change safari security settings mac

How to manage privacy and security settings in Safari on Mac

Apple continues to add new features to Safari on a regular basis to try to make our web browsing experience faster, easier, and—above all—more secure.

You can open up a private browser window anytime you want in Safari's file menu and Safari won't save your browsing history and will ask websites you visit not to track you. But there are a few more steps you might want to consider taking.

The place to go for most of these things is in Safari's preferences window, accessed from the Safari menu.

How to guard against unsafe files

How to identify fraudulent websites, how to disable javascript, how to prevent cross-site tracking, how to block all cookies in safari, how to remove website data, how to clear your browsing history, how to check for apple pay on websites, how to allow or deny camera, microphone, and location access, how to block pop-up windows.

As with all things related to security, there's a balancing act between convenience and safety. Safari will automatically open certain types of "safe" files you download from the web as a matter of convenience. But because a malicious file could be disguised as a "safe" file, it's a good idea to guard against unsafe files—and it's as easy as checking a box.

• Launch Safari . If it's not in the Dock, you can find it in the Applications folder.
• From the Safari menu, choose Preferences... .

• Click the General button.
• Uncheck the box to Open "safe" files after downloading .

Downloads will occur as they usually do, and to the location you have chosen, but the files won't automatically open.

Safari already identifies websites that use encryption (indicated by a padlock icon in the address bar) and an EV certificate which indicates a more extensive identity verification of the website operator (indicated in green). Safari also uses Google Safe Browsing technology--which is simply a list of websites that may contain malware, unwanted software, or phishing scams.

If it's not already on, here's how to do so:

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• Click the Security button.
• Check the box to Warn when visiting a fraudulent website .

If you happen to run across one of these sites, Safari will put up a full-screen warning about the site before you can proceed.

Many—if not all—webpages contain JavaScript, which enables certain functionality for web pages, such as displaying the time and date or displaying an image from a set of options.

You can disable JavaScript if you like, but it may impact the functioning of the web page.

• Uncheck the box to disable JavaScript .

If you've been using Safari and suddenly seen a plethora of lawnmower ads not long after doing some web research about lawnmowers, then congratulations: you've discovered crop-site tracking. It's a way of keeping track of your behavior on one part of the internet to show you ads while using a different part of the internet. If you prefer, you can turn it off.

• Click the Privacy button.
• Check the box to Prevent cross-site tracking and check the box to Ask websites not to track me .

Keep in mind that while you can ask websites not to track you, it's up to the website creator to honor your request.

Cookies are small text files a website may store on your Mac to help identify you or your Mac when you visit the website in the future. Examples of content stored in a cookie are your name, site browsing history, and preferences. If you don't want Safari to use cookies, you can shut it off.

• Uncheck the box to Block all cookies .

If you ever decide to remove website data from your Mac, you can do it selectively for certain websites or remove all the data.

• Click the Manage Website Data... button.
• Select a website and click the Remove button to remove the site's cache, cookies, or local storage or click the Remove All button to delete data for all websites.

Rather than root around through a set of checkboxes and pop-up menus, you can clear your browsing history, cookies, and website data with a menu command.

• From the Safari menu, choose Clear History... .
• From the Clear pop-up menu, choose how far back you want to go.
• Click Clear History .

In addition to the history of the website pages you've visited, you'll also give the heave-ho to recent searches, a list of items you have downloaded, the frequently visited site list, and other information.

If your Mac and other devices have Safari turned on in iCloud preferences, the clear history command will remove the browsing history from Safari on those other devices.

You can enable Safari on your Mac to show you websites that can accept payments via Apple Pay. You can then make the payments from your Apple Watch or iPhone, or using Touch ID if it's built into your Mac.

• Check the box to Allow websites to check if Apple Pay is set up .

Safari includes the ability to determine whether or not websites ask can use your Mac's camera and microphone. Here's how to set it up.

• Click the Websites button.

• From the General section of the sidebar, click Camera .
• Click the pop-up menu for "When visiting other websites" and choose Ask, Deny, or Allow , depending on your preference.

The settings work in exactly the same way for your Mac's microphone and your location. Simply click Microphone or Location in the sidebar. Similarly, you can change the setting for currently open websites to suit your preference.

Some web pages that you visit will automatically display a pop-up window that will block content—often with an ad—that you're trying to view. While this can be annoying, there are some sites that require pop-up windows to work properly. Fortunately, Safari provides fine-grained control of these pop-up windows.

• From the General section of the sidebar, click Pop-up Windows .
• Click the pop-up menu for "When visiting other websites" and choose Block and Notify, Block, or Allow , depending on your preference.

Similarly, you can change the setting for currently open websites to suit your preference.

If you choose Block and Notify, a small icon will appear on the right side of the Smart Search field. Click it to display the pop-up windows for the web page.

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Updated August 2019: Updated through macOS Mojave and the macOS Catalina beta.

Mike Matthews is a writer at iMore.com. He has used Apple products all the way back to the Apple II+. He appreciates no longer having to launch apps by loading them from a cassette tape recorder.

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How To Change Safari Privacy Settings On Mac

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Safari, the default web browser for Mac, is renowned for its sleek interface, robust performance, and advanced privacy features. As users navigate the vast landscape of the internet, safeguarding their online privacy becomes increasingly crucial. Fortunately, Safari offers a plethora of privacy settings that empower users to customize their browsing experience and protect their sensitive information from prying eyes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of Safari's privacy settings on Mac, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital realm with confidence. From managing website data to controlling access to your camera and microphone, Safari's privacy settings provide a multifaceted approach to fortifying your online privacy.

Whether you're a privacy-conscious individual, a business professional handling sensitive data, or a parent concerned about your child's online safety, understanding and harnessing Safari's privacy settings is paramount. By the end of this guide, you will possess the expertise to tailor Safari's privacy features to your specific needs, ensuring a secure and seamless browsing experience.

Let's embark on this enlightening journey through Safari's privacy settings, unraveling the nuances of online privacy and empowering you to take control of your digital footprint. Together, we will navigate the intricate web of privacy options, unveiling the tools that Safari provides to safeguard your personal information and enhance your browsing privacy. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of Safari's privacy settings and unlock the full potential of your browsing experience.

Accessing Safari Privacy Settings

Accessing Safari's privacy settings on your Mac is a straightforward process that empowers you to customize your browsing experience and fortify your online privacy. To begin this journey, launch Safari, the default web browser on your Mac, by clicking on its icon in the dock or locating it in the Applications folder.

Once Safari is open, navigate to the top-left corner of your screen and click on "Safari" in the menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear, presenting a range of options. From this menu, select "Preferences." Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Command," and the comma key (Command + ,) to access the Preferences window swiftly.

Upon selecting "Preferences," a new window will emerge, unveiling a plethora of customization options for Safari. Within this window, you will find a series of tabs at the top, including "General," "Tabs," "Search," "Security," "Privacy," "Websites," "Extensions," and "Advanced." To access Safari's privacy settings, click on the "Privacy" tab, which is represented by a shield icon.

By clicking on the "Privacy" tab, you will gain access to a myriad of privacy settings that allow you to manage website data, block pop-up windows, enable Do Not Track, and control access to location services, camera, microphone, and notifications. This centralized hub of privacy options empowers you to tailor Safari's behavior according to your preferences, ensuring a secure and personalized browsing experience.

In summary, accessing Safari's privacy settings on your Mac is a seamless process that grants you the power to customize your browsing privacy and security. By navigating to the "Privacy" tab within Safari's Preferences window, you can unlock a treasure trove of privacy features, enabling you to safeguard your personal information and enhance your digital privacy while traversing the vast landscape of the internet.

Managing Website Data

Managing website data is a pivotal aspect of maintaining your privacy and security while browsing the internet. Safari empowers users to have granular control over the data stored by websites, including cookies, cache, and local storage. By managing website data, you can mitigate tracking, enhance browsing speed, and protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access.

To embark on the journey of managing website data in Safari, navigate to the "Privacy" tab within the Preferences window, as outlined in the previous section. Once in the "Privacy" tab, locate and click on the "Manage Website Data" button. This action will unveil a comprehensive list of websites that have stored data on your Mac.

Within the "Manage Website Data" window, you have the ability to view detailed information about the stored data, including the website's name, the amount of data stored, and when it was last modified. This transparency empowers you to make informed decisions about which websites have access to your data and to what extent.

Furthermore, Safari provides the option to remove website data selectively. By selecting a specific website from the list and clicking the "Remove" button, you can purge the stored data associated with that particular website. This level of control ensures that you can manage your digital footprint effectively, eradicating any unnecessary or intrusive data stored by websites.

In addition to selective removal, Safari offers the convenience of clearing all website data in one fell swoop. By clicking the "Remove All" button, you can expunge all stored website data, providing a fresh start and bolstering your privacy and security measures.

By managing website data in Safari, you can curate a browsing experience that aligns with your privacy preferences. Whether it's decluttering accumulated data, preventing tracking, or safeguarding sensitive information, Safari's robust tools for managing website data empower you to navigate the digital realm with confidence and peace of mind.

Blocking Pop-up Windows

Safari's ability to block pop-up windows is a fundamental feature that enhances the browsing experience by preventing intrusive and distracting pop-ups from disrupting your online activities. These pop-ups, often used for advertising or malicious purposes, can not only hinder your browsing but also pose security risks. Safari's robust pop-up blocking functionality ensures a seamless and secure browsing experience.

To access the pop-up blocking settings in Safari , navigate to the "Privacy" tab within the Preferences window, as detailed earlier. Within the "Privacy" tab, you will find the option to "Block pop-up windows." By enabling this feature, Safari will effectively prevent pop-ups from appearing while you browse the web, allowing you to focus on the content without interruptions.

