How to reset the Safari browser on macOS

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to reset the Safari browser on macOS. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

If Safari is behaving unexpectedly — pages loading slowly, websites not displaying correctly, unwanted pop-ups, or unfamiliar changes to your homepage or search engine — clearing its data and removing unwanted extensions can usually resolve the issue. This guide walks you through clearing your cache, removing extensions, and restoring Safari's key settings to their defaults on macOS.

Before You Begin

Clearing Safari's data will remove your saved website data, browsing history, cookies, and any installed extensions. Make sure you know your passwords (or that they are saved in iCloud Keychain) before proceeding.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Open Safari and clear your browsing history and cache.
2. Remove any unwanted or unfamiliar extensions.
3. Empty Safari's cached files using the Develop menu.
4. Reset your homepage and search engine to your preferred defaults.
5. Restart Safari and test the issue.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Clear Safari's Browsing History and Cache

1. Open Safari.
2. From the menu bar at the top of the screen, click Safari > Clear History.
3. In the dropdown, choose All History.
4. Click Clear History.

Step 2: Remove Unwanted Extensions

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari > Settings from the menu bar.
3. Select the Extensions tab.
4. Review the list of installed extensions carefully.
5. Select any extension you do not recognise or no longer need.
6. Click the Uninstall button beneath the extension details.
7. Repeat for any other suspicious extensions.
8. Close the Settings window.

Step 3: Empty Safari's Cached Files

Enable the Develop Menu (if not already visible)

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari > Settings from the menu bar.
3. Select the Advanced tab.
4. Tick the box next to Show Develop menu in menu bar.

Empty the Caches

1. From the menu bar, click Develop > Empty Caches.
2. Quit and reopen Safari.

Step 4: Reset Your Homepage and Search Engine

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari > Settings from the menu bar.
3. Select the General tab.
4. Set New windows open with and New tabs open with to your preferred option (such as your homepage or a blank page).
5. In the Homepage field, enter the address of the page you want to use (for example, https://www.google.com).
6. Select the Search tab.
7. Set Search engine to your preferred provider (such as Google, DuckDuckGo, or Bing).

Step 5: Manually Remove Safari Cache Files (Optional)

If the issue persists, you can manually delete Safari's cache files from your Mac's Library folder.

1. Quit Safari.
2. Open Finder.
3. Click Go in the menu bar, then hold down the Option key to reveal the Library option.
4. Click Library.
5. Navigate to and delete the contents of the following folders:
   • ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari/
   • ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari.SafeBrowsing/
   • ~/Library/Safari/ (only delete the LocalStorage and Database subfolders if present)
6. Empty the Trash.
7. Restart your Mac.

Troubleshooting

Safari Still Runs Slowly After Reset

• Check that your macOS is up to date by clicking the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
• Confirm you have sufficient free disk space (at least 10–15% of your drive capacity).
• Restart your Mac to clear any lingering background processes.
• Test Safari in a separate user account to determine whether the issue is system-wide or profile-specific.

Homepage or Search Engine Keeps Changing Back

If unwanted changes return after resetting Safari, you may have adware installed on your Mac. Run a scan using a reputable removal tool such as Malwarebytes for Mac (free version available) and remove any detected threats.

Extensions Cannot Be Uninstalled

Some managed extensions (often installed via MDM profiles used by employers or schools) cannot be removed through Safari's settings. Check System Settings > General > Device Management for any installed profiles you do not recognise.

Websites Still Not Loading Correctly

• Try loading the site in a private window: File > New Private Window.
• Disable any third-party DNS or VPN software temporarily to test.
• Flush your DNS cache by opening Terminal and running sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. You may be prompted to enter your Mac's password.

If you have completed all steps above and Safari is still not behaving as expected, our support team can help. Please open a ticket with details of the issue, your macOS version, and the steps you have already tried.

Still Having Issues?