How to Delete Safari Browser

Safari is a native Apple application and cannot be dragged and trashed to the bin. All Apple’s native applications are protected by the SIP (System Integrity Protection) feature.

Apple’s SIP feature is responsible for averting accidental removal of native applications, which otherwise affects the overall OS functionality.

Hence, deleting any native application like Safari is not possible. However, you can still disable Safari on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices using different methods.

In this blog, you will learn how to disable Safari on Mac or iOS devices to declutter your home screen and make space for other applications.

Why Should You Delete Safari?

Safari is the default Apple browser and is known for its safety and speed. However, there are certain reasons to make up your mind to remove the Safari browser from your iPhone or Mac devices.

At first, you might want to uninstall Safari on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices because you want to get a browser with the latest privacy and safety updates. Maybe you want web browsers that offer even more choices than Safari browsers when it comes to customization.

Not only that, but Safari also shows some problems with Google’s built-in search, and that could be the main reason to remove the Safari browser on your Mac and iOS devices.

Lastly, deleting the Safari browser on your device will also clear up your drive space.

What Happens When You Disable the Safari Browser From Your Device?

Before uninstalling Safari on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices it’s better to know that your other essential information will also be removed. However, you must create a backup for the following information to ensure the safest removal of the Safari browser from your devices. Save the following information before disabling Safari browser from your device:

• Browsing history
• Bookmarks
• Extensions.

How to Delete Safari on iPhone/iPad/iOS

You can disable Safari from iOS settings to clean up your home screen and make room for other applications. Here’s how to delete Safari on iPhone/iPad/iOS:

• Head to iOS home screen > Settings.
• Tap on General.
• Tap Restrictions and enable it.
• Enter your four-digit passcode to access Restrictions.
• See under the Allow tab, tap Safari and disable it.

Now, you will not see Safari on your Home screen.

How to Delete Safari on Mac

Above, you have read that Safari is a native that cannot be modified or removed without certain tweaks. Since Mac is protected with Apple’s SIP feature, deleting Safari on Mac is more complex than iPhone or iPad.

To delete your Mac Safari browser, you can either disable the SIP feature or install third-party apps like Mac Cleaners or CleanMyMac 3.

It’s worth noting that disabling your SIP feature from the terminal end will erase Safari, but it might compromise the OS functionality. Hence, messing with OS functionality is not suggested in any way. Therefore, try to avoid disabling the SIP feature, instead use the third-party applications for Safari removal.

You can still learn how to delete Safari using the terminal.

How to Uninstall Safari Using the Terminal

To execute the task, you will need administrative rights. Using a one-line command will uninstall the Safari browser from your MacBook. This process will not delete temporary files and settings.

Here’s how to remove Safari.app using the command line terminal:

• First, open Terminal by opening Applications folders.
• Go to Utilities and double-click Terminal to open it (You can alternatively press Command + Spacebar and enter the terminal in the search bar).
• Open Terminal application.
• Go to the Applications directory in the terminal.
• Type cd/applications/ and finish the command.
• Type sudo rm -rf Safari.app/ and enter.
• Insert your password when you’re asked for it, and the Safari browser will be Uninstalled soon.

Here, keep in mind that the latest macOS versions use the new SIP feature, which won’t allow you to delete any of the System files; hence, using a third-party application is the only way to go.

How to Remove Safari on a Mac Using Third-Party Application

• Head to macpaw.com and install CleanMyMac 3 app.
• Go to the download folder and double click to install the .dmg file
• Drag the CleanMyMac app into the applications folder.
• Launch the app by double-clicking on it in the Applications folder.
• When the app is launched, drag and drop the Safari icon into the app window.
• Select Safari on the app and click remove.

That’s it! Safari is now removed from your Mac.

How to Delete My Safari History

Frequently deleting your browser history and website data may fix certain browsing issues. Clearing your browser history is called browser hygiene, and it saves you from stored passwords and useless cookies that you have accumulated over time.

Cleaning your Safari history will help the browser to load faster. Not only that but, it also significantly reduces various security risks if your device is stolen or someone is tracking you.

Here’s how to clear Safari history on iPhone/iPad

• Open Settings menu.
• Select Safari.
• Tap Clear History and Website Data.

If you also want to remove cookies, then follow the steps below:

• Head to Settings.
• Select Safari> Advanced > Website Data.
• Tap “Remove All Website Data.”

Note: Clearing the above information will not delete AutoFill data. You have to delete that separately. Here’s how to delete your Safari AutoFill data:

• Go to Safari.
• Select Preferences.
• Select AutoFill.
• Select Edit next to Usernames and Passwords.
• Now, you can manually remove your passwords.

How to Block Safari on Mac

If you want to block Safari on Mac, the best way to do it is through Screen Time. It’s an in-built macOS feature that enables you to manage app usage.

Here’s how to block Safari using Screen Time:

• Head to Apple’s menu.
• Select System preferences.
• Select Screen Time.
• Click on the Options.
• Click Turn on.
• Select Apps, in the Content & Privacy Restrictions tab.
• Unmark the box, next to Safari.

How to Secure your Safari Web Browser

Safari is an Apple-developed browser that’s already equipped with a bunch of great privacy features. But, there are some unseen threats that you cannot fight with your browser alone.

Third-parties like your ISP or hackers snoop on data and may track or spy on your online activities. The best way to combat such security breaches is using a trusted VPN.

iProVPN encrypts your traffic with powerful military-grade encryption that keeps your traffic secure and hidden from the prying eyes.

Not only that, with iProVPN, you can browse anonymously since its IP spoofing technology changes your virtual location and hides your real one. It gives you access to content from any part of the world regardless of geo-restrictions.

How to Reset Safari on a Mac device

If you want to reset Safari on Mac, you should clear extensions, website data, and caches in the first place. Here’s how to do it:

• Head to the Safari menu.
• Select Preferences.
• Under the Privacy tab, click on Manage Website Data, and select the Remove all button.
• In the dialog window, click Remove Now.
• In the Advanced tab, check the box for the Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
• Select Develop, and click Empty Caches, from the menu bar.
• Now, head to the Extensions tab, and uninstall each Safari extension by clicking Uninstall.

How to Reset Safari On Version 8 and Above?

• Head to the Safari menu.
• Click Reset Safari.
• Select things you wish to remove, click Reset.

Conclusion

Coming to the end of how to delete Safari on Mac or iOS, the best way to remove the Safari browser is using third-party apps among all the mentioned methods. You can use whatever browser you want, but it has to be privacy-focused, and equipping your browser with iProVPN will keep you safe while browsing the internet.