Safari's pop-up blocking feature is designed to discern between legitimate pop-ups, such as those generated by trusted websites for specific functionalities, and intrusive or potentially harmful pop-ups. This intelligent approach ensures that essential pop-ups, such as those for login screens or interactive elements, are not indiscriminately blocked, preserving the functionality of legitimate websites.

By default, Safari's pop-up blocking feature strikes a balance between thwarting intrusive pop-ups and preserving the essential functionality of websites. However, users have the flexibility to customize the pop-up blocking settings according to their preferences. For instance, Safari allows users to create exceptions for specific websites, ensuring that essential pop-ups from trusted sources are not inadvertently blocked.

The ability to block pop-up windows in Safari contributes to a streamlined and secure browsing experience, shielding users from disruptive and potentially harmful pop-ups while preserving the essential functionality of legitimate websites. This proactive approach to pop-up management underscores Safari's commitment to empowering users with robust privacy and security features, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted browsing experience.

In summary, Safari's pop-up blocking functionality is a cornerstone of its privacy features, providing users with the means to mitigate distractions and security risks associated with intrusive pop-ups. By leveraging Safari's pop-up blocking capabilities, users can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, knowing that their browsing experience is safeguarded against disruptive and potentially harmful pop-ups.

Enabling Do Not Track

Enabling the "Do Not Track" feature in Safari is a proactive step towards asserting your privacy preferences while navigating the digital realm. This feature serves as a signal to websites and online services, conveying your preference to opt out of online behavioral tracking. By activating "Do Not Track," you assert your desire for privacy and signal to websites that you do not wish to be tracked across the internet for targeted advertising or data collection purposes.

To enable "Do Not Track" in Safari, begin by accessing the "Privacy" tab within the Preferences window, as outlined in the earlier sections. Within the "Privacy" tab, you will find the option to "Ask websites not to track me." By enabling this feature, Safari will transmit a "Do Not Track" request to websites, expressing your preference for privacy and non-tracking.

It's important to note that while enabling "Do Not Track" sends a clear signal of your privacy preference, its effectiveness relies on websites and online services honoring this request. Not all websites and online platforms adhere to "Do Not Track" requests, and the decision to respect this preference ultimately lies with the individual websites and their privacy policies.

Safari's "Do Not Track" feature aligns with the broader industry efforts to empower users with privacy controls and transparency regarding online tracking practices. By activating this feature, users can assert their privacy preferences and contribute to shaping a digital landscape that respects individual privacy rights.

In summary, enabling "Do Not Track" in Safari is a proactive step towards asserting your privacy preferences and signaling to websites your desire to opt out of online behavioral tracking. While its effectiveness depends on website compliance, the "Do Not Track" feature in Safari aligns with the broader industry push for enhanced privacy controls and transparency in online tracking practices. By activating this feature, users can take a stand for their privacy rights and contribute to fostering a more privacy-centric digital ecosystem.

Managing Location Services

Safari's capability to manage location services provides users with a pivotal tool to safeguard their privacy and control the access to their geographical information while browsing the web. Location services, often utilized by websites and web applications, can offer tailored content based on a user's geographic location. However, this functionality also raises privacy concerns, as it involves sharing sensitive location data. Safari's robust privacy settings empower users to manage location services according to their preferences, ensuring a balance between personalized experiences and privacy protection.

To manage location services in Safari, navigate to the "Privacy" tab within the Preferences window, as detailed earlier. Within the "Privacy" tab, you will find the option to manage location services under "Website use of location services." By default, Safari prompts users when a website requests access to their location. This proactive approach ensures that users have the opportunity to grant or deny access to their geographical information based on individual preferences and trust in the requesting website.

Safari's granular control over location services extends to the ability to customize permissions for specific websites. Upon visiting a website that requests access to your location, Safari presents a prompt, allowing you to choose whether to grant one-time access, deny access, or enable location sharing for that particular website. This level of control empowers users to make informed decisions about sharing their location data, enhancing their privacy and security while browsing the web.

Furthermore, Safari provides the option to manage location access for individual websites after the initial prompt. By accessing the "Security" tab within the "Preferences" window and clicking on "Website Settings," users can review and modify location access permissions for specific websites. This flexibility ensures that users can revisit and adjust their location sharing preferences based on evolving trust levels and privacy considerations.

By managing location services in Safari, users can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, knowing that their geographical information is protected and shared only when deemed necessary and trustworthy. This proactive approach to location services aligns with Safari's commitment to empowering users with robust privacy controls, ensuring that personalized experiences are balanced with privacy protection.

In summary, Safari's comprehensive tools for managing location services provide users with the means to control access to their geographical information, fostering a privacy-centric browsing experience. By leveraging Safari's granular control over location services, users can navigate the web with confidence, knowing that their privacy and security are prioritized without compromising the personalized features offered by location-based content.

Managing Camera and Microphone Access

Safari's robust privacy settings extend to the management of camera and microphone access, providing users with essential controls to safeguard their privacy and regulate the usage of these sensitive hardware components while browsing the web.

When it comes to managing camera and microphone access in Safari, users can navigate to the "Privacy" tab within the Preferences window, as detailed earlier. Within the "Privacy" tab, the option to manage camera and microphone access is prominently featured. This pivotal feature empowers users to control which websites have permission to access their camera and microphone, ensuring that these hardware components are utilized only when explicitly authorized.

Upon visiting a website that requests access to the camera or microphone, Safari prompts users, seeking their consent before enabling access to these hardware components. This proactive approach ensures that users have the opportunity to grant or deny access based on their trust in the requesting website and the specific context of the access request.

Safari's granular control over camera and microphone access further extends to the ability to customize permissions for specific websites. Users can revisit and modify camera and microphone access permissions for individual websites by accessing the "Security" tab within the "Preferences" window and clicking on "Website Settings." This level of flexibility ensures that users can tailor their permissions based on evolving trust levels and privacy considerations, thereby maintaining a proactive stance in protecting their privacy.

By providing users with the means to manage camera and microphone access, Safari reinforces its commitment to empowering users with robust privacy controls, ensuring that sensitive hardware components are utilized responsibly and with explicit user consent. This proactive approach aligns with Safari's overarching mission to prioritize user privacy and security without compromising the functionality and interactivity offered by websites and web applications.

In summary, Safari's comprehensive tools for managing camera and microphone access offer users the essential controls to regulate the usage of these hardware components, fostering a privacy-centric browsing experience. By leveraging Safari's granular control over camera and microphone access, users can navigate the web with confidence, knowing that their privacy and security are prioritized without compromising the interactive features that utilize these hardware components.

Managing Notifications

Safari's privacy settings extend to the management of notifications, providing users with essential controls to regulate the display of notifications from websites. Notifications, while serving as a means for websites to engage users with timely updates and alerts, can also pose privacy concerns if not managed effectively. Safari's robust tools for managing notifications empower users to strike a balance between staying informed and protecting their privacy.

To manage notifications in Safari, users can navigate to the "Privacy" tab within the Preferences window, as detailed earlier. Within the "Privacy" tab, the option to manage website notifications is prominently featured. This pivotal feature empowers users to control which websites have permission to display notifications, ensuring that notifications are presented only from trusted sources.

Upon visiting a website that seeks to display notifications, Safari prompts users, seeking their consent before allowing the website to show notifications. This proactive approach ensures that users have the opportunity to grant or deny notification permissions based on their trust in the website and the relevance of the notifications.

Safari's granular control over notifications further extends to the ability to customize permissions for specific websites. Users can revisit and modify notification permissions for individual websites by accessing the "Security" tab within the "Preferences" window and clicking on "Website Settings." This level of flexibility ensures that users can tailor their notification preferences based on evolving trust levels and privacy considerations, thereby maintaining a proactive stance in protecting their privacy.

By providing users with the means to manage notifications, Safari reinforces its commitment to empowering users with robust privacy controls, ensuring that notifications are displayed responsibly and with explicit user consent. This proactive approach aligns with Safari's overarching mission to prioritize user privacy and security without compromising the functionality and engagement offered by websites.

In summary, Safari's comprehensive tools for managing notifications offer users essential controls to regulate the display of notifications, fostering a privacy-centric browsing experience. By leveraging Safari's granular control over notifications, users can navigate the web with confidence, knowing that their privacy and security are prioritized without compromising the timely updates and alerts offered by websites.

In conclusion, Safari's privacy settings on Mac offer a comprehensive suite of tools and controls that empower users to navigate the digital landscape with confidence, ensuring that their online privacy and security are prioritized without compromising the functionality and interactivity offered by websites and web applications. By delving into the intricacies of Safari's privacy settings, users can tailor their browsing experience to align with their privacy preferences, mitigating tracking, preventing intrusive pop-ups, and controlling access to sensitive hardware components.

The ability to manage website data provides users with the means to curate their digital footprint, declutter accumulated data, and safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access. Safari's robust pop-up blocking functionality ensures a seamless and uninterrupted browsing experience, shielding users from disruptive and potentially harmful pop-ups while preserving the essential functionality of legitimate websites.

Enabling the "Do Not Track" feature in Safari serves as a proactive step towards asserting privacy preferences and signaling to websites a desire to opt out of online behavioral tracking. While its effectiveness depends on website compliance, the "Do Not Track" feature aligns with the broader industry push for enhanced privacy controls and transparency in online tracking practices.

Safari's granular control over location services, camera, microphone access, and notifications empowers users to regulate the sharing of sensitive information, ensuring that access is granted only to trusted sources and based on individual preferences. This proactive approach underscores Safari's commitment to prioritizing user privacy and security, fostering a browsing experience that balances personalized features with robust privacy protection.

