safari crash manage website data

Fix: Safari Keeps Crashing on Mac in 11 Ways

Do you find that Safari keeps locking up on your Mac? While annoying, it can be a simple problem to solve. From browser extensions to a built-in ad blocker and superb privacy options, there are a lot of reasons to use Safari. However, there can be times when the browser acts up. Keep reading to find out what to do if Safari keeps crashing on your Mac.

Why Is Safari Locking Up?

While it can be easy for a user to assume that some form of virus or malware is causing the issue, it may be something far more simple. For example, common reasons such as software plugins, extensions, corrupt installation files, or even a website that contains poor coding can all cause Safari to lock up and crash. 

Fortunately, many of these problems are rather easy to fix, so long as you know the right solution. 

How to Stop Safari From Crashing

1. force quit and restart safari.

One of the first things a user can try is force quitting Safari and restarting it. Usually when there’s an issue with any program, a simple restart can help with specific problems. 

Time needed:  1 minute

Here’s how to Force Quit an app on your Mac:

2. Restart the Mac

Another thing a user should try before diving into the nitty-gritty is simply restarting their device. Much like force quitting and restarting Safari, performing a restart can rid the browser of any small bugs that might be causing technical issues. This quick solution can potentially alleviate Apple Safari of any small issues or bugs. Simply go to Apple > Restart from the menu bar to restart your device. 

3. Update macOS and Safari

Updating macOS and Safari may also be a good idea for users. In addition to potentially solving any issues a user may be experiencing with Safari, it’s generally a good idea to check for a device update on your Mac, as it can greatly increase your chances of avoiding major issues. Updates to an operating system also provide critical security patches, as well as other things that help protect your machine. You can always check for macOS updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update and see if an update is available. 

Even better, updating macOS ensures that Safari is also up to date. 

4. Create a New User Profile

When it comes to simple solutions, a user may need to create a new Safari profile to prevent future crashes. Seeing an introduction in macOS Sonoma, profiles allow users to have a browsing history that’s unique to them. There are rare occurrences when a specific problem is tied to a user’s profile, meaning creating a new one could easily solve a specific issue. 

To create a new profile in Safari on Mac, simply follow these steps:

• Open Safari, and then go to Safari in the menu bar.
• Select Settings .
• Go to the Profiles tab and select New Profile .
• Fill out the relevant information and click Create Profile . 

5. Boot Your Mac into Safe Mode

If you need to get an idea of why Safari might be crashing, booting into Safe Mode may help illuminate your problems. Safe Mode helps stop login items and startup items from loading and opening automatically. It also disables certain fonts and deletes certain cache files. If you’re having issues with Apple Safari crashing, seeing if it operates in Safe Mode can help diagnose your problems. 

You will need to know if you are running an Intel processor or Apple silicon. You can check this from the menu bar by going to Apple > About This Mac and checking your processor information. 

For Apple silicon:

• Shut down your Mac by going to Apple > Shut Down . Wait for the Mac to shut down entirely.
• Press and hold the power button on your Mac. Hold it until you see a Loading startup options message.
• Select your drive volume.
• Then, press and hold the Shift key. Click Continue in Safe Mode . Your computer will then restart automatically and you should see the words Safe Mode in the menu bar. 

For Intel-based Macs:

• Restart your Mac or turn it on. Then, immediately press and hold the Shift key. Hold it until you see a login window.
• Log in to your device.
• You should see Safe Mode in the menu bar, though you may also be asked to log in twice. 

If Safari is operating normally while in Safe Mode, it may be third-party software, extensions or certain startup files causing issues.

6. Delete Safari Cache Files

It’s also a good idea to delete Safari cache files. Whenever you visit a website for the first time, your browser downloads the data from the website, making the site load faster the next time you visit it. While this can be extremely helpful for casual internet browsing, users can amass a large cache over time. In essence, it’s possible that your cache is causing issues with Safari, or it’s even possible you may have collected something dubious from your cache. 

To delete your cache in Safari, we recommend two methods. Firstly, you can simply open the browser and go to  History > Clear History from the menu bar. Click the pop-up menu, and then choose how far back you would like to go. In this instance, I would suggest deleting everything, though be warned this may make webpages load slower until you download certain cache files again. 

The second method, which is also the easiest, is a powerful cleaning tool like Intego Washing Machine that will erase all cache and other clogging files from your device while optimizing its performance in real time.

➡️ Get Intego Washing Machine

7. Delete All Website Data

If none of the above solutions are providing an answer to your Safari woes, it may be time to consider deleting all of your website data from Safari. Items such as cookies and other data may potentially be causing problems with Safari, causing it to crash. Fortunately, deleting all website data from Safari isn’t too much of a hassle, though users may need to log back into certain websites. 

• Open Safari on your Mac. Then go to  Safari > Settings .
• Tap  Privacy.

8. Disable Safari Extensions

Users may also want to consider disabling any extensions they are running with Safari. This includes third party extensions. As you can turn off one or multiple extensions, it may be wise to disable all extensions, and then bring them back to your browser one by one to see if there is one causing particular issues. Users may want to delete any extensions they do not recognize. Outdated extensions or problematic extensions may be causing issues as well. 

To disable third-party extensions or any extensions, follow these steps: 

• From the Safari app, go to Safari > Settings (or Preferences ).
• Click  Extensions from the list of options.

• To uninstall an extension, click on it and then click the  Uninstall button. 

9. Reset PRAM or NVRAM 

Users who are experiencing problems with Safari may also want to reset their NVRAM or PRAM. These sections of memory help store certain settings, and these settings may have an impact on your browser and its performance. Fortunately, we have a rather extensive guide on how to reset your NVRAM/PRAM as well as your SMC . If you are having issues with Safari and none of the above options work, check out our article to see if this provides a solution. 

10. Run Disk Utility 

Another option users have is running Disk Utility. An incredibly useful app that comes baked directly into macOS, users can run this program to check for any errors on their drive. It can be especially useful in situations such as these when an app is misbehaving or crashing. Even better, using Disk Utility is rather straightforward, and can help repair your startup disk. In this instance, users will be taking advantage of the First Aid option for their disks. Remember that Disk Utility can be found in Finder by going to Applications > Utilities. 

• Open the Disk Utility app.
• Select your primary drive. It will likely be named Macintosh HD . 

• A pop-up will notify you that the app is about to check the disk for errors and repair them if necessary. Select Run . 
• Wait for Disk Utility to finish. 

11. Use Apple Diagnostics to Check for Hardware Issues

While this is more of a last resort, it may be hardware problems causing Safari to crash. Though this hopefully isn’t the case for users, it may be a possibility that a hardware problem may be causing issues with Safari. Fortunately, there is a way to inspect and test your hardware, thanks to Apple Diagnostics. I’ve personally written a guide about how to test your Mac using Apple Diagnostics , and I would suggest giving it a read if this is a route you are considering taking. 

If there are issues with your hardware, or if you have tried all of these methods and none seem to work, it may be time to talk to Apple Support . 

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• Nick deCourville

What is Website Data on iPhone, iPad & What Happens If you Clear It

If you go to Settings > General > iPhone (iPad) Storage > Safari, you will see an option called Website Data . If you open that option, you will see a red button saying “Remove All Website Data.” The same option is also available if you go to Settings > Safari. You will see a button saying “Clear History and Website Data.” You may want to delete Website Data to free up storage on your device. However, you may also wonder what will happen if you delete it. This article explains what Website Data is and if you should delete it.

What is Website Data

Website Data is comprised of cookies, site data and cache files created by the websites you visit. It contains information such as site preferences and login status. Website Data is supposed to enhance your online experience. For example, it helps websites to remember you so that you will not need to re-login to frequently used sites if you’re already logged in, like LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon, Gmail, or Google Docs. It can be very difficult to know what this data may be because sites partially control what they store. Commonly, however, Website Data includes the following:

• Cookies : They are small text files. They usually contain authentication data.
• Cache : They are a sort of local copy of the websites you visit. It usually consists of images, files and scripts. Local copies are stored so that Safari won’t have to re-download everything again, and the site can be loaded faster. Cached data reduces load time.

This data can get big and take up significant space. This is why you may want to delete it if you are running out of available storage. However, the amount of data is not correlated to how often you use a site. There may be a site you use daily that stores zero data. And there may be a site you use rarely that stores megabytes of data.

What will happen if you delete Website Data

There are advantages and disadvantages to deleting Website Data. Deleting this may cause a few issues for you. They are:

• Your logged-in status will be deleted. You will need to re-login again.
• If you are about to purchase an item, your shopping cart will be emptied. For example, if there are items in an Amazon shopping cart, they will be deleted (unless you are signed in to your Amazon account).
• The first time you visit a page, it may take a little longer to load. Safari will re-download the cached data.

