With the increasing need for security and privacy, using strong passwords has become more important than ever. However, it can be frustrating when you have to remember too many passwords. To make our lives easier, we tend to save our passwords on Safari, thinking that it will save us from the hassle of typing them repeatedly. But, what if we want to delete the passwords saved on Safari?
Deleting passwords from Safari will not only ensure security but also free up space on your Mac. This blog post will walk you through different methods to delete passwords from Safari on Mac. We will cover everything from what you need, what requires your focus, different methods to delete passwords, and implications and recommendations.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
You will need:
- A Mac computer
- Safari browser installed on your Mac
- Basic knowledge of your computer operating system
- A minute or two of your time
What Requires Your Focus?
Before proceeding to delete passwords from Safari, it is crucial to make sure that you remember your important passwords. We suggest you write down the important passwords and store them in a secure location. Once you have a record of your important passwords, it is safe to proceed with deleting the passwords saved in Safari.
Different Methods to Delete Passwords from Safari on Mac
Method 1: Delete passwords manually
Deleting passwords manually from Safari is a straightforward process. You can delete individual passwords or all passwords saved on Safari in one go. Here are the detailed steps for deleting passwords manually:
- Open Safari on your Mac.
- Click on "Safari" in the top menu bar, and select "Preferences."
- Click on the "Passwords" tab.
- You will be prompted to enter your Mac login password, enter your password and click on "Authenticate."
- A list of saved passwords will appear; select the password you want to delete.
- Click on the "Remove" button, and the password will be deleted.
- If you want to delete all saved passwords, click on "Remove All."
- Confirm the action by clicking on "Remove Now."
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward
- Delete individual and all saved passwords
- No additional tools or software required
Cons:
- Time-consuming if there are many passwords saved
- Possible to mistakenly delete important passwords
Method 2: Use iCloud Keychain
iCloud Keychain is an Apple service that securely stores passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information. By using iCloud Keychain, you can access your passwords on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. Deleting passwords saved in iCloud Keychain will automatically delete them from Safari as well. Here are the detailed steps for deleting passwords using iCloud Keychain:
- Open "System Preferences" on your Mac.
- Click on "Apple ID."
- Click on "iCloud" in the left pane.
- Select "Keychain" in the right pane.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Click on the "Details" button next to the saved password you want to delete.
- Delete the password by clicking on the "Remove" button.
Pros:
- Syncs passwords across multiple Apple devices
- Easy to use
- Deletes passwords from Safari as well
Cons:
- Requires an Apple ID
- Deletes all saved passwords in iCloud Keychain, not just individual passwords
Method 3: Use Third-Party Software
There are several third-party software applications available that can help you manage and delete passwords saved on Safari. Some examples include Dashlane, LastPass, and 1Password. These password management tools can not only delete passwords saved on Safari but also store them securely, generate strong passwords, and help you auto-fill forms. Here are the detailed steps for using third-party software to delete passwords from Safari:
- Download and install your preferred password management tool on your Mac.
- Open the tool and log in with your account credentials.
- Select "Safari" as the browser to manage.
- Select the passwords you want to delete, or delete all passwords at once.
Pros:
- Allows you to manage passwords from multiple browsers
- Easy to use
- Provides additional features such as password generation and form autofill
Cons:
- Requires installation of third-party software
- May require a subscription
- May need to transfer passwords from Safari manually to the password management tool
Why Can’t I Delete Passwords from Safari on Mac?
1. Password is Protected
A password that is protected by a website cannot be deleted from Safari. Some websites protect their logins by disabling Safari’s ability to remember passwords. This is done to increase security, and once it’s done, you cannot delete the password from Safari.
How to Fix: Unfortunately, you cannot delete a password that is protected by a website. You can only choose to stop Safari from offering to save new passwords in the future. To do so, go to Safari preferences, select "Passwords," and uncheck the "AutoFill user names and passwords" checkbox.
2. Incorrect Login Credentials
If you cannot delete a password, it is possible that the login credentials entered in Safari are incorrect. Make sure you enter the correct username and password associated with the website.
How to Fix: Check the login credentials associated with the website. If the password is still not deleting, try using another method or contact the website’s support team.
3. Safari is Outdated
You may not be able to delete passwords if Safari is outdated. Safari releases updates regularly, and the latest version is crucial for the best browsing experience.
How to Fix: Open the App Store on your Mac and check for Safari updates. If there is an update available, click on "update" to install the latest version.
Implications and Recommendations
Deleting passwords from Safari can have a significant impact on security and privacy. It is recommended to delete passwords that are no longer in use or those that have been compromised. Here are some of the implications and recommendations of deleting passwords from Safari:
- Ensure security and privacy.
- Free up space on your Mac.
- Maintain good password hygiene by deleting unused or compromised passwords.
- Remember important passwords and store them in a secure location.
5 FAQs about Deleting Passwords from Safari on Mac
Q1: How do I disable "AutoFill user names and passwords" on Safari?
A: To disable "AutoFill user names and passwords" on Safari, follow these steps:
1. Open Safari on your Mac.
2. Click on "Safari" in the top menu bar and select "Preferences."
3. Click on the "Passwords" tab.
4. Uncheck the "AutoFill user names and passwords" checkbox.
Q2: Can I delete passwords from Safari on iPhone?
A: Yes, you can delete passwords from Safari on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch by following similar steps. Go to "Settings" > "Passwords" > "Website & App Passwords" and select the password you want to delete.
Q3: Will deleting passwords from Safari log me out of websites?
A: No, deleting passwords from Safari will not log you out of websites or delete your accounts.
Q4: Can deleted passwords be recovered from Safari?
A: No, once you delete passwords from Safari, they cannot be recovered.
Q5: What happens to passwords saved in Safari if I reset my Mac?
A: If you reset your Mac, passwords saved in Safari will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered after the reset.
Final Words
With the increasing need for digital security and privacy, deleting passwords from Safari has become more important than ever. In this blog post, we have covered different methods to delete passwords from Safari on Mac, including manual deletion, iCloud Keychain, and third-party software. We have also discussed why you may not be able to delete passwords and recommendations and implications of deleting passwords from Safari. We hope this guide has helped you secure your digital life and encouraged good password hygiene.