In essence, Safari's privacy settings on Mac embody a user-centric approach to online privacy, providing users with the essential tools and controls to navigate the digital realm with confidence and peace of mind. By leveraging Safari's privacy features, users can assert their privacy preferences, mitigate tracking, and safeguard their sensitive information, thereby shaping a digital landscape that respects individual privacy rights and prioritizes user empowerment.

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• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Safari privacy settings on Mac: Medium level

How to protect yourself against malicious websites

What for: So cybercriminals do not get your data by fraudulent means.

Scammers often make copies of popular websites to steal user data. If you fail to spot a fake in time, your credentials or bank card details could wind up in cybercriminals’ hands.

By default, Safari protects against fake sites and warns users if a page is not genuine. Check the settings in case you or someone else in your family has disabled this feature.

• Click Safari in the upper left corner of the screen;
• In the drop-down menu, select Settings ;
• Go to the Security tab;

How to hide your data from prying eyes

What for: To hide your favorite websites from prying eyes.

By default, when you open a new window, Safari loads all your Favorites tabs. This lets speeds up opening the websites you often visit. However, if you are in a public place, outsiders might see the list of these pages. To hide this information:

• Go to the General tab;

What for: Anonymous browsing.

The browser usually saves information about the pages you visit, the passwords you enter, the permissions you give, and some website data. If you want to hide these — for example, when using someone else's computer — browse in private mode. In this case, Safari won’t save your browsing and download history. Additionally, a separate session is created for each page, which means advertisers won’t be able to sniff out your online activity through trackers in other tabs.

To open a private window:

• Click File in the upper left corner of the screen;

What for: To prevent strangers from finding out what sites you visit and what you download.

By default, Safari stores the history of the websites you visit and files you download throughout the year. If someone gains access to your computer, they will be able to see that information. You can set a shorter storage period for this data, such as one day, week, or month.

How to keep corporations out of your business

What for: So advertisers do not know which websites you visit.

Some websites use third-party cookies. They are placed by ad networks to track your online activity. You can ban websites from sharing this data with third parties.

• Go to the Privacy tab;

What for: To figure out who has tried to track you.

If you have blocked cross-site tracking, Safari will stop third-party websites from watching your actions on the page. At any time, you can view the list of resources having tried to spy on you.

• Open the page you want to check;
• Click the shield icon to the left of the URL;

What for: So no one can eavesdrop or spy on you.

Websites can request permission to access your computer’s camera and microphone. For example, a technical support page can request such permission to enable voice chat with an expert. However, malicious websites can trick you into giving them this permission and then spy on you. To protect yourself, restrict access to your camera and microphone:

• Go to the Websites tab;
• Open the Camera section and select Ask or Deny under the When visiting other websites option;

What for: So no one knows where you are.

Some websites may ask for permission to access your geolocation. For example, a delivery service page can request that to enter your address for you. By default, this permission is permanent, so when you visit the website again, it will learn where you are.

To avoid this, you can limit the permission to one day only, or ban websites from requesting geolocation.

To restrict location access when a website requests it, check the box next to Remember my decision for one day and click Allow .

To permanently ban websites from requesting geolocation:

• Go the Websites tab and open the Location section;

Downside: Having to enter your location by hand.

How to protect your data

What for: To protect against hacking.

When you sign in to a website, Safari prompts you to save your password. This lets you automatically enter your credentials on subsequent visits. In your browser settings, you can check the strength of saved passwords, and replace duplicate or weak ones.

• Go to the Passwords tab and enter your computer password;
• If you use the same password for multiple sites, or the password you use is not strong enough, the browser will flag the corresponding resource with a warning icon;

What for: So no one gains access to your accounts and money.

Safari can autofill credentials and contact/billing information that is saved in your browser. If someone gets hold of your computer, they will be able to log in to your account on a social network or pay for things even without knowing your username and password combinations or card number. To protect against such scenarios, turn off the autofill option.

• Go to the AutoFill tab;

To delete previously saved information:

• One by one, press Edit to the right of Usernames and passwords , Credit cards , and Other forms ;
• Enter your computer password;
• Select the desired entry and click Delete in the bottom right corner of the window.

Downside: Having to enter credentials or card details every time you log in or buy something online.

You can avoid the inconvenience and improve the security of your accounts using a password manager. Unlike a browser, it does not access third-party resources on the Web, which means it is protected from malicious websites. Neither can it be hacked via a vulnerable extension or plug-in.

How to feel comfortable online

What for: To keep banners from distracting you.

Safari blocks intrusive ads by default, but you can enable them for specific websites in the Settings. If you enabled ads for a particular website by mistake, then you can disable them again:

• Open the websites where you want to block ads;
• Open the Content Blockers section;

Note that you will not be able to get rid of ads completely. For example, Safari will always display Google Ads.

What for: To save traffic and avoid distractions.

Some websites automatically start playing videos as soon as you open a page. It saves you pressing the start button. However, if you are in a public place or on a limited network, this feature can be a pain. You can turn off automatic playback or mute it in the settings.

• Open the Auto-Play section;

If you want to enable it on selected websites:

• Open the page where you want to enable automatic playback;
• Go the Websites tab and open the Auto-Play section;

What for: Not to dig around in the settings when having problems with a single page.

You can fine tune individual websites without opening browser settings. This is handy if you need to change permissions or turn off notifications for a certain page, but do not want to alter the general settings.

• Open the website;

What for: To avoid distractions while web surfing or working.

Websites can send you in-browser notifications about new messages or posts etc. It is convenient, yet multiple notifications may distract you from work. Moreover, some dishonest developers may also use notifications for ads and spam. You can revoke previously given permissions to send notifications and stop websites from requesting them in the future:

• Go the Websites tab and open the Notifications section;
• Find all the websites that are authorized to display notifications in the list and revoke the permission;

What would have happened if you had chosen another privacy level?

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Tell websites to stop tracking you

Change your search engine to duckduckgo.

• Hide your IP address 

Stop using location services

Disable autofill, clear your browsing history, block your cookies, 7 settings you should change in safari to enhance your privacy.

• If you use Safari on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you can enable settings to enhance your privacy while web browsing.
• You can easily disable cookies, change your search engine to DuckDuckGo, hide your IP address, and more.
• Here are seven of the top ways to make your online activity more private.

While Apple has allowed alternative browsers on the iPhone and iPad for quite some time, odds are good that if you have one of those devices (or a Mac computer, of course) you frequently use Safari to browse the web. It's relatively safe and private, but you can do much better by tweaking a few settings. Here are seven Safari settings that'll enhance your privacy when you're online.

Almost every step you take online is tracked by websites to target you for ads and to customize your experience. But you can shut most of that down by telling Safari to stop tracking you. On your iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Privacy & Security section, enable Prevent Cross-Site Tracking by swiping the button to the right. 

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Privacy tab and then click the checkbox for Prevent Cross-Site Tracking .

Google is most people's default, but that search engine fundamentally lacks privacy. If you don't want a large corporation to know your browsing history, switch to DuckDuckGo. On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Search section, tap Search Engine and choose DuckDuckGo from the options.

If you're using a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Search tab. Finally, to the right of Search Engine , click the dropdown menu and switch from Google to DuckDuckGo .

Hide your IP address 

By default, websites can see your IP address, which can reveal personal details about you including your location. If you prefer, you can hide this from online trackers. On your iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Privacy & Security section, tap Hide IP Address and choose From Trackers .

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Privacy tab and then click the checkbox for Hide IP address from trackers . 

A lot of your mobile device's secret sauce is based on location services — your iPhone and iPad need to know where you are to make smart suggestions and offer location-based features. But if you don't want Safari to know where you are, it's easy to turn off. On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Settings for Websites section, tap Location and change the setting to Deny (or, if you want to be asked every time, choose Ask ). 

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Websites tab. Choose Location in the pane on the left. At the bottom of the window, configure When visiting other sites by clicking the dropdown menu and choosing Ask or Deny . 

Autofill is a great feature if you don't like to enter basic personal information into web forms over and over again, but for that to work, Safari has to record private data. Don't want that? On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the General section, tap Autofill and turn off Use Contact Info and Credit Cards by swiping the buttons to the left. 

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the AutoFill tab. You can disable autofill data in four categories by clearing the checkboxes.

This one is the traditional, go-to way to enhance your privacy — you can clear your browsing history from time to time to erase records on your device about where you've been online, along with your saved website passwords. On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . Then scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data . Conform you want to do that in the popup window.

On a Mac, start Safari and then click History in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Clear History in the dropdown menu, choose the timeframe you want from the dropdown menu, and click Clear History .

If you prevent cross-site tracking (see the earlier tip in this article), Safari prevents some third-party cookies. But you can disable all cookies if you want to amp up your privacy — just be aware that your online experience will be less convenient, and some sites won't work properly. To try it on an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Privacy & Security section, enable Block All Cookies by swiping the button to the right.  

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Privacy tab. Beside Cookies and website data , click the checkbox for Block all cookies .

• Main content

New to Mac? How to customize Safari settings

One of the things you want to do when get a new device or computer is customize it. And if you use Safari as your preferred web browser on Mac, it’s no different. You can set an image as your home page or customize the Safari toolbar . These sorts of personalization adjustments can make your experience more pleasant.

If you’re new to Mac and want to know which Safari options you can change to make it just the way you like it, we’re here to help. Here’s how to customize Safari on Mac.

Customizing Safari on Mac

Changing the window settings, working with websites, managing safari extensions, miscellaneous settings.

The simplest way to start with customizing Safari is with the general settings for what you see when you open Safari windows and tabs.

Open Safari and click Safari > Preferences from the menu bar. In the pop-up window, choose the General tab. You can then adjust each of these settings.