Deleting this may also offer some benefits:

• If you share your computer with others, clearing Website Data will improve your privacy.
• Deleting it will clear up some room on your device.
• This may possibly increase your device’s overall performance.
• If Safari is not working properly, this may fix it.

The following won’t be affected:

• If you have saved passwords on your iPhone or iPad, they won’t be deleted.
• If you have Safari bookmarks, they will stay. However, your browsing history will be gone.
• If you have data saved in your account for a particular website, this will not be deleted. For example, Google Docs or any other cloud based web app will keep your data on their cloud server.

Please note that you can delete all Website Data or if you prefer, you can delete an individual website’s Website Data by going to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data and swiping left on the domain name.

Related articles:

• How to Clear the Browser Cache in Safari on Mac
• How to enable Cookies on iPhone
• Mac: Your System Is Infected With (3) Viruses, Fix
• Safari kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork Error, Blank Page Fix

Dr. Serhat Kurt worked as a Senior Technology Director specializing in Apple solutions for small and medium-sized educational institutions. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University. He is a former faculty member. Here is his LinkedIn profile and Google Scholar profile . Email Serhat Kurt .

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What to do if Safari keeps crashing

Does Safari keep crashing on your Mac, iPhone or iPad? Is Safari running so slowly on your Mac that you can’t use it properly? Is Safari just closing on your iPad without warning?

In this feature we’re going to look at what to do when Apple’s Safari web browser isn’t working properly.

There are a few reasons why Safari might be crashing:

There might be something going on in the background of the website you are visiting (or one you have opening another tab).

You might be running an older version of the software with an issue that has since been fixed.

A webpage might be using a plug-in, an extension or other software that has a problem.

Your Mac might be running low on memory or storage space.

There are a few other things that could be causing issues. We’ll look at each below and explain how you can fix, or avoid the problem.

See also: How to use the Safari web browser on the Mac and How to speed up Safari

The first thing to check is how many tabs you have open in Safari. Including any sites you might have ‘Pinned’ in Safari on your Mac.

If you are anything like us, you open new tabs in Safari (Command+T on the Mac, or + on iOS) without closing the one you have stopped using (after all you might need to return to it). Should content of one of these tabs continue to run in the background, then it might be causing an issue.

Each tab or Safari window takes up a little space in memory. Have too many tabs open and Safari starts fighting for resources with other apps, and it ends up running far more slowly than it should.

This is more likely to be a problem on the Mac than the iPad or iPhone, but it’s still worth following the advice below on an iOS device.

How to close multiple tabs in Safari on the Mac

• Hold down the Option/Alt key and click on File.
• Choose: Close Other Tab (if you don’t press Option/Alt you will only see Close This Tab.

Every page other than the one you are looking at will be closed.

Close multiple Safari windows on the Mac

If you tend to open many windows while you are using Safari:

• Click on File
• Close All Windows

How to close multiple tabs in Safari on iPad/iPhone

Multiple tabs open on your iPhone or iPad? While this shouldn’t cause issues in the same way it might on the Mac, because the tabs you aren’t using will be suspended (they can still be active on a Mac, playing video for example), you may still benefit from closing them all down (least of all because it gets very difficult to find the tab you opened yesterday if you still have tabs open from this time last year).

• To close all your Tabs by tap and hold on the tab icon in the bottom right.
• A sheet will open with the options: Close All [Number] Tabs, Close This Tab, New Private Tab, New Tab.
• Tap on Close All [Number] Tabs.

Check what’s responsible

You could also look to Activity Monitor to see if a particular site is being singled out for taking up a lot of resources.

• Open Activity Monitor.
• Click on Memory.
• Sort by Memory to see what is using up the most of your RAM.
• You can select that site in Activity Monitor and then click on the X to close that process.

The benefit of this method is that you can close the page that is causing the problem and keep other pages open.

Update software

Apple regularly updates Safari to address security concerns, so it may be that you are experiencing problems that have been corrected by an update (or problems caused by a software update).

You could start by checking what version of Safari you are running.

• In the Safari menu on your Mac, click on Safari.
• Click About Safari.
• A box will pop up that states the version of Safari you are running.

However, your Mac should update Safari automatically whenever Apple releases an update to Safari, because Safari comes as part of macOS. So your version of Safari should be up-to-date as long as your MacOS is…

To check to see if there is an update to macOS you need to follow these steps:

If you are running Mojave:

• Open System Preferences.
• Click on Software Update.
• Your Mac will check for updates before comfirming if your Mac is, or isn’t, up to date. If you need to run an update do so as this may fix any issues you are experiencing.

If you are running High Sierra or older:

• Click on the Apple logo in the right corner of your Mac screen.
• Choose Software Update.

It’s the same on an iOS device. The update to Safari will come as part of the operating system update.

To check if iOS needs to be updated:

• Tap on Settings.
• Software Update.

Note that sometimes it’s a software update that causes the issues you are experiencing.

For example, back in January 2016, many iOS and Mac users found that their Safari browser would crash every time they tried to tap the URL bar or open a new tab. The Safari app would close, forcing them to launch it again, only for the issue to reoccur.

The problem was reportedly caused by Apple’s Safari Suggestions, the feature that offers up automatically completed URLs as you type in the URL bar.

By the end of January 2016 Apple had apparently fixed the problem with an update, but it seems that for a few months that year Safari continued to be plagued by the issue on and off.

Clear website data and cache

When you visit a web page in Safari it stores a copy of it in a cache. This copy enables it to load the web page faster next time you visit.

Sometimes the web will start to behave oddly if something goes wrong with the cache. Perhaps Facebook seems stuck on what it was displaying yesterday evening, for example.

The best way to fix this is to clear the cache.

How to clear Safari cache on a Mac

You can start by getting rid of all your website data, including your web browsing history.

• Click Safari in the menu at the top of the screen.
• Choose Clear History. In older versions of Safari this listed and Website Data as well, but in new versions Website Data is automatically cleared as well (unless you press Option/Alt in which case you see the option to keep Website history). 
• This will actually clear data on all your devices that are logged on to the same iCloud account, so your Mac, iPad and iPhone can be done at the same time. Choose from the last hour, today, today and yesterday, and all history.
• Make your choice (we recommend All History) and click on Clear History.

That clears your history, but if you want to clear your cache specifically, follow these steps:

• Click on Safari > Preferences.
• Click on Privacy.
• Click on Manage Website Data.
• Selecting the Privacy icon and clicking the ‘Manage Website Data…’ button.
• You can delete all cookies and cache by clicking the Remove All button.

The problem with doing this is your Mac will ‘forget’ the autocomplete information you are probably used to it filling in, such as passwords and login details.

Another way to clear your cache is to use the Safari Developer menu to just clear the cache, leaving cookies and other info alone. We have more information about how to clear Safari cache here .

How to clear Safari cache on an iPhone/iPad

You can also clear your Safari cache on your iPhone of iPad. As with the Mac, we’ll start off by clearing your history and website data – which includes the cache. Here’s how to do that:

• Find Safari (in the list with Passwords & Accounts at the top).
• Scroll down to Clear Website and History data and tap on that.

That will clear all your history, cookies and other browsing data. Luckily it won’t change your AutoFill information.

It’s not possible to clear only the Safari cache on iPad or iPhone as you can on a Mac.

Remove Flash

Flash is software used to play video and other interactive content. Many websites switched to HTML 5 some years back because it is less problematic. We think you’ll be happier if you get rid of Flash.

Here’s how to uninstall Flash Player .

If you need Flash for some reason – you may see a Missing Plug-In alert, make sure you have an up to date version and make sure you get it from Adobe . One of the favourite disguises of malware is as a Flash update.

Turn off extensions

Extensions (often called plug-ins on other browsers) provide additional functionality to Safari, but they can cause problems.

• Choose Safari > Preferences > Extensions to see all the extensions on your system.
• Deselect any extensions you don’t want to run, or even better, uninstall them.

Older versions of Safari had the option to turn off extensions. This setting is no longer available in Safari.

If Safari works better with all extensions turned off, you could go through your extensions one at a time to find out which one is causing problems. Use the check-box next to each extension and turn them all off. Then turn them on one at a time to see which one is problematic, and leave that one set Off until an update is provided.

There are dozens of extensions available for Safari. Read more about the new Extensions for Safari here. 

