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It's a good practice to keep your web browser constantly updated for security reasons , but Apple Safari on Mac doesn't have an update button. Here's how to keep Safari updated.

Every year, Apple releases new features for Safari, and you usually install them without realizing it because they're linked to macOS updates that you get in System Preferences.

But because Safari is a browser, Apple often lets you update to the latest version of Safari without installing the next big OS release. For example, while Safari 14.0 came bundled in macOS Big Sur , macOS Catalina users can still update to it. Apple also provides regular security updates to older versions of Safari, which is the main reason why  we recommend that you keep it updated .

Related: Why You Should Update All Your Software

To update Safari, you'll have to use the Software Update feature in System Preferences. To get there, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen.

In the menu that appears, choose the "System Preferences" option.

In System Preferences, click "Software Update."

The Software Update panel will show you whether there are any software updates available for your Mac. If there are, you have two choices.

If you want to install the latest operating system along with the latest version of Safari, just click the "Update Now" button and follow the process.

Related: Why You Should Update Your Web Browser

If you only want to install an update to Safari, click "More Info" under the list of available updates to see a detailed list of all updates.

After clicking "More info," a panel will appear listing the updates available for your Mac. Make sure that the "Safari" update is selected, and uncheck "macOS" if you don't want to install a system update along with it. When you're ready, click "Install Now."

After a while, the Safari update will be installed on your Mac.

Once the update process is finished, you can safely quit the System Preferences app using the red Close button in the corner of the window.

Since this process is somewhat confusing and non-obvious, we recommend enabling the auto-update feature to keep Safari and your Mac updated. Good luck!

Related: How to Update Your Mac and Keep Apps Up to Date

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How to Update Safari on Mac: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Last updated: October 11, 2023

Expert verified

To update Safari on Mac, navigate to System Settings , click General , and select Software Update . If an update is available, click the Update Now button. It will update your macOS and Safari app.

You can also update Safari via the App Store, by turning on automatic updates, and using third-party apps, like MacKeeper.

• Regularly updating Safari on Mac offers enhanced security against vulnerabilities, faster page loading times, new functionalities, bug fixes, and compatibility with modern websites.
• Before updating, check your current Safari version by launching Safari, clicking Safari in the menu bar, and selecting About Safari .
• For hassle-free updates, enable automatic updates to ensure Safari updates itself.
• You may face issues while updating due to an outdated macOS, internet connection problems, insufficient storage, server issues, software conflicts, or having disabled automatic updates.

Want a smoother and safer online journey? It’s time to give your Safari a quick boost! Safari, Apple’s default web browser for Mac, frequently releases updates that offer enhanced features, security patches, and performance improvements.

Even if you’re new to Mac or have been using it for years, updating Safari is a breeze. In this guide, I’ll show you simple steps to update Safari on Mac and get the latest version. Let’s get started and make sure you’re surfing the web at its best.

Before We Begin

MacKeeper’s Update Tracker is designed to keep all your apps, including Safari, up-to-date without the manual hassle. It scans your Mac for outdated software and lets you know when it’s time for an upgrade. It ensures you’re always using the latest versions of your apps, enhancing security and performance.

Why Do You Need to Update Safari on Mac?

Updating Safari on your Mac isn’t just about accessing the latest features, it’s about optimizing your entire browsing experience. It ensures you have a safe, fast, and enjoyable online journey.

Here’s why it’s essential to update Safari on Mac:

• 🛡️ Enhanced Security : With each update, Apple introduces security patches to protect users from potential threats. Keeping Safari updated ensures you’re safeguarded against the latest known vulnerabilities.
• ⚡ Improved Performance : Updates often come with performance enhancements. This means faster page loading times, smoother video playback, and a more responsive browsing experience.
• 🆕 New Features : Apple continually innovates, introducing new functionalities and tools in Safari. By updating, you get to enjoy these fresh features firsthand.
• 🐞 Bug Fixes : No software is perfect. Over time, users and developers identify bugs in Safari. Updates rectify these issues, ensuring a more stable browsing experience.
• 🌐 Compatibility : As websites evolve, they use newer technologies and coding practices. An updated browser ensures you can view and interact with these sites as intended.
• 🎨 Optimized User Experience : Apple often refines the user interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Regular updates mean you’re always getting the best UI/UX enhancements.

How to Check the Current Version of Your Safari Browser

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of updating your Safari browser, it’s a good idea to determine which version you’re currently using. Knowing your current version can help you decide if an update is necessary and ensure you’re not missing any new features or security enhancements.