• Safari opens with : When you open Safari, you can choose to open a new window or a private window. You can also open it with all windows from your last session or just non-private windows from your last session.
• New windows open with : If you only open a new window in Safari, you can pick what displays from Favorites to your homepage to a specific folder.
• New tabs open with : You can also choose what to see when you open a new tab from things like top sites to your homepage to an empty page.
• Homepage : Pop in a URL or click the Set to Current Page button to determine your homepage.
• Favorite shows : Choose which folder you want to see for your Favorites.
• Top Sites shows : Pick how many top sites to show.

The other few settings on the General tab let you choose how often to remove history and download list items in addition to where you want to save your downloads and if you want to open them automatically.

Safari offers several features for how you want to work with the websites you visit regularly. To check out these options, open Safari , click Safari > Preferences from the menu bar, and choose the Websites tab.

On the left side, you’ll see your various options like Reader, Auto-Play, Notifications, and more. When you pick an option, you can then make your adjustments to the sites that display on the right. These settings let you decide how you want to handle specific items for different websites.

You can do things like:

• Reader : Automatically open websites using Reader.
• Auto-Play : Stop websites from automatically playing media.
• Location : Allow or deny websites from accessing your location.
• Downloads : Allow or deny downloads from sites.
• Notifications : Show alerts from sites in your Notification Center.

To delete a website from the list, select it and click the Remove button.

After making your changes for those particular sites, you can select an overall setting for each option to apply to other websites that aren’t on the list. Just click the When visiting other websites drop-down box at the bottom and make your choice.

Extensions for Safari are just like add-ons for Firefox or Chrome. They’re third-party tools that you can install for extra features and functions. Those for Safari may not seem as plentiful as other browsers, but you can still find some useful ones.

Open Safari , click Safari > Preferences from the menu bar, and choose the Extensions tab. If you already have some installed, this is where you’ll manage them. You can enable, disable, or uninstall extensions.

To shop for others, click the More Extensions button at the bottom. This will take you directly to that section on the Mac App Store where you can browse the Safari extensions.

Here are settings that you’ll find on the other tabs in Safari Preferences that relate to customization.

Tabs tab : Show site icons on tabs and choose to open pages in tabs or windows when you click a link.

AutoFill tab : AutoFill forms and credit cards.

Passwords tab : View saved usernames and passwords and enable AutoFill for them.

Search tab : Pick your default search engine and Smart Search Field options.

Security tab : Identify fraudulent websites and enable JavaScript.

Privacy tab : Prevent cross-site tracking, block cookies, and enable Apple Pay and Apple Card.

Advanced tab : Show the full website address, enable the Reading List, and select a style sheet.

Wrapping it up

After you finish getting the basics of your Mac set up, you might want to spend a little time customizing the way that Safari looks and works. And since the settings are all in one spot, you can move through each tab and set everything the way you want it.

Are you going to customize Safari on your Mac? Or are there only certain settings that you want to change? Let us know!

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Table of contents

How to access your Mac security settings

How to change your security settings in safari, how to change security preferences on mac.

By Ruslana Lishchuk

How to activate password lock on the General tab

How to enable filevault, how to turn on the firewall, how to adjust privacy settings, prevent downloaded files from automatically opening.

• Warn you when you are on a fraudulent website

Prevent websites from tracking your online history

Block all cookies, clear your browsing history, control website behavior and permissions.

Apple is continuously making improvements to its Mac security features.  

If you feel some default settings have become a little too rigid, then you’re welcome to improve your Macbook’s flexibility by making a few tweaks to its security settings.  

Learning how to change security settings on Mac is mostly painless. But you need to be wary of any changes that may negatively influence your apps’ performance.  

Let us help guide you through these security settings and make them work best for you.

Your OS X comes with built-in security and privacy features to protect your sensitive data. They are not fixed so you can take control and adjust them to better meet your unique needs and preferences.

To access and adjust the security preferences on your Mac:

• Go to System Preferences and click on Security & Privacy .
• See four key tabs: General , FileVault , Firewall , and Privacy .
• Start tweaking them to meet your requirements.

You may find you can’t change some security and privacy settings on your Mac. This is usually because some Mac security and privacy panes are greyed out. You can easily fix this by clicking on the padlock icon at the bottom, then entering your administrative password to unlock it.

You can make sure you’re restricting access to your Mac while it’s unattended by setting up its password lock. This way, no one will be able to log in to your device while it’s in sleep or screensaver mode unless they know the password.

To activate password lock on your Mac:

• Open the General tab and click on the small padlock at the left bottom corner to make changes. Enter your admin password.
• Check the box for Require password after sleep or screen saver begins .
• From the drop-down list, choose your preferred time duration before the password requirement is activated.

Tip: Keeping it at the default immediately is your safest option.

Make sure you also check the box for Disable automatic login. Otherwise, anyone will be able to log in to your account.

If you have admin-level access, you can apply changes to all user accounts by setting the global security features in For All Accounts . You’ll find it in the This Computer section.

FileVault automatically encrypts data on your hard drive. So without your password or recovery key, accessing the content located here is virtually impossible.  

This feature is a great way to secure sensitive data. It’s particularly helpful if you’re always on the move and there’s more of a chance of your laptop being stolen or misplaced. The downside is  that it can slow your Mac down. However, you should proceed if you feel it’s worth the increased Mac security and privacy.

You only need to turn on FileVault, then your macOS will encrypt your entire hard drive and lock it with a password. To do this, go to the FileVault tab, click on the padlock to make changes, then click Turn On FileVault , and follow the instructions.

The encryption might take some time, so make sure you do it on a day when you’re not using your Mac too much.

If your Mac apps and services need incoming connections to work, they risk exposing your device to malicious software. But a firewall, essentially a network filter, lets you control incoming connections.  

While classic firewalls do the filtering on a per-port basis, your Mac does it on a per-application or per-service basis. This provides you with far more flexibility.

To turn on a Mac’s firewall:

• Go to System Preferences , then click Security & Privacy .
• Click on the Firewall tab and select Turn On Firewall .   Tip: If the option is inactive, click on the lock at the bottom left corner and type your administrator password.
• Click Firewall Options to start managing your connections. You can either block incoming connections from all apps or limit them to the built-in or signed apps.

Some apps may not work properly if you block all connections. If you’re hesitant to proceed, then only allow connections for built-in and signed apps approved by Apple.

Your Mac lets you manage the information accessible to others in a network or across the internet. For example, you can control which apps or websites can use your Mac’s current location. So you may need to keep your location accessible to maps, food delivery services, and shopping platforms. But a game or a messenger app doesn’t really need to know where you are.

To make changes to your privacy settings, go to the Privacy tab and choose the relevant category on the side panel.  Click on the padlock icon and enter your password first to make sure you can adjust them all.  

Make changes to the following categories as you see fit:

• Location Services
• Speech Recognition
• Accessibility
• Input Monitoring
• Full Disk Access
• Screen Recording
• Media & Apple Music
• Analytics & Improvements
• Apple Advertising

Safari offers advanced settings to protect your privacy and the entire macOS system from online threats. Here’s how you can...

Sure, Safari can detect if the downloaded files are ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’, but it’s far from perfect. Restricting automatic file opening is a more sure-fire way of avoiding accidentally opening a virus.

To turn off automatic downloads opening:

• Open Safari.
• Click Safari on the menu bar and select Preferences .
• Go to the General tab.
• At the very bottom, uncheck the Open “safe” files after downloading checkbox .

Don’t worry, your safe files will still download as usual. 

Warn you when you are on a fraudulent website  

Safari can verify if a website you visit uses an encrypted connection. If it doesn’t respect the basic safety rules, Safari will notify you that the page might be dangerous and advise you to leave.

To enable fraudulent website warning:

• Go to the Security tab.
• Check the Warn when visiting a fraudulent website checkbox.

Advertisers use cross-site tracking to learn more about you so they can show you more relevant ads. While it’s not inherently wrong, you have every right to keep your information private.

To restrict cross-site tracking:

• Go to the Privacy tab.
• Check the Prevent cross-site tracking checkbox.
• Check the Ask websites not to track me checkbox.

Cookies are small pieces of information websites keep about you. They help these sites personalize your browsing experience, but can also raise privacy concerns. If you don’t want to allow cookies, you can block all of them.

To block all cookies:

• Check the Block all cookies checkbox.

If you decide to delete your browsing history, you can do it for a particular website or all websites at once.  

To clear your browsing history:

• Go to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data . You will see the list of all the websites with your browsing history.
• Select a website, then click Remove to delete its history.
• Click Remove All to delete the history for all websites for all time.

Websites can show pop-up notifications and may even use your camera, microphone, or location when you visit them. We advise you to change your preferences to make websites ask your permission before doing any of these things.

To control website permissions:

• Go to the Websites tab.
• Select the Pop-up Windows option from the list on the left.
• On the right, select the website you would like to manage and choose the option from the drop-down menu.

Now you’ve learned how to change the security preferences on your Mac, you can do a better job of staying safe online without holding back the functionality of some apps and services.  

And if you’d like to take your security measures to the next level, reach out to us at Clario . We combine first-class tech solutions and expert human support to ensure your digital safety. Come try it out for free!

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The Basics of Safari's Security and Privacy Settings

Privacy and security are a huge concern when using any computer device. Cyberattacks and advanced privacy invasions are on the rise, with criminals constantly evolving in targeting and launching attacks.

Simply put your security and privacy are no longer guaranteed, no matter what device you use. Luckily, if you’re a Mac user, Apple has always championed the idea of user privacy that allows you to stay safe and protected as you go about your online activities.

One area Apple has excelled over its competitors is providing users with a built-in macOS browser—Safari. Widely regarded as the best way to experience the internet on all your Apple devices, Safari currently boasts over 1 billion users globally .