Turn off Virus scanners

Virus scanners pay close attention to Safari, because it’s the Mac’s main portal to the internet. It should allow you to get on fine, but if you have a virus scanner try turning it off to see if that helps. If that helps try switching to a different virus program.

Use Reader mode

If you find Safari isn’t working for just one website, you could try viewing it in Reader mode.

• Click on the icon that looks like a cluster lines on the left of the url/search bar.
• This will open a Reader view of the webpage, removing some of the things that could be causing problems for you, such as adverts.

You can choose for that website to always divert to Reader view.

Just right click on the Reader icon and choose Use Reader Automatically on [website name].

We have more information about using Reader view here .

Delete preferences

If you’ve tried everything else and Safari still doesn’t work you can delete the preferences from your Home/Library folder.

• Quit Safari and choose File > Go To Folder in Finder.
• Enter ~/Library/Safari/ into the Go To Folder Window (don’t miss the tilde ‘~’ at the start) and click Go. This opens your preferences folder.
• Drag everything in this folder to Trash and restart Safari.

When you restart Safari it will recreate these files as if you have just performed a clean installation.

How to use the Safari web browser on the Mac

Use another browser

Alternatively, try using a different browser. Some websites, especially old sites, struggle with providing support for a variety of browsers. Read our article that evaluates the best Safari alternatives here: Best Mac Browsers and the same for iPhone .

Get more RAM or clear some space

It might not be Safari’s fault. If your Mac (or iOS device) is running out of storage space, or you are low on RAM it might be causing problems for any apps you are running.

You could look into making more space on your Mac – more info here .

Of you could try and free up some RAM . Or Install more RAM in your Mac .

We also have how to clear cache and free up RAM on an iPhone here.

Safari Keeps Crashing on Mac? 5 Ways to Fix It

Mac users are pretty familiar with Safari crashing on their systems, but it's nothing you can't fix. Here are all the important troubleshooting steps.

Safari is the go-to browser for almost all Mac users. It works well and is faster than other browsers due to its integration with macOS.

But just like any other browser, Safari is prone to error, too. It often tends to freeze or crash, sometimes getting stuck on the dreaded spinning beach ball and displaying the "Safari quit unexpectedly" error.

In some cases, Safari will cause your entire Mac to stop responding, leaving you no choice but to restart your system. Don't fret, though, because Safari crashing is pretty common among Mac users, and there are many fixes for it.

Why Does Safari Keep Crashing on Your Mac?

Safari constantly crashing can ruin your browsing experience. Here are some reasons why it might be happening:

• You have too many tabs open, and they're putting a strain on the CPU. Although Safari indeed uses less memory than Chrome and other browsers, opening too many tabs will still cause it to crash sometimes, especially if you have other resource-intensive applications running simultaneously.
• You're using a browser extension that's causing Safari to crash.
• You're using an older version of macOS and Safari. Safari updates itself when you update macOS. So, if you haven't updated your Mac in a long time, it could be why the browser is acting up.

5 Potential Fixes When Safari Keeps Crashing on Your Mac

Here are five things you can do if Safari keeps crashing on your Mac despite restarting and closing other tasks:

1. Force Quit Safari

Force quitting Safari is the first thing you should do if it stops working. First, try closing Safari by pressing Command+Q or by clicking on Safari in the menu bar and selecting Quit Safari from the drop-down menu.

If you can't click on anything, you'll have to minimize Safari and open the "Force Quit Applications" window. To do that, click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and choose Force Quit in the drop-down menu.

Select Safari in the list of applications and click on Force Quit .

2. Clear Cache Files

Cache files are temporarily stored files meant to speed up web pages, but too many cache files can actually slow down your browser and cause it to crash. That's why it's essential to clear cache files from Safari regularly.

Clearing cache is one of the many ways to reset Safari to default settings on your Mac . To delete cache files, click on Develop in the menu bar, and select Empty Caches .

If you don't see the Develop menu in the menu bar, you'll have to activate it by going to Safari > Preferences and then checking the "Show Develop menu in menu bar" option in the Advanced tab.

3. Delete Website Data

You can select which websites to delete, but since there will be so many, it'll be easier to just delete all of them.

To delete website data, click on Safari in the menu bar and select Preferences . Go to the Privacy tab and click on Manage Website Data . Click on Remove All and now relaunch Safari to see if crashes again.

4. Delete Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are useful tools, but sometimes they can negatively affect your browser's speed because some of them consume an excessive amount of memory. It's best to delete extensions that you don't use frequently.

To delete extensions, go to Safari > Preferences and click on the Extensions tab. Uncheck the boxes next to any extension you don't want to use. Remember that this only disables the extension. To completely remove it, click on Uninstall under the extension's name.

5. Update macOS​

One of the ways you can fix high CPU usage on macOS is by updating your Mac. Apple frequently releases macOS updates that contain fixes for bugs and glitches.

So, if none of the solutions above work for you, then you should check if any software updates are available for your Mac. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and go to System Preferences .

Click on Software Updates and if you see any updates there, click on Restart Now to start installing it.

Enjoy a Stable Safari on Your Mac

No one likes a slow browser. Safari is one of the fastest browsers, but it's susceptible to problems, too. It often crashes, which can make anyone's browsing experience unpleasant. You can fix it by performing certain actions, such as clearing the cache and resetting it.

If nothing else works, you should check if you have any pending macOS updates. Safari crashing isn't a major issue, and with a few tweaks here and there, you should be able to improve your browsing experience.

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Safari Crashing on Your Mac? 9 Quick Fixes

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Last updated: December 19, 2023

Expert verified

To fix Safari crashing on your Mac, follow one of these steps:

• Update Safari to avoid bugs and compatibility issues.
• Close unnecessary tabs to reduce memory usage.
• Clear Safari cache and cookies to resolve crashes.
• Disable Safari extensions temporarily to check if they’re causing instability.
• Check if Safari’s version is compatible with your macOS.
• Use MacKeeper to remove malware that could be causing Safari to crash​.

Having dealt with Safari crashes on my Mac, I know how annoying it can be. In this guide, I’ll share some easy fixes that have worked for me. I’ll cover simple steps like clearing caches and updating software to fix these crashes. Let’s get started and fix Safari crashing on your Mac.

Before We Begin

To avoid unexpected crashes, you need to keep Safari up-to-date and virus-free. Download MacKeeper to track updates, clear junk files, and run virus scans on your Mac to streamline your Safari experience.

How to Fix Safari Crashing on Mac: 9 Easy Solutions

Safari crashes can stem from various causes. The following solutions are designed to address these problems in a systematic and user-friendly manner. Let’s explore these easy solutions to get your Safari running flawlessly again on your Mac.

1. Force Quit Safari

To force quit Safari on a Mac, follow these steps:

• Click the Apple logo and select Force Quit . Alternatively, press Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Esc simultaneously to open the Force Quit Applications window.

• In the Force Quit Applications window, select Safari .
• Click the Force Quit button.

• Click Force Quit on the pop-up to close Safari.

You can also use Activity Monitor to force quit Safari.

• Open Activity Monitor using Spotlight search. Press Command ⌘ + Spacebar and type Activity Monitor.

• In the list of processes, look for Safari .
• Select Safari and click the X button in the top toolbar.
• A prompt will appear asking if you want to quit this process. Click Force Quit .

2. Close Unnecessary Tabs in Safari

The simplest way to prevent Safari from crashing is to close unnecessary tabs. Having too many tabs open can consume a significant amount of your Mac’s memory and processing power, leading to performance issues and crashes.

It’s good practice to keep only the tabs you’re actively using open. This will free up resources for Safari to run more smoothly and organize your browsing session.

Here’s how to close all unused tabs at once in Safari:

• Select your Safari window with multiple tabs open.

• Right-click the tab you want to keep and select the option Close Other Tabs from the context menu.

This will close all tabs except the one you selected and fix Safari crashing on your Mac.

3. Restart Your Mac

To restart your Mac, follow these steps:

• Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Select Restart from the dropdown menu.

• If you have open documents with unsaved changes, you’ll be prompted to save them.
• Confirm the restart by clicking Restart in the dialog box.

You can also use a Mac keyboard shortcut to restart your system: Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Control ^ + Power . This will immediately restart your Mac without a confirmation dialog, so make sure you have saved all your work.

4. Clear Safari Cache and Cookies

Safari stores data from websites in its cache to speed up browsing. However, if the cache becomes too large, it can cause issues with Safari, including crashing. Clearing your Safari cache and cookies can sometimes resolve Safari crashing on your Mac.

To clear cache and cookies on Safari, follow these steps:

• Open Safari, click Safari in the menu bar, and select Settings .

