Safari is the default browser for Apple devices, and it is user-friendly and widely used. When you use Safari to browse the internet, every website you visit, search items, and login details are stored in your browser history and cookies. However, these cookies and browsing history may store sensitive information that you do not want other people to see. It is essential to delete your history and cookies regularly, especially if you share your Apple device with others. In this article, we will provide you with methods to delete your history and cookies on Safari.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Delete History And Cookies on Safari
People often find it challenging to delete their history and cookies on Safari because the steps may be different for each device and version of Safari. Also, some people may not know why it is essential to clear their browsing data, especially if they are the only user of their device. For instance, if you share your computer with multiple people, clearing your browsing data regularly can protect your privacy. Similarly, deleting cookies can log you out of websites, which can be seen as a hassle. However, it can also remove your browsing data from any websites that could potentially use it to track you.
Things You Should Prepare for
To delete your history and cookies on Safari, you will need to ensure you have the latest version of Safari installed on your device before you start. Moreover, you should also ensure that you have saved any information that you want to keep from the website you are deleting cookies for, such as login details or usernames and passwords.
Method 1: Use the Safari Menu
This method is the easiest way from the Safari menu to delete your browsing data.
1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Click on ‘history’ from the top menu bar.
3. Select ‘Clear History…’ from the dropdown list.
4. Select the timeframe from ‘Clear,’ whether you want to delete the history of the last hour, today, or all time.
5. Click on ‘Clear History.’
Pros:
– It is simple and quick.
– You can choose the timeframe you want to delete.
– Deletes both history and cookies.
Cons:
– The method may not work for all versions of Safari.
– You cannot select specific websites to clear.
Method 2: Via the Preferences Menu
This method allows you to select specific websites and cookies to delete.
1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Click on ‘Safari’ from the top menu bar.
3. Select ‘Preferences…’ from the dropdown list.
4. Click on the ‘Privacy’ tab.
5. Click on ‘Manage Website Data…’
6. Select the website you want to remove and click on ‘Remove,’ or click on ‘Remove All’ to delete all cookies and data.
Pros:
– Allows you to select specific cookies and websites to delete.
– You can see the size of the website data before deleting.
Cons:
– The method may not work for all versions of Safari.
– Removing website data may log you out of the website.
Method 3: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
This method is useful for people who prefer keyboard shortcuts over clicking or using the mouse.
1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Press ‘Command + Shift + Delete’ on your keyboard.
3. Select the timeframe from ‘Clear,’ whether you want to delete the history of the last hour, today, or all time.
4. Click on ‘Clear History.’
Pros:
– It is quick and straightforward.
– Can be done with keyboard shortcuts.
Cons:
– Keyboard shortcuts may not work for all devices or versions of Safari.
– You cannot select specific websites to clear.
Method 4: Use iCloud Tabs
This method is useful for deleting remote browsing data when you use Safari on multiple devices.
1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Click on ‘History’ from the top menu bar.
3. Select ‘Show All History…’ from the dropdown list.
4. Select ‘iCloud Tabs’ from the left sidebar.
5. Select the tabs you want to delete and then click on ‘Delete.’
Pros:
– Can delete tabs from multiple devices.
– Useful for people who use Safari on multiple devices.
Cons:
– The method may not work for all versions of Safari.
– You cannot select specific websites to clear.
Why Can’t I Delete My History and Cookies?
1. There may be an issue with your browser.
A: Try restarting your device, clearing your system, or software cache.
2. Your device may have restrictions set in the settings menu.
A: Check your device manager to see if any restrictions are set.
3. Your files may be read-only.
A: Ensure you have permission to delete the files.
Additional Tips
1. You can also use private browsing to surf the internet without your browser or search history being recorded.
2. It’s a good idea to clear your browsing data after using a public computer or device, such as in an internet cafe or at a friend’s house.
3. You can use Safari technology to clear history and cookies automatically when you quit the browser.
5 FAQs about Delete History And Cookies on Safari
Q1: Can I restore my browsing data after clearing history and cookies?
A: No. Once you clear your history and cookies, there is no way to retrieve the data.
Q2: Will clearing my history make my device faster?
A: Yes. Clearing your history and cookies can free up space on your device and may improve your device’s performance.
Q3: Can I delete my Safari history and cookies on my iPhone or iPad?
A: Yes. The methods discussed in this article can also be used to delete browsing data on an iPhone or iPad.
Q4: How often should I clear my browsing data?
A: It depends on your browsing habits. If you use public devices or share your device with others, it’s recommended to clear your data frequently. Otherwise, clearing once a month should be sufficient.
Q5: Will clearing my cookies log me out of my accounts?
A: Yes. Clearing your cookies will remove your login details from the websites you have visited, and you may be required to log in again.
In Conclusion
Clearing your browsing data regularly is essential to protect your privacy, especially if you share your device with others. You can use any of the methods mentioned in this article to delete your history and cookies on Safari. Remember, once you delete your data, it cannot be retrieved, so ensure you are prepared before deleting your browsing data.