The best part is that there’s still more you can do with this browser to make it work even better for you. In this article, we’ll cover all you the basics of Safari’s security and privacy and how to configure some of the settings for the best internet experience!

Safari browser on Mac

A faster and more secure internet experience is everyone’s dream when surfing the web. Safari is a fantastic all-round browser that relies on a blazing-fast JavaScript engine to give you a faster browsing experience.

Seamlessly integrated into both macOS and iOS, you can use Safari across all Apple devices. It’s a better fit for Mac users thanks to a vast range of useful security and privacy features you won’t find on other browsers.

Basic privacy and security settings on Safari

Privacy and security on your Mac means ensuring the safety of your information and keeping the bad guys away. Safari has been designed from the ground up to ensure this by focusing on how to protect your privacy.

For example, you'll enjoy Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) and fingerprinting defense among its default key privacy features. The best part is that you won't need to turn on your Mac and change Settings or Safari preferences to enjoy the benefits of these features.

All the privacy protections in these features are designed to process data on the device you’re using. For instance, ITP prevents tracking while enabling websites you access via Safari to function normally.

The feature relies on machine learning to classify tracking data locally so that your browsing history isn't sent to Apple.

Basic security settings on Safari

Safari employs various security settings to ensure the information on your device is well protected. These include:

1.   Security indicators on websites

Security indicators for websites will help you know whether the site you visited is secure or not. Ideally, a secure website URL should start with “https.” HTTPS or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure means the website you visited uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate

Safari makes the process of identifying secure websites even easier by displaying a security indicator next to the web address. The lack of a security indicator in the Safari browser bar implies the site needs a proper secure connection.

2.   Privacy settings and controls

Besides security, Safari also preserves user privacy through the multiple tools you can leverage to manage and control your personal information. For example, you can:

Delete browsing history

There’s a log of websites you visited kept in Safari under your ‘browsing history.’ The browser allows you the option to delete some or all of this history for privacy purposes. You can clear portions of your browsing history within a certain period, such as an hour, 7 hours, or even a day.

Here are simple steps to clear your browsing history in Safari:

1. Open Safari on your Mac.

2. Choose History.

3.  Click on Clear History.

4. Choose the period you want your browsing history cleared.

Private browsing

Safari lets you surf the internet privately, ensuring your browsing activity isn't recorded and cookies aren't stored. This feature comes in handy when you share your Mac with another person. The sites you visit or searches you make won’t be visible to them.

Here is how to enable private browsing in Safari on your Mac:

2. Click on File.

3. Select New Private Window , or switch to a private browsing window.

How to enhance more security and privacy in Safari

Safari is your go-to browsing companion if you're a proud Mac user. The good news is, just like other leading browsers, you can upgrade Safari on Mac and leverage more security and privacy features.

Below are more security and privacy features you get to enjoy when using Safari as a default browser on your Mac.

1.   Stop website tracking

Have you ever felt like every online move you make is closely monitored? Websites track your activities, aiming to personalize ads and your browsing experience. Worse, they might access your location, storage, or microphone without your awareness.

Safari allows you to take back control by updating website permissions. You can command it to stop website tracking and ensure no one monitors your browsing experience.

Here is how you can implement this setting on your Safari:

1. Launch Safari on your Mac.

2. Click on the Safari tab in the menu bar.

3. Choose Preferences from the dropdown menu.

4. Navigate to the Privacy tab.

5. Check the box on Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.

2.   Hide IP address

Your IP address isn’t just a number; it can reveal your personal information, including your location. Safari is automatically set to protect your IP address from known trackers.

For instance, if you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, your IP address is always protected from trackers and websites.

However, this option may be off, meaning your IP address isn't hidden from the general public. Fear not, Safari lets you mask this information from prying eyes through the following simple steps:

2. Click on the Safari tab in the menu.

3. Choose Preferences and move to the Privacy tab.

4. Check the box titled Hide IP address from trackers.

3.   Opt out of location services

When browsing the internet in Safari, you may occasionally be met with pop-ups asking permission for websites to use information about you. Most of them want to know your location so that they can tailor your recommendations, such as shopping places.

Overall, location services play a vital role in your device's functionalities. However, if you prefer not to disclose your whereabouts while browsing, it’s easily manageable:

1. Launch Safari , click on the Safari tab.

2. Select Preferences.

3. Navigate to the Websites tab.

4. Choose Location.

5. Configure the setting when visiting other sites by selecting Ask or Deny .

4. Manage cookies

If you've disabled cross-site tracking, cookies can still track your online movements. To heighten your privacy further, consider blocking all cookies:

1. Open Safari.

2. Choose Preferences .

3. Head to the Privacy tab , and next to Advanced settings .

4. Tick Block all cookies .

Final thoughts

Safari in Mac OS is renowned for its robust security and privacy features. Leveraging these functionalities is imperative in safeguarding your digital footprint. If well utilized, these privacy and security settings effectively fortify your online security, shielding yourself from potential threats.

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Safari privacy & security settings: Advice for Mac users

Mac users can get around online security problems by updating their systems and browsers at regular intervals. Yet Safari, the default Mac browser, is plagued by privacy concerns. From unwanted tracking to hacked accounts, Safari users face genuine attacks on their virtual identity. 

Some of the frequently occurring glitches of an unsecured browsing session include accidental logins into fake websites and cross-website tracking. Or you may end up gathering cookies unknowingly or fall prey to phishing activities. 

Try Kingpin Private Browser for Free »

So, is there a silver lining? Yes, and it’s called browser security. 

How do I secure my Safari browser?

There are ten ways of doing it. Read on to find out how you can enable greater browser defenses for the riskiest albeit the most common concerns.

1. Banning deceptive sites

These sites are not encrypted. The address bar is missing a green padlock icon. These are unauthenticated and may release malware into your system.  

The quick fix is to open the Safari menu and scroll to Preferences. Now click on it to see the Security tab. Select the box in front of the option ‘Warn when visiting a fraudulent website’. Safari remembers the choice. The next time you come across one, it will display an alert for you on the window.  

Safari Menu > Preferences > Security > select Warn when visiting a fraudulent site

2. Avoiding cross-site tracking

Not content with the user data they gather from a single visit, websites often continue tracking you even if you’ve moved on to other pages. How do you think they keep throwing relevant ads at you?

Here are two things you can do to prevent this. Set up your Safari privacy to request sites to stop following you and stop cross-site tracking. 

Safari Menu > Preferences > Security > select prevent cross-site tracking + select Ask websites not to track me. 

You must make sure to select both choices. 

3. Blocking cookies on Safari Mac

Too many cookies could give you a bad headache. They are little files that sites send to your browser and store on your device. They help identify you by remembering your logging ID, IP address, or passwords. While they help the website remember your preference, they also track your moves on the internet. 

 You can quickly block cookies by visiting the Preferences section of Safari settings . Cookie collection might be active by default when you start using Safari so be sure to turn it off as soon as you can.

Menu > Preferences > Privacy > Block all cookies

This will disable cookies from most third-party sites and marketers. 

4. Avoiding risky files

You may download songs, movies, ebooks, images, and whatnots from the internet. Your Mac browser can safeguard you against dodgy data. 

As a user, you can enhance this protection. Like so. 

Safari Menu > Preferences > General > deselect Open safe files after downloading. 

This action will prevent files from opening as soon as they finish downloading.  Yet they will continue to get stored in the folder you have earmarked for downloads. 

5. Blocking Pop-up media

Pop-ups can be a nuisance. Their sole purpose is to force users to view ads and hopefully click on them. Get rid of pop-ups to enjoy uninterrupted browsing by tweaking Safari site preferences. 

  Safari menu > Preferences > Websites > General (side bar dropdown menu) > Pop-Up windows > select ‘When visiting other websites’ > select Allow or Block or Block and Notify. 

6. Disabling JavaScript 

While a useful program for creating interactive content and images, you can choose to disable this element on the sites you visit due to security matters. The thing to note is it might restrict a few features on them or prevent images from displaying properly. 

Here’s how you can go about it:

Menu > Preferences > Security > JavaScript > deselect the box before ‘Enable JavaScript’

7. Spotting Apple Pay enabled sites 

Add bonus security measures while making payments virtually.  You can tell Safari to find out if those sites do transactions by way of Apple Pay. It lessens the chance of being redirected to deceitful merchant sites.

Safari Mac Menu > Preferences > Privacy > select the box before ‘Allow websites to see if Apple Pay is set up’ 

And Done.  

8. Restricting location sharing, device camera, and microphone permissions

While sharing your location can help sites show you useful things like shops in your vicinity or ads, it is nonetheless a privacy threat. The same goes for your device camera. You know by know how easy it is to spy on you using that. In addition, various sites ask for microphone permissions to record media. 

An easy one-step way out is to change the settings from the Preferences section of the main Safari menu. As an example, let us see how camera access can be denied:

Menu > Prefrences > Website > General (side bar on screen left) > Camera > select ‘when visiting other sites’ > check Deny or Ask or Allow. 

Similarly, you can set up location and microphone permissions on Safari Mac. 

9. Erasing browser history

What pages or sites you access should ideally be invisible to everyone else. Delete your entire browsing history or ensure selective removal in a few simple steps. You can set up the time frame that affects your searches. 

Menu > Clear History > set time (last hour/yesterday/all history) > Clear History

10. Clearing website data on Safari Mac

Website data may include several things you uploaded or submitted on it. You can either clear out all data from all sites or opt for selected data clearing from a handful of sites. Either way, you can protect your online identity using this feature.

Menu > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data

Now here you can select sites individually or hit ‘Remove All’ to clean out all cache. 