• Select the Privacy tab.

• Click Manage Website Data . 

• Select Remove All to clear your cache and cookies.

• Confirm by clicking Remove Now on the pop-up.

• Restart the Safari browser, and it should fix the crashing issue.

5. Delete Your Safari Preference Files

Deleting your Safari preference files can be a useful step in troubleshooting issues with Safari on a Mac. Here’s how to do it:

• Make sure Safari is not running. If it is, quit the application by right-clicking the Safari icon in the Dock and choosing Quit or going to Safari > Quit Safari in the menu bar.

• Click the Finder icon in your Dock to open a new Finder window.

• Hold down the Option ⌥ key and click the Go menu at the top of the screen.
• While holding the Option ⌥ key, the Library folder appears in the menu. Click on it to open the Library folder.

• Inside the Library folder, find and open the Preferences folder.

• Look for files named com.apple.Safari.plist and any other files that start with com.apple.Safari .

• Drag these files to the Bin. Alternatively, you can right-click them and select Move to Bin .
• Right-click the Bin in the Dock and select Empty Bin . This will permanently delete the files.

6. Update Safari

Updating Safari often prevents crashes. Outdated versions of browsers can have bugs or compatibility issues with certain websites or plug-ins, which can cause crashes. These issues are generally addressed and fixed in newer versions of the browser.

Using the latest version may prevent Safari crashing on your Mac due to errors and bugs. To update Safari on your Mac , follow these steps:

• Head to the System Settings via the Apple icon.

• Select General and click Software Update .

• If an update is available, click Update Now to download and install them.

• This will update your macOS, and Safari will be updated, too.
• Restart Safari, and the crashing issue should no longer exist.

You can also use MacKeeper’s Update Tracker to identify outdated apps and select the ones you want to update. This step saves time and prevents future issues with outdated apps. Here’s how to use it:

• Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
• Open MacKeeper and click Update Tracker in the left sidebar.

• Click Scan for Updates .

• Once the scan is complete, you should see a list of apps that have available updates. Click individual apps or click the Check All box.

• Tap the Update All button.

• Wait for the updates to complete. You can click Rescan to update more apps.

7. Disable or Remove Safari Extensions

Extensions can enhance your browsing experience, but they can also be a common cause of Safari crashes, especially if they are outdated or not well-maintained. To troubleshoot, start by disabling your extensions. If Safari’s performance improves without the extensions, re-enable them one at a time to identify the culprit.

Sometimes, simply updating an extension can fix the issue. However, if an extension continues to cause problems, remove it completely to ensure a stable browsing experience in Safari.

Here’s how to disable or remove browser extensions on Mac in Safari:

• Open Safari, click Safari in the menu bar, and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
• Select the Extensions tab in the new window.

• Uncheck the box next to each extension to disable them.

• Close Safari and reopen it to see whether the problem is gone.

8. Check for Safari Compatibility Issues

Compatibility issues between Safari and your macOS can lead to crashes. If your Safari version is incompatible with your macOS or any other software running in the background has compatibility issues, it can cause crashes. So, check Safari’s version and determine which program is causing it to crash.

To find the version of Safari on a Mac, follow these steps:

• Click the Safari icon in the dock.

• Choose About Safari under the Safari menu.

• Look for the Version number displayed in the small window that appears.

• Now, head to the other softwares installed on your Mac and check whether they are compatible with this Safari version.
• Uninstall the incompatible software, and it should resolve the Safari crashing issue on your Mac.

9. Get Rid of Malware on Your Mac Using MacKeeper

Malware can affect your Mac’s performance and cause Safari to crash. By removing malicious programs, you can improve the overall health of your Mac and prevent issues with Safari. You can use MacKeeper’s Antivirus to run a virus scan on your Mac . Here’s how:

• Launch Mackeeper and click the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.

• Click the Start Scan button to scan your system for issues.

• Once the scan is complete, click the Fix items button to fix any problems found.
• If no threats are found, click Restart to run the scan again or close the process.

• Restart your Mac and try using Safari again. Hopefully, you won’t face Safari crashing on your Mac after this.

What Else Can MacKeeper Do?

Besides running a virus scan and updating apps, MacKeeper can improve your Mac’s performance by cleaning junk files , deleting duplicates , and freeing up RAM . Check out my detailed MacKeeper review to learn more about these features.

Why Does Safari Keep Crashing on Mac?

There are several reasons why Safari may crash on your Mac, but here are the most common culprits:

• 🔽 Too Many Open Tabs: Each Safari tab consumes system resources on your Mac. So, surfing or opening too many tabs at once may lead to high-level consumption of the system resources, causing it to overload and crash Safari.
• 🍪 Corrupt Website Data: Safari stores cache, cookies, and other website data to speed up your browsing experience. But over time, these files accumulate and often become corrupted, which can cause Safari to crash.
• 🌐 Poorly Designed Website: A website with broken code sometimes causes unexpected errors and bugs. It often results in slower performance, website freezing, and Safari crashing on your Mac.
• 🧩 Faulty Extensions: Some Safari extensions may be buggy, excessively using system resources, or still under development. These issues can also affect Safari’s performance and lead it to crash on your Mac.
• 🔙 Safari Version Compatibility: The Safari version you use with your macOS may not be compatible or outdated. Some of its bugs and errors may cause Safari to malfunction and crash your Mac.

Prevent Safari Crashes on Mac

Now that you’ve figured out how to troubleshoot Safari crashes on Mac, you may want to avoid such scenarios in the future. To prevent future crashes and performance issues on Safari, try these tips: 

• If Safari bookmarks disappeared on Mac after a crash, restore them by quitting and restarting Safari.
• Delete Safari history on your Mac regularly to prevent it from piling up and making Safari run slow on Mac .
• Block websites on Safari on Mac if they are causing it to slow down or crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use another browser instead of safari.

You can use another web browser instead of Safari on your Mac, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. But make sure to download and install these browsers from their official websites to avoid security issues.

Will clearing my cache and cookies delete my saved passwords?

Yes, clearing your cache and cookies will delete any saved passwords. So, make sure to either save your passwords or note them down elsewhere before clearing your cache and cookies.

Can a slow internet connection cause Safari to crash?

Yes, a slow internet connection can cause Safari to crash. It happens because Safari may struggle to load content, which can cause the browser to become unresponsive or freeze. In this case, you should reset your modem or router or contact your service provider.

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

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Safari crashing on Mac? 11 Ways to fix it!

Safari has a series of commendable features, but once in a while, its loyal users may encounter crashes and glitches. If you are one of them, don’t worry. You can swiftly get your favorite browser back up and running by employing a few simple solutions. Follow this guide to explore the most common fixes to solve Safari crashes on Mac.

What to do if Safari crashing on your Mac?

1. force quit and restart safari.

It can be frustrating to experience Safari crashes on Mac whilst you’re in the middle of a task. But fear not; follow the following steps to troubleshoot this problem completely.

• Once Safari successfully shuts down, wait for a few seconds.
• Now restart the web browser like you normally do.

While this process is plain and simple, it tends to do the job. As you access your browser again upon successful termination, any lingering problems or conflicts should be resolved.

2. Clear Safari cache on Mac

It is worth noting that if this problem persists despite forced quitting, then you must consider a more comprehensive solution. Safari, like any other browser, stores temporary files and data to provide a faster response to its users for future visits.

However, over time, this cache can become clogged with excess data or corrupted files, resulting in crashes. Let’s explore how you can clear the same.

• Click the Safari option from the menu tab.

• If you want, you can close the preference menu now.

• Now let the process run its course and quit Safari .
• Wait for a moment before you restart the Safari browser.

Hopefully, the problem is now rectified. Moreover, this process is not solely dedicated to bringing your browser back from the dead but also enhances browser performance and improves security. By following these steps, Mac users can ensure a seamless browsing experience on Safari and minimize disruptions caused by crashes.

3. Remove Safari History and Website Data

If Safari continues to crash, you should consider removing its history and website data. There’s a high chance that any conflicts or errors might resolve occurring within your browser.

• Click History from the menu bar.

Clearing history and website data not only helps fix potential crashes but also improves browser performance by freeing up disk space. However, it’s important to consider that following this method may result in removing the preferences and settings you saved earlier.

4. Delete Safari Extensions

Removing all active extensions from Safari can turn out to be very effective.

Extensions are basically a helping hand leading users to upscaled accessibility. However, these can often get in the way, becoming the source of conflicts and instability. As a result, it becomes prominent to get rid of extensions to enrich Safari with uninterrupted performance.