Here’s how to check the current version of your Safari browser:

• Launch Safari on your Mac by clicking the Safari icon in the Dock or the Applications folder.

• Click Safari in the menu bar and select About Safari .

• In the window that pops up, you’ll see the version of Safari you’re currently using. It will be displayed prominently, usually as Version XX.XX.XX (with the Xs representing numbers).

And that’s it! You’ve successfully checked the current version of your Safari browser.

How to Update Safari on Your Mac

Keeping your Safari browser updated ensures you benefit from the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. The easiest way to get the updated version of Safari on your Mac is via updating your software.

Here are the steps to update Safari on Mac:

• Click the Apple logo and select System Settings .

• ​​Click General and select Software Update .

• Your Mac will check for updates automatically. If your Mac is up-to-date, it will show your current macOS version. But if an update is available, click the Update Now button to download and install it.

• Wait for the update to finish downloading and installing. Once the update is installed, Safari will also be updated to its latest version.

How to Update Safari via the App Store

While the built-in Software Update feature on your Mac is a direct way to keep Safari current, there’s another method that many users find convenient: the App Store. The App Store isn’t just for downloading new apps, it’s also a hub for all your software updates, including Safari.

Here’s how to update apps on macOS via the App Store:

• Click the Apple menu and select App Store .

• Click the Updates tab in the App Store window.

• If updates are available, you will see a list of apps that can be updated.

• Click the Update button next to Safari if it has an update.

How to Update Safari By Turning on Automatic Updates

Want to keep Safari updated without the hassle? There’s an easy way: turn on automatic updates. This means Safari will update itself, so you always have the latest features and security fixes. No need to remember or check for updates.

Here’s how to enable automatic updates on Mac:

• Click the Apple menu and select System Settings .
• Click General and select Software Update .
• Click the small i icon next to Automatic updates .

• A new window will appear. Toggle on the Install application updates from the App Store switch.

• Enter your Mac password to confirm.
• Once you have made your selections, click Done .
• Now, your Mac will automatically check for and install updates in the background.

Update All Apps in One Go With MacKeeper

Do you want a one-click solution to update all your apps, including Safari? MacKeeper can help you with that. Instead of updating each app individually, MacKeeper lets you refresh everything at once. If you’re all about saving time and ensuring every app is at its best, this is for you.

Here’s how to update apps on macOS using MacKeeper’s Update Tracker:

• Download and install MacKeeper.
• Launch MacKeeper and click the Update Tracker tab in the left sidebar.

• Click Scan for Updates .

• MacKeeper will scan your Mac for outdated apps and display a list. To select an app, check the little box next to it or click Check All to select all apps.

• Click Update All .

• Wait for the updates to complete. This can take a while, depending on the number and size of updates.

• You’ll get an Update Completed notification. Click Rescan if you want to update more apps. 

Why Is Safari Not Updating on Your Mac?

If you’ve tried updating Safari on your Mac and encountered issues, several factors could be preventing the update. Let’s explore some common reasons for Safari failing to update on your Mac:

• 🖥️ Outdated macOS : Safari is deeply integrated with macOS. If your operating system is outdated, it might not support the latest version of Safari. Ensure your macOS is up-to-date before attempting to update Safari.
• 🌐 Internet Connection Issues : A stable internet connection is essential for downloading updates. Check if your Mac is connected to the internet and that the connection is stable.
• 💾 Insufficient Storage : Updates often require free storage space. If your Mac is running low on space, it might not be able to download or install the update. Consider freeing up some storage.
• 🚫 Server Issues : Sometimes, Apple’s servers might be overloaded or down, especially if a major update has just been released. If this is the case, try updating later.
• 🛠️ Software Conflicts : Other software or utilities on your Mac might interfere with the update process. Consider disabling or uninstalling any recent apps or utilities and then try updating again.
• 🔄 Automatic Updates Disabled : If you’ve disabled automatic updates, Safari might not update on its own. Check your settings to ensure automatic updates are enabled.
• 🚧 Beta or Developer Versions : If you’re using a beta or developer version of Safari or macOS, you might face update issues. Consider switching to the stable release.

If you’ve checked all these factors and still can’t update Safari, it might be a good idea to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance.

Update Safari on Your Mac

An updated Safari ensures a seamless and secure browsing experience on your Mac. Understanding the potential reasons behind update issues and knowing how to address them, equips you to keep your browser in top shape.

