFill data go to Safari > Settings > AutoFill and edit or delete stored information for names passwords or payment methods.
Restart Safari and Test
Once you have cleared your history removed website data disabled extensions and reset settings close Safari completely then reopen it. Visit a few websites to see if performance has improved.
If you continue to experience problems consider updating Safari through System Settings > General > Software Update to make sure you are running the latest version of macOS.
Final Thoughts
Resetting Safari on your MacBook can make a noticeable difference in performance and stability. Although there is no single reset button manually clearing data and restoring settings is simple and effective. Whether you are fixing errors or just want a fresh start these steps will help you get Safari running smoothly again.