• Navigate to the Extensions menu.

• Further, Disable the respective extension.

However, before you adhere to this process, it’s important to consider all drawbacks regarding the process. Ultimately, upon complying with the steps discussed above, you may lose a saved password and setting preferences.

5. Delete Safari preferences

For those who have just had it with Safari crashes, let’s try something extreme – completely removing Safari preferences. This process will get rid of every misconfigured setting that might be hindering the browser.

• Force Quit Safari following the steps discussed above.
• Launch Finder .

• In this instance, you must locate all files starting with “ com.apple.Safari” .
• Select them all and perform the Move to Bin action.
• Ensure to clear these files from Bin as well.
• Now simply restart your Mac.

Upon completing these steps, the application will create a new set of preferences removing all aspects saved earlier. However, stay cautious, as this process will remove all customizations or saved data associated with Safari.

6. Clear RAM

A potential solution to Safari crashing on your Mac is clearing the RAM. Over a significant period of time, our devices get burdened with a series of activities. So, if Safari crashes frequently on your Mac, it might be due to insufficient memory required for smoother browser performance.

There are many apps that can clear your RAM in a jiffy. So, take a deep understanding of these  Mac cleaner apps  and find what suits your preference.

Moreover, it’s highly recommended to perform this action on a regular basis so that you’re not bothered by such issues anywhere in the future.

7. Reset PRAM or NVRAM

However, if you do not want to try something as harsh as resetting your entire system, there is a way out. You could always opt to reset the  PRAM or NVRAM of your Mac . Remember, the M series Macs perform this action on their own.

However, on the older Macs, it is solely dedicated to resetting certain settings such as screen resolution, sound volume, startup disk selection, and even Safari-related preferences. Overall, by resetting these memory components, you can resolve possible corruption files disrupting the smooth performance of Safari.

But this process somewhat depends on luck. This solution cannot guarantee the complete retrieval of Safari in comparison to other discussed solutions. It is also advisable to back up important data prior to attempting any changes to system settings.

8. Boot your Mac in Safe Mode

If you’re experiencing browser errors while using Safari, you can investigate and troubleshoot the issue by delving into the system settings via Safe Mode. It will allow you to determine whether the problem lies with an incompatible or malfunctioning software or extension.

For those who are unaware of this process, don’t worry; we have got a dedicated guide to accessing  Safe Mode on Mac .

Upon successfully navigating to Safe Mode on Mac, launch Safari again. If Safari responds according to your commands, then it’s safe to assume that a third-party app is interfering with your system performance.

You must now exit Safe Mode and proceed to remove recently installed extensions or applications that could cause this problem.

9. Run Disk Utility

Disk Utility can also help fix Safari crashes on Mac. This tool is integrated into your macOS by default exactly to encounter such errors. Let’s see how you can execute this tool:

• Launch Finder on your Mac.

• Choose your primary drive . It is most likely to be named Macintosh HD .

• Now, let the process run its course.

Note that you will not be able to interact with your computer until this process is complete.

Upon successful completion of the process, simply restart your Mac and test Safari again to see if it continues crashing. This method not only resolves the issues tampering with Safari but ensures the overall performance of your macOS.

10. Update Safari and update macOS

Apple regularly rolls out updates with the consciousness of removing common bugs and an overall improvement to the entire system. So, there is a high chance that Apple will provide an application update to resolve this issue seamlessly.

The same verifies macOS system updates as well. If there is no dedicated update available for Safari, you can opt to update your macOS for an overall upgrade. This should contribute positively towards eliminating Safari crashes on Mac.

If Safari is experiencing an issue that cannot be fixed, it is likely that Apple will investigate and promptly provide an update to resolve all problems for the users.

11. Reset your Mac

For those who heavily rely on Safari for their work, this problem can be pretty annoying and frustrating. They should consider performing a factory reset on your Mac . 

This process will completely wipe away the entire cache, extensions, and plugins saved onto your device and mitigate crashes caused by conflicting software. Although, before you get started with this alternative, it’s wise to take a backup and store your important files away.

Contact Apple Support

Finally, if none of these steps prove successful, it may be worth contacting Apple Support or seeking assistance from a professional technician to further troubleshoot the problem.

They will guide you through more advanced troubleshooting steps or recommend potential software or hardware fixes tailored to your specific situation. You can further take part in Apple discussions to verify your concerns among fellow macOS users.

Explore and control!

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to combat Safari crashes on your Mac, you can confidently navigate the web without the fear of abrupt interruptions.

Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to boult your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below.

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Clearing Safari website data does not delete everything - iPhone

One would expect "clear history & website data" from safari would do just that, but that's not always the case.

Often, in my case, there are persistent data that survive the "clear." Usually from Twitter or Facebook, but sometimes from random sites I've visited. I have the Twitter App installed, but not Facebook or other sites that keep showing up.

This doesn't clear them:

Settings>Safari>Clear History and Website Data

Neither does this:

Settings>Safari>Advanced>Website Data>Remove All Website Data

This does work:

Individually swiping left on the persisting data and selecting "delete"

This, IMO, is an unusual behavior since the first method SHOULD do this job.

Most people won't go to ...advanced>website data> to double check if the clearing worked.

I suspect these are similar to "databases" that remain in Desktop Safari and have to be manually removed from

user/library/safari/databases (I had to remove a homedepot.com data that would keep reappearing.)

So the Question: Is this a normal behavior? Does this happen to others?

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 10.2.1

Posted on Mar 25, 2017 12:18 AM

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Jul 22, 2017 3:24 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

The issue has definitely got worse with 10.3.3.

Logging bugs at http://www.apple.com/feedback has not a positive effect yet, as I've logged a bug for each iOS version that had this issue.

And you are not correct that Apple does not read this forum; note that there have been many Apple Community Specialist replies during the past several years .

Apr 21, 2017 2:46 PM in response to ParhamS

I am having the same issue as others here, as some Website Data isn't deleting.

I have heard from another user (I have not tried this myself yet) that going to:

Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings, fixed it for them.

I would suggest that everyone experiencing this to leave a detailed report to Apple so they are aware of this. Include things such as when it started or ways you've tried to fix it. This will all help Apple understand what may be going on.

Here's the link:

iPhone Feedback - Apple

Apr 21, 2017 5:33 PM in response to ParhamS

Interestingly, I have found a case where ' Individually swiping left on the persisting data and selecting "delete"' doesn't work. Does anyone have any ideas how to clear this persistent unwanted browser remnant?

Apr 21, 2017 5:34 PM in response to Dr NC

Well this just happened to me and as you noticed, even that does not work anymore.

I know for a fact that swiping and deleting used to work up to a few months ago. One of the updates must have changed that.

This is very annoying indeed. Apple sometimes drops the ball on simple things like this.

Now this is either a bug, or (since the exact same issue exists on MacOS) Apple has decided these need to stay.

Back when JB was easier & we could see the files on iphone, the amount persistent junk from apps was astonishing. I have no reason to think its changed.

Please let us know if you figure this out.

Apr 14, 2017 5:10 PM in response to ParhamS

You're not going to like this reply.

Yes, many people are having the exact same problem. After approximately 3-4 hours of trying every solution I could find in these forums and not having any success, I took my MacBook Pro to an Apple Genius Bar. For nearly 1.5 hours, they tried nearly every solution they could think of and running diagnostics on hardware and software, then restarting the computer, etc - all without success. Finally, one of the top guns believed regardless of the diagnostic results, there may be a software glitch some where and suggests wiping the entire computer clean and reinstalling and starting all over.

I took the computer home and reinstalled my backup data. Guess what? That did not solve the problem. Removed website data reappears within seconds.

Not very encouraging. The techs at the Genius Bar also agreed that as the web site data list continues to grow, it could eventually slow the speed of the computer.

Jul 19, 2017 10:03 PM in response to Tdark1

I found iOS 10.3.3 did NOT delete all the cookies on my iPhone 7.

At the time of the upgrade there were pages of cookies — most showing 0 bytes. After the upgrade, but before opening Safari or any apps, I clicked Settings>Safari>Clear History and Website Data. When I then went to Settings>Safari>Advanced>Website Data, I found the cookies on the left panel still remained.

I then clicked on Settings>Safari>Advanced>Website Data>Clear All Website Data. When I reopened Website Data the same cookies in the left panel still remained.

I then deleted each cookie manually and closed Website Data. However, when I reopened it, the cookies in the right panel had reappeared. Again I deleted them manually, but when I reopened Website Data, the cookies in the right panel had still reappeared.