Here are some more tips to improve your Safari experience:

• If Safari is running slow on Mac , updating it might help prevent performance issues and improve your browsing.
• Safari crashing on your Mac can indicate many underlying issues, like outdated software, malware, or too many extensions.
• You can delete Safari history on your Mac to make it run smoothly and avoid crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i install an older version of safari.

Yes, you can install an older version of Safari, but it requires some technical steps and isn’t recommended due to potential security risks. Always ensure compatibility with your macOS version and consider the benefits of newer updates before reverting.

Can I update Safari without updating macOS?

Yes, you can often update Safari without updating macOS. However, certain Safari versions may require a specific macOS version. It’s recommended to check Safari’s update requirements or use the App Store to see available updates for Safari independently of a full macOS upgrade.

Can I update Safari on my old Mac?

Yes, you can update Safari on older Macs, but it’s dependent on the macOS version your device supports. If your Mac can’t upgrade to a newer macOS, you might be limited to an older Safari version. Always check compatibility before updating.

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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How to update the Safari browser on your Mac computer by installing the latest version of macOS

• You can update your Safari browser on a Mac computer by updating to the latest available version of macOS. 
• For those with macOS Mojave or later, you can easily check to see if there are any updates available for your computer and its various apps in your System Preferences.
• If you have an older version, you'll instead have to go through the App Store.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

The first step to updating your Safari browser is checking if your Mac actually has any available system updates. 

If you have macOS Mojave or later, upgrades will come via your System Preferences. If you have a software update available, you can install it to get the updated version of Safari.

System Preferences is also where you can check for any individual upgrades to other Mac apps and programs that might be available for your computer.

Here's how to check if you have any updates available, and if so, how to install them:

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Macbook pro (from $1,299.99 at best buy), how to update your safari browser on a mac computer.

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and selecting "System Preferences."

2. Select "System Updates" — it's marked with a gear icon.

3. Your computer will then check if there are any updates or upgrades available for your Mac.

4. If there are upgrades available, click "Upgrade Now" to continue.

To make things easier, you can tick the box next "Automatically keep my Mac up to date" so that you won't have to worry about making updates in the future.

If you have an older MacOS version, like High Sierra, Sierra, or El Capitan, for example, you would be able to check for updates by going to the App Store — which can also be accessed via the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen. 

From there, toggle over to the "Updates" section, if necessary, and click "Update," next to Safari (if available), or "Update All" if multiple updates are available.

Related coverage from  How To Do Everything: Tech :

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• Main content

How to update Safari — Get the latest browser updates on iOS and macOS

Get the latest features on your Safari browser

Safari is the third-most popular browser, following gold medal-holding Google Chrome and relatively new silver medalist Microsoft Edge . Safari offers various features that keep its users happy and secure. However, occasional updates are still necessary to ensure that you get the best experience from your Safari browser. This article will teach you how to update your Safari manually.

Safari often updates multiple times in a year. It does this to patch new security vulnerabilities and stop attacks from hackers. However, there are times when updates may include new functionalities or changes to the look of the system.

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By default, Safari updates without any action required from you. However, if you need to update Safari manually, you have come to the right place. Below are the steps to update Safari on macOS and iOS . 

How to Manually Update Safari on macOS

1. To update your browser on macOS, click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences . This will open the System Preferences window.

2. Next, click on Software Update and wait for your device to load.

3. Select any updates related to your Safari browser. If none are shown, it means that your Safari is already up-to-date.

How to Manually Update Safari on iOS Devices

1. The steps to update Safari on iOS differ from those on macOS. Here, the first thing you need to do is open your Settings app.

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2. Go to the General section.

3. Click on Software Update . Wait for your iOS device to load and select the updates related to Safari. You now have the safest and latest version of your browser. 

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How to Update Safari on Your Mac

Get the latest security updates and access new features

What to Know

• To check for updates, open the App Store, then select  Updates and wait for the scan to complete.
• If you see a list of available updates, select Update All , or choose Update  to install individual patches and apps.
• OS updates also appear in  System Preferences  >  Software Updates .

This article explains how to update Safari on Mac OS X High Sierra (10.13) and later.

How to Check for Updates on Your Mac

The macOS System Status normally notifies you of any OS updates. However, you can check for updates manually by looking in the App Store.

Here's how to manually check for updates:

Open the App Store. Either select it under the Apple menu or click its icon in the Dock .

At the top of the screen, select Updates .

In macOS Catalina (10.15), the Updates option is on the left side of the screen.

After the system scans complete, Updates either presents a list of available updates or states that No Updates Available .

Choose Update All to install all listed updates, or choose Update to install select patches and apps.