Secure browsers to fix the security lapses

These privacy and security lapses come up from time to time but now you have a way to fix them. Any reliable browser like Safari is geared towards providing the latest safeguards to its users. While it’s a great general purpose browser, it lacks some security features.

Privacy enabled browsers such as Kingpin are designed to provide maximum anonymity to you. They never store browsing history and clear cookies as soon as you close the session. So basically, Kingpin always operates in incognito or private mode.

This makes the Kingpin browser an ideal fit for Mac devices. Most of its features are auto-set to provide users with greater anonymity.  Browsing on Kingpin is insurance against accidental privacy breaks as the browser’s default setting favors user anonymity. It helps you defend your virtual identity, deflect unnecessary ads, and guard you against being tracked. 

That’s all about tweaking Safari for better privacy. Set up your browser on Mac with greater control than before when you configure your browser as per your preferences. Stay abreast of updates and software versions or better still, move to a browser that prioritizes user privacy above all else. 

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These are the 10 settings I always change on a new Mac

Every time I buy a new Mac, there are a bunch of settings I change to improve the macOS experience. Some are quick tweaks that solve minor annoyances, while others are vital changes that make my Mac safer, faster, or just plain better.

Turn on FileVault

Change dock settings, stop videos from autoplaying, unlock extra trackpad gestures, download more apps, set up hot corners, prolong your battery life, protect your eyes at night, change your default apps, automatically adjust screen brightness.

I recently wrote about a few key settings to change in macOS Sonoma , but the ones contained in the article you’re perusing now aren’t just for Apple’s latest operating system . Whether you’re running an earlier version of macOS or are reading this long after Sonoma has become old news, there are plenty of macOS settings you can adjust to get more from your Mac.

Macs are impressively secure by default, with features like Gatekeeper and Touch ID keeping you safe from a world of nasty surprises. But you can go a step further by enabling a feature called FileVault. This encrypts your Mac’s files and locks them behind your login password, providing an extra layer of security should someone else gain access to your device.

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To turn it on, open the Settings app and select Privacy & Security > FileVault from the left-hand sidebar. Now pick Turn On , enter your password, then select Unlock . You then need to pick either your iCloud login details or a generated recovery key from the on-screen options — this will be your backup if you forget your Mac’s password. Once you’ve done that, choose Continue and wait a few moments for FileVault to finishing setting up.

Note that if you forget both your password and your recovery key or iCloud login details, you will lose access to your files, so be sure to keep your passwords safe (such as by using one of the best password managers ). Simply put, FileVault provides the much-needed comfort that even if someone takes your MacBook, they almost certainly won’t be able to do anything with it, ensuring your files, passwords, credit card information, and more do not fall into the wrong hands.

The Dock is such an essential part of macOS that you might not think there’s much to it. But there are actually a bunch of ways you can tweak it to your tastes.

One of the first things I do when I get a new Mac is disable the “genie effect” when you minimize apps. This swipes them down to the Dock like they’re being sucked into a magic lamp, but in my opinion it looks weird and takes too long. To turn it off, open the Settings app and go to Display & Dock , then change Minimize windows using to Scale Effect instead of Genie Effect .

In this section of the Settings app, you can also automatically show and hide the Dock, display recent apps at the bottom of your screen, move the Dock to the sides or top of your display, and much more. Play around with the settings and see what you like.

There are few things more annoying than having your web browsing interrupted by an autoplaying video that inserts itself over the text you’re trying to read. No, random news website, I’m not interested in whatever it is you’re so desperate for me to watch, now buzz off.

Instead of wearily clicking the close button every time this happens, I use a better solution — but it requires you to use Safari for it to work. To get started, open Safari, select Safari in the menu bar, then pick Settings > Websites . Choose Auto-Play in the sidebar, then pick Never Auto-Play in the dropdown menu for each listed website. Finally, choose Never Auto-Play in the dropdown next to When visiting other websites .

Many of the  best web browsers also have this feature built in, and how you enable it will vary by each app. But whichever one you use, blocking autoplaying videos is one of the best quality-of-life improvements you can make on your Mac.

Apple’s operating system is full of  great trackpad gestures that help you do more with a few quick swipes. But you don’t have to stick with what Apple gives you — in fact, most gestures can be adjusted to suit you better. What’s more, some of the best gestures aren’t even unlocked by default, meaning there are some secret swipes waiting to be revealed.

Open the Settings app and head to Trackpad in the sidebar. You’ll see three tabs at the top; try going through each one and tweaking the options to your liking. One I always change is App Exposé, which hides all open windows except those for your current app. To enable it, go to the More Gestures tab. Next to App Exposé , change the dropdown menu from Off to either Swipe Down with Three Fingers or Swipe Down with Four Fingers .

And if you’re looking to get even more control over your trackpad gestures, I found a  superb app called Swish that takes gestures to a whole new level. It’s the kind of app that feels like it should be part of macOS — it’s that good.

As part of the built-in security features in macOS, Apple blocks you from downloading apps from anywhere but the App Store by default. Yet, there are tons of great apps distributed by third-party developers that never make it onto the App Store, and I’d have missed out on all of them if I hadn’t changed this one setting.

To give yourself more app freedom, open the Settings app and find Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Scroll down to Security then, under Allow applications downloaded from , change the setting from App Store to App Store and identified developers .

Sure, you need to be careful when downloading third-party apps, so make sure you only get them from reputable sources. But some of the best Mac apps , including MacUpdater, Discord, Google Drive and more, are not on the App Store. I, for one, know my Mac would be a much sadder place without them.

Your Mac is overflowing with handy  keyboard shortcuts and trackpad gestures, but there’s another way to quickly activate apps, settings and other tools that not many people know about. The feature is called Hot Corners, and it lets you do all sorts of things by merely moving your mouse pointer to the corner of your screen.

For example, you can launch Mission Control , lock your Mac, show your desktop, start a screen saver, and so much more. There are tons of useful options that will save you time and clicks in day-to-day use.

To enable Hot Corners, open the Settings app and select Desktop & Dock in the sidebar. Scroll right to the bottom and select Hot Corners in the bottom-right corner. Now, you’ll see four dropdown menus surrounding a miniature desktop image. Choose each menu and pick something from the options, or select the dash (-) to clear your selection. When you’re ready, select Done .

Ever since Apple switched its Mac chips to its own Apple silicon, battery life has gone through the roof — it’s not uncommon to get  over 20 hours on a single charge with your MacBook. Still, there are ways to get even more juice out of your computer and protect its battery from premature degradation.

To get started, find Battery in the Settings app’s sidebar. Next to Battery Health , select the i button and turn on Optimized Battery Charging , which will prevent your Mac from charging past 80% until you’re nearly ready to use it. This will keep it healthy in the long run.

Next, choose Options in the bottom-right corner and enable Slightly dim the display on battery , then select Done . If you want to eke every drop of juice out of your battery, you can change Low Power Mode to either Always , Only on Battery or Only on Power Adapter . I don’t usually opt to turn this on, but you might decide it’s right for you if you know you’re going to be away from a power outlet for a long time.

Staring at a bright white screen late at night is a surefire way to both disrupt your sleep and sear your retinas in one fell swoop. Fortunately, macOS has a built-in way to combat this, and it’s called Night Shift.

This uses your clock and location to work out what time sunset is where you are, then automatically shifts your display’s colors into the warmer end of the spectrum and away from the blue tones that can make it hard to get to sleep. In the morning, it puts things back to normal.

If you want to switch on Night Shift, you’ll need to open the Settings app, then go to Displays and choose Night Shift in the bottom-right corner. From here, select the dropdown menu next to Schedule and pick either Custom or Sunset to Sunrise . You can adjust the color temperature if you like, and turn on Night Shift right now if you don’t want to wait until sunset.

To go one step further, there’s an  excellent app called Noir that automatically creates a dark mode for every website you visit in Safari, even if they don’t have one set up. I use it all the time for late-night reading.

When you first get a Mac, it will open files using the apps already installed in macOS. But as you expand your horizons and start using some of the  best Mac apps around, you might want to use them instead — for example, by opening web links using Firefox or Chrome instead of Safari. That’s easy to do, but there are a couple of different ways to change your default apps on your Mac.

The first is to right-click an app that you want to change the default app for, then select Get Info . From here, select the > arrow next to Open with and pick an app from the dropdown list. Underneath this, select Change All , then Continue .

The other method affects the default web browser and email clients set in macOS. To change the web browser, open the Settings app and navigate to Desktop & Dock in the sidebar. Under the Widgets header (don’t ask me why), pick an option in the dropdown menu next to Default web browser .

As for your email client, first open the Mail app. Now, select Mail > Settings in the menu bar, then choose the General tab at the top. Next to Default email reader , choose a new option from the dropdown menu. If your favorite app is installed, but doesn’t appear in the list, choose Select and find it in the list of apps that appears, then pick Select again.

Your Mac’s keyboard comes with a couple of buttons to quickly raise or lower your screen brightness (if you have an older MacBook, you might even be able to do it from the Touch Bar). But there’s no need to manually prod your keys — I like to let macOS handle this for me automatically.

Doing so is easy: just open the Settings app and go to Displays in the sidebar, then switch on the toggle next to Automatically adjust brightness . Now, your Mac will use its ambient light sensor to tweak your display’s brightness based on how light or dark your surroundings are. And don’t worry, you can still manually change your screen brightness if you want to.

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• The case for buying the M2 MacBook Air over the M3 model

There are plenty of reasons to buy a MacBook Air instead of a MacBook Pro. If you want a MacBook on a budget, you don't necessarily need the goodies that come with upgrading to the MacBook Pro.