Something permits intrusion on the Safari cookie folder. I have never banked with Citibank or any affiliate of which I know. I do have apps for the other cookies. Perhaps some have something to do with Apple Pay

Sep 23, 2017 12:45 PM in response to cyberbiker

(Continued from above - it was sent accidentally) Redbox, not Redbook.

When I then checked my cookies, several unrecognized entries, and some unvisited sites I did recognize, existed again.

Give them the privacy choices Safari now gives us, it seems using content blocking apps may be the only solution. Three that I’m testing are Adblock Plus, 1Blocker and iCareFone.

Sep 24, 2017 8:49 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Lawrence, I hear what you’re saying and I have read the articles. However my iPhone 7 Safari cookie listing shows third party cookies are still being added for sites I have not visited, even though I completely deleted everything a couple days ago after installing iOS 11

. The pic below shows one of many pages of cookies on my iPhone . Those marked in red are sites I did NOT visit.

How do we explain that?

Jan 10, 2018 1:40 PM in response to ParhamS

Apr 23, 2017 10:51 PM in response to sirromt

I recommend you fill out this form as someone else was mentioning on the forum thread named (Gus) this might help Apple to find a solution quickly. The more reports they have of this software bug the faster they can patch it. I tried restoring my iPhone to factory settings still didn't work so now I gonna try resetting all settings and see if that works.

Apple Recommendation Form: https://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

Jul 22, 2017 7:22 AM in response to Raparris31

Raparris31 wrote: Thanks for the info, I'm not familiar with the rules in beta. Does anyone think Apple with solve this website data problem, because the list keeps getting bigger and bigger.

No one here knows Apple's future plans and speculation is prohibited by the Terms of Use to which we all agreed when we signed up. What you should do is let Apple know this is a problem for you. They don't read here.

Submit feedback here:

http://www.apple.com/feedback

Contact Support using the link at the top right of every page of these forums.

The more people who let Apple know that they consider this a problem, the more attention Apple is going to pay.

Best of luck.

Jun 9, 2017 9:10 AM in response to ParhamS

Same problem occurs on the Mac OS X version of Safari.

• macOS Siera 10.12.4
• Safari Version 10.1 (12603.1.30.0.34)

Steps to Reproduce

• Go to Safari > Preferences... > Privacy > Manage Website Data...
• A list of websites appear, usually the datatype is "Databases"
• Click "Remove All..."

Expected Behavior

Website data list is removed and list is empty until websites that store data are loaded again

Actual Behavior

• The list is temporarily replaced with a status message "Loading Website Data..."
• Then the list is repopulated with the same website data, this is without visiting those websites again.

Aug 14, 2017 8:01 AM in response to GCSS-MC

Yes, it probably hasn't been addressed yet, because it isn't a critical or even an important bug.

Years ago I worked for a large computer manufacturer. We had a bug tracking system with just 4 categories:

• Critical - Prevents users from using all or part of the application
• Severe - Similar to Critical, but there is a published workaround or temporary patch
• Annoying - Does not affect operation of the application, but it bothers users
• Interesting - Does not affect anything, but it looks funny

Apple's system has many more categories, of course, but this one is somewhere between 3 & 4. The reason I say that is explained in this excellent article: http://www.thesafemac.com/the-myth-of-the-dangerous-cookie/

Apr 21, 2017 2:11 PM in response to ParhamS

Website data won't clear no matter what

2 sites wayfair.com and Costco.com won't clear

Apr 17, 2017 1:26 PM in response to ParhamS

I think that the folks who create website data code have found a line of code that makes an iOS device hold the website data because "it is still necessary and can not be deleted." It was first just one site, then two, and now five so word is getting around. My guess is that it has something to do with Apple Analytics, but that is just a guess.

What To Do If Safari Keeps Crashing

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Check for Updates

One of the most common reasons for Safari crashing is outdated software. Ensuring that both Safari and the operating system are up to date can significantly improve the browser's stability. Here's how to check for updates on both iOS and macOS:

iOS Updates

• Open Settings : Tap on the "Settings" app on your iOS device.
• Select General : Scroll down and tap on "General."
• Tap Software Update : If an update is available, you will see an option to "Download and Install." Tap on this to initiate the update process.

macOS Updates

• Open the Apple Menu : Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
• Select System Preferences : Choose "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
• Click on Software Update : If there are updates available, you will see an option to "Update Now." Click on this to begin the update process.

By regularly checking for and installing updates, you can ensure that Safari and the underlying operating system are equipped with the latest bug fixes and security patches. This proactive approach can help prevent crashes and enhance the overall browsing experience.

Remember, keeping software updated is not only crucial for performance and stability but also for safeguarding your device against security vulnerabilities. Therefore, making it a habit to check for updates regularly is a proactive step towards maintaining a smooth and secure browsing experience.

Clear Safari Cache

Clearing the cache in Safari can often resolve issues related to slow performance and frequent crashes. The cache is a temporary storage location for website data, such as images, scripts, and other elements. While the cache is designed to speed up the browsing experience by storing frequently accessed data, it can sometimes become bloated or corrupted, leading to unexpected browser behavior.

To clear the cache in Safari on iOS devices, follow these steps:

• Scroll Down and Select Safari : Scroll down the settings menu and tap on "Safari."
• Tap on Clear History and Website Data : This action will remove browsing history, cookies, and other data stored in the cache.

On macOS, the process of clearing the cache in Safari is slightly different:

• Open Safari : Launch the Safari browser on your Mac.
• Click on Safari in the Menu Bar : At the top of the screen, click on "Safari" in the menu bar.
• Select Clear History : A drop-down menu will appear, allowing you to choose "Clear History." This action will also remove website data stored in the cache.

By clearing the cache, you effectively reset the stored website data, which can help eliminate any corrupted or outdated information that may be contributing to Safari crashes. Additionally, clearing the cache can free up storage space and improve the overall performance of the browser.

It's important to note that clearing the cache will also remove browsing history and cookies. While this can enhance privacy and security by erasing potentially sensitive data, it also means that you may need to re-enter login credentials and customize certain website settings after clearing the cache.

In summary, clearing the cache in Safari is a straightforward troubleshooting step that can often alleviate performance issues and prevent frequent crashes. By periodically clearing the cache, users can ensure that Safari operates smoothly and efficiently, providing a seamless browsing experience across iOS and macOS devices.

Disable Safari Extensions

Safari extensions are add-on tools that enhance the functionality of the browser by providing additional features and customization options. While these extensions can be incredibly useful, they can also be a source of instability, leading to frequent crashes and performance issues. Disabling Safari extensions is a crucial troubleshooting step that can help identify and address potential causes of browser instability.

Disabling Safari Extensions on iOS Devices

To disable Safari extensions on iOS devices, follow these steps:

• Open Safari Settings : Tap on the "Settings" app on your iOS device.
• Tap on Extensions : If you have any extensions installed, you will see an option to manage them. Tap on "Extensions" to view the list of installed extensions.
• Toggle Off : Disable the toggle switch next to each extension to turn it off.

By disabling extensions on iOS, you can isolate the browser's performance and stability from the potential impact of third-party add-ons. This allows you to assess whether any installed extensions are contributing to Safari crashes.

Disabling Safari Extensions on macOS

On macOS, the process of disabling Safari extensions is as follows:

• Select Preferences : From the drop-down menu, choose "Preferences."
• Navigate to Extensions : In the Preferences window, select the "Extensions" tab to view the list of installed extensions.
• Uncheck Enabled Extensions : Uncheck the box next to each extension to disable it.

By disabling extensions in Safari on macOS, you can effectively troubleshoot browser crashes and performance issues by eliminating the potential impact of third-party add-ons.

The Impact of Disabling Safari Extensions

Disabling Safari extensions is a valuable diagnostic step that can help identify the root cause of browser instability. By temporarily turning off extensions, users can assess whether any specific add-ons are contributing to crashes or other issues. This process of elimination allows for a targeted approach to troubleshooting, enabling users to pinpoint and address problematic extensions.

Once extensions are disabled, users can gradually re-enable them one by one, testing the browser's stability after each activation. This methodical approach can help identify specific extensions that may be causing conflicts or instability within Safari.

In summary, disabling Safari extensions is an essential troubleshooting technique that allows users to isolate potential sources of browser instability. By systematically assessing the impact of individual extensions, users can effectively identify and address issues that may be contributing to Safari crashes, ultimately enhancing the overall browsing experience.

Reset Safari Settings

Resetting Safari settings can serve as a powerful troubleshooting tool to address persistent issues and restore the browser to a more stable state. This process effectively reverts various browser configurations to their default settings, potentially resolving underlying issues that contribute to crashes and performance degradation.