You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID and Password . Select Sign In when you finish entering your details.

If you set up two-factor authentication, you're prompted to enter a verification code. Enter the number and select Verify .

The patch or update installs. You'll see a progress bar as it installs.

When the update is finished, a list of Updates Installed in the Last 30 Days appears. When the installation is complete, close the App Store.

You may not see any updates available if your system is set to Automatically keep my Mac up to date . OS updates also appear in System Preferences > Software Updates .

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How to update the Safari browser on your Mac

Apple has been consistent in updating Safari with new features in the past years, including performance enhancements and some whopping privacy upgrades . The MacOS Monterey update is also giving its browser a new look with Safari 15, a version that includes new web code support for more advanced pages, Passkey support for the iCloud Keychain, highlights to emphasize important information, and a whole lot more.

Step 1: Head to the App Store

Step 2: check your updates, step 3: update safari if available, step 4 (optional): add safari extensions.

If you don’t have automatic updates turned on or are delaying certain updates for your Mac, you may not be able to benefit from the latest features right away. The solution is to manually update Safari itself — and fortunately, it’s quite easy to take care of. Here’s how to do it.

Log into your Mac and go to the App store. You can easily open it by selecting the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the MacOS screen and then select App Store .

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When the App Store first opens, look to the left-side menu. Toward the bottom, you should see a section called Updates . Navigate there to check on the status of available app updates.

The Updates section is divided into several parts depending on the status of your apps. There may be a Pending section for apps that are in queue to be updated but need authorization or more time to complete. There could be an Updates Available section for apps that have available updates that haven’t been started yet. And you may also see a Recently Updated section to check on updates that have been recently applied.

Look for Safari in the Pending or Updates Available sections. If you see it look for a blue Update button to the right of the app. If available, select this to begin your Safari update.

Troubleshooting note: If it looks like something is wrong with Safari, such as a pending update that can’t complete or a notice that says something like Unable to Update Safari , then you should try rebooting your Mac and updating again to see if this helps. If it does not work, you should check on your MacOS updates. If your version of MacOS has fallen behind the latest updates for Safari, it may not be available until you complete a more comprehensive upgrade.

Remember, you can typically use this full MacOS update method to update Safari at any time. However, since a MacOS update requires backing up your data and logging out of everything beforehand, it’s not always a feasible option if you’re in the middle of some long-term work. Updating Safari by itself may be a better option.

If you are excited about a new extension that has recently come to Safari, a standard update won’t include it — you’ll have to add it yourself. In the App Store, select the Categories option in the menu. In the list that appears, select Safari Extensions .

Here, you will be able to view the latest extensions and add them to Safari as you prefer. If you want some ideas, check out our list of the best browser extensions .

Reinstalling Safari

Keep in mind that you can choose to delete Safari entirely. If it looks like Safari has a bug or performance issue, deleting the app and reinstalling it is one method of getting everything up to date while fixing your issue. However, the only way to reinstall Safari this way is to reinstall MacOS altogether. You won’t lose any data, but it will take longer to do, so always be careful when deleting Safari.

A note about Safari on Windows

Yes, you can technically download Safari on Windows. However, since Safari 5, Apple has stopped working on this Windows version of the app, so no updates will be available for it. That also means that security and performance for the Windows version have fallen by the wayside, so we don’t suggest using this app at all.

For more information, you may be interested in checking out our best browsers for Mac , and the best web browsers in general based on their lastest updates!

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That means you'll need to look into converting your VHS tapes to DVD, Blu-ray, or digital formats to take a trip down memory lane. Even if you're not interested in checking out the footage today, it makes sense to get the film converted – after all, those VHS tapes are slowly deteriorating, and if they go bad, all that footage will be forever lost.

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How to Update Safari on Any Mac (Even Really Old Ones)

How do updates for Safari work?

When it came to keeping Safari up to date, Apple has typically issued new updates for their web browser through the Mac App Store. However, with the introduction of macOS Mojave 10.14 back in 2018, Apple decided to bundle Safari updates into system updates in macOS, so then when you update macOS, Safari will also be updated.

How to update Safari on your Mac with macOS High Sierra or earlier

For those with an older Mac with macOS 10.13 High Sierra, 10.12 Sierra, 10.11 El Capitan or older, updating Safari is done using the Mac App Store. To update, first head to the Mac App Store and click Updates . At the top of the list of updates should be any pending macOS updates. Click where it says More to see updates available for built-in apps like iTunes or Safari. If there’s an update for Safari, you should see an update button next to it next to Safari. The Safari update should take a few seconds depending on how fast your internet connection is. Once it’s done, Safari is now up to date.