That being said, I'm going to argue for spending a little more. In my experience, the MacBook Pro offers several distinct advantages that help justify a higher price, especially with the introduction of the more affordable MacBook Pro 14 with the base M3. If you can stretch your budget a bit, here's why I think you should buy a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air. Setting the stage: pricing

Apple has just announced the dates for its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. WWDC will take place from June 10 through June 14, 2024. A special event will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on June 10, and we expect to see the reveal of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2.

WWDC will be free for all developers online. Developers will be able to access a variety of online sessions and labs that will showcase the latest advancements in software across all of Apple’s hardware.

Apple’s MacBook laptops come in a range of colors, and selecting which is right for you can be a tricky business. Sure, it’s perhaps not as important as deciding which chip to pick or how much memory you should buy, but it’s still a vital part of the equation. After all, you’re going to see that color every time you reach for your MacBook. You don’t want it to be something that fills you with regret.

But how should you pick a MacBook color? And what do the colors even look like in the first place? We’ve got the answers to those questions in this guide. We’d also advise you to go to an Apple Store to take a look at the MacBook colors in person, as some can be hard to appreciate just by browsing Apple’s website.

How to Change Privacy Settings on Mac

In this article you will find the following:

Protecting the security and privacy of your Mac is easy with just a few clicks. To set up these settings, simply click on the Apple icon > System Settings , then choose Privacy & Security in the left sidebar and navigate through all the available options to protect and secure your device.

In today’s world, identity theft, spyware, and viruses are real threats. While the Internet allows us access to infinite information and easy communication with people from all over the world, it can also expose more information about us than we’re aware of. By being online 24/7, you may unknowingly be opening the door to cybercriminals.

How to regain control of your privacy? Your MacBook security features are a good way to start. Apple takes pride in the great efforts its teams make to protect its users. In fact, macOS has many useful tools designed to guard the privacy of your Mac. You just need to know what they are and how to adjust them to your needs.

Before we start:   VPNs are highly effective software tools that can safeguard your data and protect your privacy online. They’re especially useful for Internet users who handle sensitive information and for anyone who wants to hide their IP address and browse anonymously. In this regard, MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN is an excellent option to enhance the privacy of your Mac.   Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN: Download MacKeeper and open the app on your Mac. Select Private Connect under Privacy . Click on the VPN server location dropdown menu and select your preferred location. Click the Turn On button to start using the VPN.

Now, read on for more tips and tricks from our privacy and security experts.

• How to get to privacy settings on MacBook

Learning how to secure your Mac is easy and important for a safe online experience. Follow these steps to get to Privacy and Security settings on Mac:

• On your Mac, click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
• Choose System Settings from the dropdown menu.
• Scroll down to find the Privacy & Security option in the left sidebar.
• Click on it, and you’ll see all the privacy settings on your right.

However, you should know that some interesting security and privacy settings can be found in a different location on the System Settings app. To help you with that, we’ll teach you how to get to them below.

• Ways to change Security and Privacy settings on your Mac

Your Mac’s Privacy & Security settings are the ideal place to find solutions to your security and privacy concerns. It’s important to know all the options available to you to stay protected while using an Apple device— our top tips include:

• Enable password lock
• Activate the firewall
• Turn on FileVault
• Adjust privacy settings for your apps
• Disable Analytics & Improvements
• Disable Apple ads

1. Enable password lock

Passwords are crucial in our digital lives. Protect your Mac from prying eyes or thieves by setting a password during sleep or screen saver mode. Here’s how to enable password lock:

• Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and choose System Settings .
• Select Lock Screen from the left sidebar.
• Find the Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off option.
• Click the pop-up menu and select your preferred time before you’ll need to enter your password.

2. Activate the firewall

A firewall is a network security feature that all users should enable on their Macs. This blocks untrusted devices from accessing your Mac via the Internet or other unreliable networks. Here’s how to activate the firewall on your MacBook:

• Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and choose System Settings.
• Select Network from the left sidebar, then click Firewall on the right.
• Turn on the toggle next to Firewall to prevent unauthorized connections.
• Click the Options button.
• Activate the switch next to Enable stealth mode to protect your Mac further, then click OK to confirm.

Note from our experts:    But what is stealth mode on Mac ? A more advanced security feature— stealth mode—ignores connections from closed TCP or UDP networks. As a result, your Mac becomes invisible to other devices on the same network.

3. Turn on FileVault

macOS includes a security feature called FileVault that automatically encrypts your Mac's disk, restricting access to your data to only those with your iCloud account password or a recovery key you’ve created. To turn on FileVault:

• Click Privacy & Security from the left sidebar.
• Scroll down until you find the Security section.
• Click the Turn On… button next to FileVault .
• Select how you wish to unlock your disk— Allow my iCloud account to unlock my disk or Create a recovery key and do not use my iCloud account .
• Click Continue and wait until the encryption is finished.

4. Adjust privacy settings for your apps

The Privacy & Security section on macOS allows you to choose in what capacity the apps installed on your Mac can determine your location, control other apps, or access your files, folders, and even the full disk. Here’s how to adjust privacy settings for your apps:

• Іelect Location Services , then switch on/off the toggles to allow (or not) the apps and services to determine your location.
• Go back, then choose one of the Apple apps on the list to change which third-party apps can have access to each of them.
• Go back, scroll down, and select Automation to choose which third-party apps can control other apps on your Mac.
• Go back, and select Files and Folders and/or Full Disk Access to determine which apps can access your files, folders and full disk.
• Go back, and click on Screen Recording to select which apps can record your screen.

Hint from our team:    Besides the Privacy & Security settings that come with macOS, apps such as web browsers have additional privacy features. Safari incognito mode on Mac can be particularly useful in protecting your online activity.

5. Disable Analytics & Improvements

When setting up your Mac, you may have agreed to share diagnostic and usage data with Apple. If you’re concerned about what this means for your privacy and security, here’s how to opt out:

• Select the Privacy & Security option from the left sidebar.
• Scroll down and click Analytics & Improvements .
• Turn off the Share Mac Analytics toggle.

6. Disable Apple ads

Apple states that it doesn’t track its users through its advertising platform. If you don’t believe this claim, you can disable the personalized ads option, but keep in mind that it won’t decrease the number of ads you receive. To disable Apple ads:

• Choose Privacy & Security from the sidebar.
• Scroll down, then select Apple Advertising .
• Switch off the toggle next to Personalized Ads .

Access Privacy & Security on Mac and get yourself a safer macOS experience

Privacy and security are two crucial aspects that every Mac user should be concerned about. Apple includes several useful features in macOS that aim to protect and secure its customers’ data. As most of us spend the majority of our time on the computer connected to the Internet, it exposes us to various cyber risks, such as cyber-attacks. Despite the infinite benefits of the internet, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard our personal information.

Fortunately, a short visit to the Privacy & Security section of your Mac’s settings opens the door to a much safer experience. Here, you can customize how your installed apps interact with your data, secure your computer with a strong password, and decide which information you want to share with Apple. Additionally, you can also use helpful tools like Firewall or FileVault to further protect your Mac.

If you need even more protection, you can opt for MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN, which helps keep your IP address hidden while you’re online. Besides, the MacKeeper app also blocks malware threats and helps you get rid of junk files.

You’ll love exploring your Mac with us.

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• Access Privacy & Security on Mac and get yourself a safer macOS experience

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• Easily find and delete duplicate files

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First 10 things to do with a new Mac

Whether you are a student, professional, or general consumer, you simply can’t ignore a Mac when shopping for a new laptop. Powerful and efficient M-series CPUs, comprehensive redesigns on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, and the company’s ever-expanding Mac lineup have attracted many new users to Apple’s desktop OS.

If you have recently purchased your first Mac or switched from Windows to macOS, Apple’s desktop OS may feel overwhelming. Here are the first things you should do with your new Mac for a smooth onboarding experience.

How to check CPU usage on Mac

Check for system and app updates.

Apple is known for its excellent software support for its devices, and the company’s Mac lineup is no different. The company frequently releases macOS builds to add new features and fix bugs. Follow the steps below to download the latest macOS version.

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner. Open System Settings .

2. Scroll to General . Select Software update .

3. Download the newest macOS build.

The system asks you to reboot your Mac to install the update successfully. While Apple updates most system apps via macOS builds, some apps such as Pages, Keynote and Numbers are distributed through the Mac App Store. You should also look for any pending app updates and install them.

1. Launch the Mac App Store and go to the Updates menu.

2. Download and install pending app updates.

Uninstall irrelevant built-in apps

Your Mac comes with a long list of built-in apps. While you can’t uninstall essential system apps like Safari, FaceTime, Messages, Music, Podcasts, and more, you have the option to get rid of work apps. Here’s how.

1. Open Finder on Mac. Go to the Applications menu.

2. Right-click on an app you want to remove and select Move to Bin .

3. Repeat the same for other apps. Right-click Bin on the Mac dock and select Empty Bin .

If you ever have a change of heart, head to the Mac App Store, search for these apps and install them on your Mac.

Download third-party apps

macOS has a strong ecosystem of third-party apps. Now that you have installed the latest system update and removed unnecessary apps, it’s time to download your favorite personal and work apps on your Mac.

Head to the Mac App Store. Search for apps you want to install. Some apps are unavailable on the Mac App Store. You need to check the company’s official website to find and download .dmg files.

If you have bought one of the latest Macs, it must be running an M-series CPU. Many developers have optimized their apps for Apple’s Arm CPUs. When you visit a developer’s official page, make sure to download a package file for an M-series CPU.

If you have downloaded an app from unfamiliar developers, macOS may block the installation process. If you trust the developer, tweak your Mac’s security settings to install the app without any errors.