Resetting Safari Settings on iOS Devices

On iOS devices, the process of resetting Safari settings involves the following steps:

• Scroll to the Bottom and Tap on 'Clear History and Website Data' : This action will remove browsing history, cookies, and other browsing-related data, effectively resetting Safari settings to their default state.

By resetting Safari settings on iOS, users can eliminate potential configuration conflicts or corrupted data that may be contributing to browser crashes and instability. This process provides a fresh start for Safari, allowing users to assess whether the default settings alleviate the issues they were experiencing.

Resetting Safari Settings on macOS

On macOS, the process of resetting Safari settings involves the following steps:

• Navigate to Privacy : In the Preferences window, select the "Privacy" tab.
• Click on 'Manage Website Data' : This action allows you to remove stored website data, cookies, and other browsing information, effectively resetting Safari settings.

By resetting Safari settings on macOS, users can address potential configuration conflicts, corrupted data, or misbehaving preferences that may be contributing to browser crashes and performance issues. This process provides a clean slate for Safari, enabling users to evaluate whether the default settings resolve the challenges they were encountering.

The Impact of Resetting Safari Settings

Resetting Safari settings can be a transformative troubleshooting step, offering a fresh start for the browser and allowing users to assess the impact of default configurations on stability and performance. By reverting to default settings, users can effectively isolate and address underlying issues, potentially resolving persistent crashes and restoring the browser to a more reliable state.

In summary, resetting Safari settings is a valuable troubleshooting technique that empowers users to address persistent issues and restore the browser to a stable state. By leveraging the default configurations, users can systematically assess the impact of resetting settings on browser performance, ultimately enhancing the overall browsing experience.

Update iOS or macOS

Keeping the operating system up to date is essential for maintaining the stability and performance of Safari. Apple regularly releases updates for iOS and macOS, addressing security vulnerabilities, introducing new features, and enhancing the overall functionality of the operating systems. By ensuring that your device is running the latest version of iOS or macOS, you can mitigate potential compatibility issues and address underlying system-level factors that may contribute to Safari crashes.

Updating iOS

For iOS devices, staying current with the latest iOS version is crucial for optimizing Safari's performance and stability. To check for and install iOS updates, follow these steps:

By regularly updating iOS, you can ensure that Safari benefits from the latest system improvements and security enhancements. This proactive approach not only contributes to a smoother browsing experience but also helps safeguard your device against potential security threats.

Updating macOS

On macOS, updating the operating system is equally important for maintaining Safari's stability and performance. To check for and install macOS updates, follow these steps:

By keeping macOS up to date, you can ensure that Safari operates seamlessly within the broader system environment. Updated system components and security patches contribute to a more secure and reliable browsing experience, reducing the likelihood of Safari crashes and other performance issues.

The Impact of Updating iOS or macOS

Updating iOS or macOS is a proactive measure that directly impacts Safari's stability and performance. By installing the latest operating system updates, users can address underlying system-level factors that may contribute to browser instability. This approach not only enhances the overall browsing experience but also aligns with best practices for device security and performance optimization.

In summary, updating iOS or macOS is a fundamental step in maintaining Safari's stability and performance. By staying current with the latest operating system versions, users can proactively address potential compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities, contributing to a more reliable and secure browsing experience.

Contact Apple Support

If you've exhausted troubleshooting steps and Safari continues to experience persistent crashes, reaching out to Apple Support can provide valuable assistance in resolving the issue. Apple's dedicated support team is equipped to address a wide range of technical concerns, including browser-related issues on both iOS and macOS devices.

Contacting Apple Support for iOS Devices

For iOS users encountering Safari crashes, the following steps can be taken to reach out to Apple Support:

Apple Support App : Utilize the Apple Support app, available on the App Store, to initiate a support request directly from your iOS device. The app provides a convenient interface for accessing support resources and connecting with Apple's support representatives.

Phone Support : Contact Apple Support via phone by dialing the official support number. This direct communication channel allows you to speak with a support representative who can guide you through troubleshooting steps and provide personalized assistance.

Online Support Resources : Explore Apple's online support resources, including the official support website and community forums, to access troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and user discussions related to Safari crashes and other browser issues.

Contacting Apple Support for macOS Devices

For macOS users experiencing Safari crashes, the following avenues can be utilized to engage with Apple Support:

Apple Support Website : Visit the official Apple Support website to access a wealth of resources, including articles, guides, and community forums dedicated to addressing Safari-related issues on macOS.

Apple Store Genius Bar : Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store Genius Bar for in-person support. Apple's retail locations offer personalized assistance from knowledgeable staff who can diagnose and address Safari crashes on macOS devices.

Phone and Online Chat Support : Engage with Apple Support via phone or online chat to connect with technical experts who can provide guidance and troubleshooting assistance specific to Safari and browser-related challenges.

The Value of Apple Support

Contacting Apple Support offers several key benefits, including access to expert guidance, personalized troubleshooting, and the assurance of receiving support directly from the manufacturer. Apple's support representatives are trained to address a wide array of technical issues, ensuring that users receive comprehensive assistance in resolving Safari crashes and optimizing browser performance.

By leveraging Apple Support, users can gain insights into advanced troubleshooting techniques, receive personalized recommendations tailored to their specific device and software configurations, and access the latest information on software updates and bug fixes related to Safari stability.

In summary, reaching out to Apple Support represents a proactive and effective approach to addressing persistent Safari crashes. By tapping into Apple's extensive support resources and expertise, users can navigate and resolve browser-related challenges with confidence, ultimately enhancing the overall browsing experience on iOS and macOS devices.

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How to Fix: Safari Keeps Crashing on iPhone/iPad

Safari keeps crashing on iPhone or iPad? This guide offers 9 methods to help you fix iPhone/iPad Safari keeps crashing issue.

Fix Safari Keeps Crashing

Safari is the default browser of iPhone/iPad, and many people use it everyday including you. However, you are now experiencing the Safari keeps crashing issue and can’t simply browse the Internet, which is quite frustrating.

Don’t worry, to help you out, here in this guide we will tell you 9 practical methods to fix the iPhone/iPad Safari keeps crashing problem. Let’s get started now.

• Restart Your iPhone/iPad
• Clear History and Website Data
• Turn off iCloud Safari Syncing
• Turn off AutoFill
• Turn off Suggestions
• Turn off JavaScript
• Reboot Your iPhone/iPad
• Update the Newest iOS Version
• Restore Your iPhone/iPad

Solution 1. Restart Your iPhone/iPad

Restart your iphone x or later:.

• Hold the side button and either volume button until a slider shows.
• Power off the device by dragging the slider.
• Press and hold the side button to power on the device.
• Hold the button until you see the Apple logo.

Restart your iPhone 8 or earlier:

• Hold the top or side button (depending on your model) until a slider shows.
• Press and hold the top or side button to power on the device.

Restart Your iPhone

Soft Restart

Alternatively, you can turn off your iPhone by going to Settings > Then choose the General option > Tap on Shut Down if your device is running iOS 11 or later.

Solution 2. Clear History and Website Data

Go to Settings on your iPhone > Tap on Safari > Tap on Clear History and Website Data > Confirm on the pop-up window.

Remove All Website Data: Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > Scroll down and choose Remove All Website Data > Tap Remove Now on the pop-up window.

Solution 3. Turn off iCloud Safari Syncing

Open Settings on your device > [your name] > Tap on iCloud > Turn off Safari > Wait for a couple of minutes and turn it on again to have a try. If it does not work, you can just disable the Safari syncing.

Solution 4. Turn off AutoFill

Open Settings app > Safari > AutoFill > Turn the Use Contact Info/Names and Passwords/Credit Cards to off.

Solution 5. Turn off Suggestions

It can help stop Safari from crashing to the Home screen. Go to Settings app > Tap Safari > Turn off Safari Suggestions.

Solution 6. Turn off JavaScript

Go to Settings > Tap Safari > Tap Advanced > Disable JavaScript.

Solution 7. Reboot Your iPhone/iPad

Reboot iphone 8 or later:.

• Press and hold the Side button, simultaneously press either volume button until the slider appears.
• Switch from left to right to turn the iPhone off.
• Press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.

Reboot iPhone 7:

• Press and hold both the volume down button and the Sleep/Wake button.
• When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

Reboot iPhone 6 or earlier:

• Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button.

Solution 8. Update Your iDevice to the Newest iOS Version

Make sure you are running the last iOS, each iOS update also fixes all kinds of bugs. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to have a check.

