Are you considering resetting Safari on your Mac or iOS device? Perhaps you’re experiencing issues with the browser, such as slow performance, crashes, or unwanted extensions. Before you take the plunge, it’s essential to understand what happens when you reset Safari and how to recover your data.
What happens when you reset Safari?
When you reset Safari, you’re essentially returning the browser to its default settings, removing all personal data, browsing history, and stored information. This process deletes everything, including:
Stored data and browsing history
- Browsing history, including visited websites and search queries
- Cookies, which store login information and website preferences
- Cache, which stores temporary website data for faster loading
- Stored website data, such as login credentials and autofill information
Extensions and plugins
- Installed extensions, including ad blockers, password managers, and productivity tools
- Plugins, such as Flash or Java, which enable additional website functionality
Custom settings and preferences
- Homepage and default search engine settings
- Saved passwords and autofill information
- Customized toolbar layouts and shortcut keys
- Content blockers and website restrictions
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Resetting Safari will also disable any syncing of data with iCloud, which means you’ll need to set up syncing again after the reset process.
Why reset Safari?
Resetting Safari can be a useful troubleshooting step in several situations:
Slow performance and crashes
If Safari is slow to load, crashing frequently, or experiencing other performance issues, resetting the browser can help resolve these problems.
Malware and virus removal
If your Mac or iOS device has been infected with malware or a virus, resetting Safari can help remove the malicious software and prevent further damage.
Unwanted extensions or plugins
If you’ve installed an extension or plugin that’s causing issues or displaying unwanted ads, resetting Safari can remove the unwanted software.
Privacy and security concerns
Resetting Safari can help protect your privacy and security by removing stored data and browsing history, which can be susceptible to data breaches or hacking attempts.
How to reset Safari on Mac
To reset Safari on your Mac:
- Open Safari and click on “Safari” in the top menu bar.
- Select “Clear History” and choose “all history” from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Clear History” to confirm.
- Next, click on “Safari” in the top menu bar and select “Preferences.”
- In the Preferences window, click on the “Advanced” tab.
- At the bottom of the window, click “Reset” and then confirm that you want to reset Safari.
How to reset Safari on iOS devices
To reset Safari on your iOS device:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Safari.”
- Tap “Clear History and Website Data.”
- Tap “Clear” to confirm.
- Next, go back to the “Safari” settings and toggle off “Safari” to disable it.
- Toggle it back on to re-enable Safari, which will reset the browser to its default settings.
Recovering data and settings after resetting Safari
After resetting Safari, you’ll need to set up your browser again, including:
Re-enabling iCloud syncing
If you use iCloud to sync your Safari data across devices, you’ll need to re-enable syncing in the Safari Preferences on your Mac or in the Settings app on your iOS device.
Re-installing extensions and plugins
You’ll need to re-install any extensions or plugins you used before resetting Safari. Be cautious when re-installing extensions, as some may have changed since you last used them.
Re-setting custom settings and preferences
You’ll need to re-set your custom settings and preferences, including your homepage, default search engine, and saved passwords.
Conclusion
Resetting Safari can be a useful troubleshooting step, but it’s essential to understand what happens when you reset the browser and how to recover your data and settings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can reset Safari on your Mac or iOS device and start fresh, resolving issues related to slow performance, malware, or unwanted extensions. Remember to take precautions before resetting Safari, such as backing up your data and being prepared to re-install extensions and set up custom settings again.
What happens when I reset Safari?
When you reset Safari, it returns to its default settings, erasing all browsing history, saved passwords, and website data. This can be a good solution if you’re experiencing issues with your browser or if you want to start fresh. However, keep in mind that resetting Safari will log you out of all websites and remove any customizations you’ve made.
Additionally, resetting Safari will also remove any browser extensions and plugins you’ve installed, so you’ll need to reinstall them afterwards. If you’re concerned about losing important data, make sure to back up your bookmarks and saved passwords before resetting.
Will resetting Safari delete my bookmarks?
No, resetting Safari will not delete your bookmarks. Bookmarks are stored in iCloud, so they will remain intact even after you reset Safari. However, if you’ve made changes to your bookmarks recently, make sure they’re synced with iCloud before resetting Safari to ensure they’re preserved.
After resetting Safari, your bookmarks will still be available, and you can access them as usual. If you’re using a different browser or device, you may need to sync your bookmarks again to access them.
Can I recover my browsing history after resetting Safari?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot recover your browsing history after resetting Safari. When you reset Safari, all browsing history, including search queries and visited websites, is permanently deleted. This means you won’t be able to recover your browsing history, so make sure you’re okay with losing it before resetting.
If you need to access a specific website or search query, you may be able to find it in your email or a search engine’s search history, but this is not guaranteed.
Will resetting Safari log me out of all websites?
Yes, resetting Safari will log you out of all websites you’re currently logged into. This is because resetting Safari removes all website data, including login credentials. After resetting, you’ll need to log back into each website manually.
Keep in mind that if you’ve enabled password autofill, you may need to re-enter your login credentials for each website. Make sure you have access to your login credentials before resetting Safari.
Can I reset Safari on just one device or do I need to do it on all devices?
You can reset Safari on just one device, and it will not affect other devices linked to your iCloud account. Safari settings and data are specific to each device, so resetting Safari on one device will only affect that device.
However, if you’re using iCloud to sync your Safari data across devices, keep in mind that resetting Safari on one device may affect the synced data on other devices.
How do I reset Safari?
To reset Safari, go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced > Reset Safari. You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to reset Safari. Click “Reset” to complete the process. Alternatively, you can also reset Safari through the macOS System Preferences.
Make sure to back up any important data, such as bookmarks and saved passwords, before resetting Safari.
Is resetting Safari the same as uninstalling and reinstalling it?
No, resetting Safari is not the same as uninstalling and reinstalling it. Resetting Safari returns the browser to its default settings, erasing all browsing history, saved passwords, and website data. Uninstalling and reinstalling Safari, on the other hand, will completely remove the browser from your device and then reinstall it.
Resetting Safari is a simpler process that can often resolve common issues, whereas uninstalling and reinstalling Safari is a more drastic measure that should only be done if you’re experiencing severe issues with the browser.