1. Open Mac System Settings (refer to the steps above).

2. Scroll to Privacy & Security .

3. You may notice a warning stating that an app was blocked since it is not from an identified developer. Select Open Anyway . Enter your password or use TouchID to confirm your decision and open the app.

Organize your dock

Mac dock offers one-click access to your favorite apps. You can drag and drop existing apps to the Bin to remove them. To add apps, open Launchpad and drag and drop your preferred apps on the dock for each access. You should also tweak dock settings as per your preferences.

1. Head to Mac System Settings and scroll to Desktop & Dock .

2. You can change dock size, tweak magnification, change position to the sides, auto-hide it, and make other tweaks.

Tweak notification settings

When you first launch an app, it asks for notification permission. You can manage notification settings for all your apps from System Settings.

1. Navigate to System Settings on Mac (check the steps above).

2. Scroll to Notifications and select a relevant app.

3. Make necessary tweaks from the following menu. You can disable alerts, turn them off for the notification center, lock screen, switch off notification grouping, and more.

Repeat the same for all your essential apps.

Change Mac appearance

macOS supports a dark theme, and you can also tweak accent color. The latest macOS version bundles some cool video wallpaper as well. Go through the steps below to make changes.

1. Open System Settings on Mac. Scroll to Appearance .

2. Select a Dark theme and change the highlight color.

3. Head to the Wallpaper menu and pick one of the dynamic wallpapers of your preference.

Utilize Mac widgets

macOS supports app widgets to glance over relevant info with a single-click. The latest macOS Sonoma update also supports iPhone widgets (if you meet the required conditions).

1. Click the date and time in the Mac menubar to open the notification center.

2. Scroll to the bottom and select Edit Widgets .

3. It opens the widget panel menu. Drag and drop widgets to the notification center or the home screen.

You can read our dedicated post on using widgets on Mac .

Set up Focus profiles

macOS comes with several focus modes to manage your DND settings like a pro. For example, you can create a Work focus and receive notifications from work apps and contacts only. Let’s check it in action.

1. Open System Settings and select Focus .

2. You can pick one of the focus profiles and create a new one as per your needs.

3. You can set a schedule for a focus mode, select allowed people and apps, and make other changes.

You can access your focus mode from the Control Center menu.

Manage login items

Too many apps and services launching at device startup can slow down your Mac. You should disable irrelevant Mac login items from System Settings.

1. Head to Mac System Settings . Scroll to General and select Login Items .

2. Select an app you want to remove and click - .

3. You can disable other irrelevant apps and services from the Allow in the Background menu .

Change default browser

While Safari is one of the fastest desktop browsers out there, it leaves a lot to desire. Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are two of the top alternatives for Safari on Mac. You can download your preferred web browser and set it as default from System Settings.

1. Open System Settings on Mac.

2. Scroll to Desktop & Dock . Expand the Default web browser menu and select your favorite desktop browser.

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Start your mac journey.

These are just some of the basic tricks to get started with your new Mac. You can change the default browser, tweak notification settings for installed apps, change the look and feel of your Mac desktop, pin your favorite widgets, manage DND profiles and do a lot more to setup an ideal workflow in no time.

One of the biggest benefits of using macOS is its robust app ecosystem. While the default Mac apps work fine, they are basic at best. You can check the top productivity apps for Mac and elevate your work setup like a pro.

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How to Control iPhone Safari Settings and Security

Control your settings and security in the iPhone browser

• Ithaca College

In This Article

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How to Change the Default iPhone Browser Search Engine

How to use safari autofill to fill out forms faster, how to view saved passwords in safari, control how links open in iphone safari, how to cover your online tracks using private browsing, how to clear your iphone browser history and cookies, prevent advertisers from tracking you on your iphone, how to get warnings about potentially malicious websites, how to block websites, ads, cookies, and pop-ups using safari, how to use apple pay for online purchases.

• Take Control of Your iPhone Security and Privacy Settings

What to Know

• To change search engine, go to Settings > Safari > Search Engine . To control links, go to Safari > Open Links .
• To use AutoFill, go to Settings > Safari > AutoFill > turn on Use Contact Info .
• To view saved passwords, go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords .

This article explains how to adjust Safari settings and security on your iPhone or iPad.

Searching for content in Safari is simple; tap the menu bar at the top of the browser and enter your search terms. By default, all iOS devices use Google for web searches, but you can select a different search engine by following these steps:

Open the Settings app.

Select Safari > Search Engine .

Select the search engine you would like to use as the default. Options include  Google , Yahoo , Bing , and DuckDuckGo . The setting is automatically saved, so you can search using the new default search engine right away.

Similar to a desktop browser , Safari automatically fills in forms by grabbing information from your address book. This saves time because you don't need to fill out the same forms over and over again. To use this feature, follow these steps:

Select Safari > AutoFill .

Toggle the Use Contact Info switch to on/green.

Your information appears in the My Info field. If it does not, select the field and browse your address book to find your contact information.

Older versions of iOS allowed you to change your username and password info here. If you want to save, edit, or delete usernames and passwords in iOS 13 or later, go to the Passwords & Accounts settings page (select Settings > Passwords & Accounts ).

To save frequently used credit cards to make online purchases quicker, move the Credit Cards switch to on/green. If you don't have a credit card saved on your iPhone, select Saved Credit Cards , and add a card.

Saving usernames and passwords in Safari means you're not forced to memorize login credentials to access a website. As this data is sensitive, iOS takes measures to protect it. If you need to look up a username or password, you can do so by following these steps:

Select Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords .

You are asked to authorize access to this information using Touch ID , Face ID , or your passcode.

A list details all the websites for which iOS has saved login data. Select a site to view the corresponding username and password.

You can choose where new links open by default—in a new window that appears either in front of or behind the page you are currently viewing. Follow these steps to adjust this setting:

Select Safari > Open Links .

Select In New Tab to open links in a new window in Safari and to have that window appear in front of the current tab. Select In Background to open links in a new window that appears behind the page you are currently viewing.

Browsing the web leaves digital footprints. Between browsing history, cookies, and other usage data, you may prefer to cover some of those tracks. The Safari Private Browsing feature prevents Safari from saving information about your behavior—including browsing history, cookies, and other files—while it is turned on.

When you want to delete your browsing history or cookies manually, follow these steps:

Select Safari > Clear History and Website Data .

A menu appears asking if you would like to clear the browsing data. Select Clear History and Data .

Cookies allow advertisers to track you across the web. This lets them build a profile of your behavior and interests to target you with ads better. Here's how to opt-out of some of that tracking data:

Select Safari .

Move the Prevent Cross-Site Tracking switch to on/green.

Older versions of iOS included a Do Not Track feature that asked websites not to track your browsing data. Apple removed this feature, as the request was never mandatory and did not do much to limit the tracking of user data.

Setting up fake websites that look like ones you normally use is a common method of stealing data from users. Safari has a feature to help avoid these sites. Here's how to enable it:

Move the Fraudulent Website Warning switch to on/green.

You can speed up your browsing, maintain privacy, and avoid certain ads and websites by blocking cookies. Here's how:

Move the Block All Cookies switch to on/green, then select Block All to confirm the action.

If you set up Apple Pay , you can use it at any participating retailer to complete purchases. To make sure you can use it at those stores, enable Apple Pay for the web. Here's how:

Move the Check for Apple Pay switch to on/green.

Take Control of Your iPhone Security and Privacy Settings

While this article focuses on privacy and security settings for the Safari web browser, the iPhone has other security and privacy settings. These settings can be used with other apps and features to protect private info stored on your iPhone .

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If you forgot your iPad passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it

Locked out of your iPad and forgot your iPad passcode? Use a computer to get your iPad into recovery mode so you can erase it and set it up again.

Forgot the passcode on your iPhone?

Forgot the passcode on your iPod touch?

Use your iPad to reset your iPad passcode

Use your old passcode to temporarily access your iPad in iPadOS 17 or later

Learn what to do if you see "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" on your iPad .

If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPad Lock Screen too many times, an alert lets you know that your iPad is disabled.

If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, you need to use a computer to put your iPad in recovery mode. This process deletes your data and settings, including your passcode, allowing you to set up your iPad again.

After you erase your iPad, you can restore your data and settings from a backup. If you didn't back up your iPad, you can set it up as a new device and then download any data that you have in iCloud.

Step 1: Make sure that you have a computer (Mac or PC)

This process requires a Mac or PC. If you're using a PC, make sure that it has Windows 10 or later and that the Apple Devices app or iTunes is installed . You also need the cable that came with your iPad, or another compatible cable, to connect your iPad to the computer.

If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

Step 2: Turn off your iPad

Unplug your iPad from the computer if it's connected.

Turn off your iPad using the method for your iPad model:

If your iPad doesn't have a Home button: Press and hold one of the volume buttons and the top button at the same time until the power off slider appears.

If your iPad has a Home button: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.

Drag the slider to turn off your iPad, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely.

Step 3: Put your iPad in recovery mode

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a Finder window. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes. If iTunes is already open, close it, then open it again. Find out which macOS your Mac is using . On a PC, open the Apple Devices app or iTunes.

Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.

Keep your iPad connected and press the buttons for your iPad model:

For iPad models without a Home button: Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button.

For iPad models with Home button: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time.

Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPad, then let go.

If you see the passcode screen, you need to turn off your iPad and start again.

If you can't get your iPad to show the recovery mode screen and you need help, contact Apple Support .

Step 4: Restore your iPad

Locate your iPad in the Finder, iTunes, or the Apple Devices app on the computer that it's connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPad .)

Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. Your computer downloads software for your iPad and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPad and start again.

Wait for the process to finish.

Disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up and use your iPad .

Need more help?

If you can't complete any of these steps, if you're still prompted for a passcode, or if you need any other assistance, contact Apple Support .

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