Solution 9. Restore Your iPhone/iPad

If all the above methods cannot help you fix the Safari keeps crashing on iPhone/iPad issue, then this is the last way.

You can restore your device with iTunes or iCloud , just remember to backup your iPhone/iPad in advance. Or you will lose all the existing data on your device.

The Bottom Line

That’s all for how to fix Safari keeps crashing on iPhone/iPad issue. If you like this guide, just share it to help more people. If you meet any problems or have any new ideas, please leave a comment to share with us.

Member of iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android related issues.

Product-related questions? Contact Our Support Team to Get Quick Solution >

Manage cookies and website data

Websites often store cookies and other data on your Mac. This data may include information that you have provided, such as your name, email address, and preferences. This data helps websites identify you when you return so the site can provide services for you and show information that might be of interest to you.

By default, Safari accepts cookies and website data only from websites you visit. This helps prevent certain advertisers from storing data on your Mac. You can change options in Safari preferences so that Safari always accepts or always blocks cookies and other website data.

Open Safari for me

Important:   Changing your cookie preferences or removing cookies and website data in Safari may change or remove them in other apps, including Dashboard.

Choose Safari > Preferences, click Privacy, then do any of the following:

Change which cookies and website data are accepted: Select a “Cookies and website data” option:

Always block: Safari doesn’t let any websites, third parties, or advertisers store cookies and other data on your Mac. This may prevent some websites from working properly.

Allow from current website only: Safari accepts cookies and website data only from the website you’re currently visiting. Websites often have embedded content from other sources. Safari does not allow these third parties to store or access cookies or other data.

Allow from websites I visit: Safari accepts cookies and website data only from websites you visit. Safari uses your existing cookies to determine whether you have visited a website before. Selecting this option helps prevent websites that have embedded content in other websites you browse from storing cookies and data on your Mac.

Always allow: Safari lets all websites, third parties, and advertisers store cookies and other data on your Mac.

Remove stored cookies and data: Click Remove All Website Data, or click Details, select one or more websites, then click Remove.

Removing the data may reduce tracking, but may also log you out of websites or change website behavior.

See which websites store cookies or data: Click Details.

Ask websites not to track you: Some websites keep track of your browsing activities when they serve you content, which enables them to tailor what they present to you. You can have Safari ask sites and their third party content providers (including advertisers) not to track you.

With this option turned on, each time Safari fetches content from a website, Safari adds a request not to track you, but it’s up to the website to honor this request.

How to Stop Websites Accessing Your Camera, Microphone, Location, and More

C ookies aren’t the only thing a website might try to access when you pay them a visit. They can also request access your device’s webcam, microphone, and all kinds of other functions or data.

Luckily, most web browsers allow you to control what websites can access from your devices. This article shows you how you can control what these sites can access.

What Can Websites Try to Access From Your Device?

As the functionality of websites and web apps advances, they need access to an increasing number of device functions to work. Some of the most common functions websites and apps may try to access include:

• Location data
• Images and media files
• Device activity

Websites and apps may also request access to send you push notifications, automatically play media files, and a variety of other purposes. Most browsers require websites to request permission for access to your device functions, using a prompt system.

This means you can allow or block access on a case-by-case basis, every time a website or web app requests permission. However, you can also manage default permission settings in your browser and change the settings for individual websites.

Let’s look at how you can do this in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

How to Manage Site Settings in Chrome

To manage website permissions in Chrome, click Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings . Under the Permissions tab, you’ll see a short list of permissions websites and web apps can request.

To view the full list, click on the Additional permissions tab.

This reveals the full list of site permissions settings you can control in Chrome.

From here, you can manage how websites access your device functions and data by changing permission settings.

For example, click on Camera in the list of permissions, and you can set the default behavior to Sites can ask to use your camera or Don’t allow sites to use your camera .

Allowing sites to ask for permission means you’ll receive a prompt in the browser every time a site requests access. This way, you can accept or block access upon each request. Alternatively, you can set the default behavior to Don’t allow sites to use your camera , and this will block all websites from requesting access.

On the same page, you can also view lists of websites granted access and blocked from each permission.

This allows you to review permission settings and remove specific websites at any time. For a more in-depth breakdown of Chrome site settings, we've also got an article listing 23 website permissions to change in Chrome for better browsing.

How to Change Website Access Settings in Safari

To change website permissions in Safari, click on Settings > Websites to view the list of permission controls on the left.

On the right, you’ll see a list of sites currently open in Safari and their permission settings. You can set these permissions to Ask , Deny , or Allow and set these as default settings for all websites using the When visiting other websites setting on the bottom-right of the panel.

How to Set Website Permissions in Firefox

We’ve got an in-depth article showing how to set website permissions in Firefox , but here’s a quick run-through.

To change your settings, click Preferences > Privacy & Security and scroll down to the Permissions section.

From here, you can click on any permission to manage settings. Let’s say you want to control which websites can send you push notifications. Click on Settings next to the Notifications label and see the following box:

You can see a list of the websites granted permission to send you push notifications. To block any website from sending notifications, simply click the tab under Status and change it to Block . Alternatively, you can remove websites from the list, which means the site will send another request when it needs access in the future.

You can also prevent any websites not included on your permissions list from requesting access by selecting the checkbox labeled Block new requests asking to allow notifications . Once you’re done, make sure you click Save Changes to apply your settings.

How to Manage Website Permissions in Edge

Managing website permissions in Edge is almost identical to Chrome. First, click Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions to see the full list of permissions options available.

You can view and manage permissions for individual websites by clicking on the All sites tab and selecting either Ask (Default) , Allow , or Block .

Alternatively, you can manage settings for each permission from the Site permissions page. Simply click on the permission you want to manage, and you’ll see two lists–one for blocked sites and another for sites given access.

You can unblock websites by removing them from your block list, and also remove any unwanted sites from your allow list. You’ll also see a toggle switch for the Ask before accessing setting.

With this turned on, you’ll receive prompts every time a website requests permission to access your device. Turn this off and Edge will automatically block access to websites for this permission, meaning you’ll no longer receive any prompts.

Why It's Important to Keep Track of Site Settings

Many websites and apps have legitimate reasons to access certain device functions. For example, a video calling app needs to access your device's camera and microphone for obvious reasons.

Not all requests are essential, though. Let’s say you occasionally browse social media sites on your desktop, but you only ever post from your mobile. In this case, you may not want the web app to access your desktop’s images and media files or its camera.

More importantly, malicious websites can also try to access your device’s functions and data. So, it’s important to keep track of site settings in your browser(s) and regularly manage the list of websites gaining access to your devices. As cyber criminals develop increasingly sophisticated methods, it’s worth taking extra steps to make sure your browser is safe and secure.

Safari User Guide

• Change your home page
• Import bookmarks, history and passwords
• Make Safari your default web browser
• Go to websites
• Find what you’re looking for
• Bookmark web pages that you want to revisit
• See your favourite websites
• Use tabs for web pages
• Pin frequently visited websites
• Play web videos
• Mute audio in tabs
• Pay with Apple Pay
• Autofill credit card info
• Autofill contact info
• Keep a Reading List
• Hide ads when reading articles
• Translate a web page
• Download items from the web
• Share or post web pages
• Add passes to Wallet
• Save part or all of a web page
• Print or create a PDF of a web page
• Customise a start page
• Customise the Safari window
• Customise settings per website
• Zoom in on web pages
• Get extensions
• Manage cookies and website data
• Block pop-ups
• Clear your browsing history
• Browse privately
• Autofill username and password info
• Prevent cross-site tracking
• View a Privacy Report
• Change Safari preferences
• Keyboard and other shortcuts
• Troubleshooting

Manage cookies and website data in Safari on Mac

You can change options in Safari preferences so that Safari always accepts or always blocks cookies and website data .

Open Safari for me

Prevent trackers from using cookies and website data to track you: Select “Prevent cross-site tracking”.

Cookies and website data are deleted unless you visit and interact with the trackers’ websites.

Always block cookies: Select “Block all cookies”.

Websites, third parties and advertisers can’t store cookies and other data on your Mac. This may prevent some websites from working properly.

Always allow cookies: Deselect “Block all cookies”.

Websites, third parties and advertisers can store cookies and other data on your Mac.

Remove stored cookies and data: Click Manage Website Data, select one or more websites, then click Remove or Remove All.

Removing the data may reduce tracking, but may also log you out of websites or change website behaviour.

See which websites store cookies or data: Click Manage Website Data.

Note: Changing your cookie preferences or removing cookies and website data in Safari may change or remove them in other apps.