How to update Safari on your Mac with macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur and Monterey

If you have a Mac that has macOS 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur or 12 Monterey, your updates for Safari are done via System Preferences. To update Safari on your Mac, click the Apple icon on the top left of the menu bar. Then choose System Preferences and go to Software Update . Once there, click where it says More info and you should see any specific Safari updates, if available. To install the Safari updates, just click the Install Now button.

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How to use Safari on a Mac

Safari is the web browser app bundled with all Macs as part of macOS. You don’t have to use it – if you prefer to use Chrome or Firefox, for example, you can install those apps for your web surfing needs. But in our experience, Safari is a good option – and as you can see from our round-up of best web browser apps for the Mac , it’s pretty much the best you can get.

If you are new to Safari this article will help you find your way around the app. And if you are a seasoned Safari user we will reveal a few Safari tips and tricks that you might not know, including some of the fab new features in Safari 11, the latest version of Safari for Mac.

If you’d like to read about using Safari on the iPad or iPhone, read this .

How to get the latest version of Safari for Mac

First things first. You will want to make sure you have the latest version of Safari. At the time of writing the most up-to-date version is Safari 11.1.

Here’s how to find out which version of Safari you are running:

• Open Safari.
• Click on Safari > About Safari in the menu.
• The resulting window will reveal the version number.

As long as your copy of MacOS – the Mac operating system – is up to date your copy of Safari should be because Safari is bundled as part of an operating system update.

However, you don’t have to be using the latest version of macOS to have the latest version of Safari. Apple is bundling Safari 11 with High Sierra, Sierra and El Capitan versions of the Mac OS. If you need to update your version of MacOS read this: how to update your Mac operating system software .

Now that you have the latest version of Safari you can start enjoying some of the new features that we will discuss below.

Safari basics

If you are a surfing novice you might want to familiarise yourself with these tips.

We’ll start off with the basics, such as how to get into Safari, how to search, and other useful pointers. You can skip this bit if you aren’t a Safari beginner, there are plenty of tips below that you might find useful.

You can find Safari in the Dock at the bottom of your Mac’s screen. Its icon looks like a compass.

How to use Safari

The big bar at the top of the Safari window is where you can enter a website URL or a search term to either take you directly to a website, or to a list of pages that match your query.

It will automatically search in Google (but you can change it so it defaults to another search engine).

You rarely have to enter a complete URL for a website. Once you have visited a site once you only need to type a few letters of its name and it will autofill the rest of the URL.

For example, type: ‘Face’ and it will autofill the rest of the URL and when you press enter it will take you straight to Facebook.

How to make it easy to find your favourite sites in Safari

There are lots of ways of making it easy to get to websites you frequently visit.

When you open a new tab (see below for details of how to do that) you will see your Favourites view including Frequently Visited Sites. You could also choose to see a Top Sites view, set a Homepage, just see an empty page, or have the Same Page show up. These are all options you can access in Safari > Preferences > General. Just click on the menu beside New tabs open with.

If you choose the Top Sites view you can adjust it to show 6, 12 or 24 sites. To add and remove Top Sites hover over the preview until you see an x and a pin icon. Pin those sites you wish to keep and click x on those you don’t image you will want to find again. The sites that appear in Top Sites tend to be those you visit most frequently.

You can choose one of these views for every time you open a new Safari window.

How to Pin a site in Safari

In Safari you can also ‘Pin’ favourite sites to the menu bar – a simple way of adding a shortcut to Facebook, YouTube or any site you visit frequently.

When you Pin a site you will see a small icon representing that site on the left of your tabs.

To Pin a particular web page right- or control-click on the tab and choose Pin Tab. Then it’s very easy to go straight to that site.

Using tabs in Safari

Back to tabs. You can open multiple tabs in a Safari window, this means that rather than having a different Safari window open for every website you are on, you can just have one Safari window open and multiple pages accessible through that.

To open a new tab press Command + T.

There are two ways that you can see a preview of the different tabs you have open:

• You can see a short summary of the name of the web page on the tabs themselves. This might be sufficient if you only have one or two tabs open, but once you have more than eight you’ll probably find the summary is too short to be useful.
• Or, you can click on the icon that looks like two boxes on the right of the search/URL box. This will show a thumbnail view of all the web pages you have open.

While we’re on the subject of Tabs, you can close a single tab just by hovering over the tab and clicking on the x that shows up in the corner of that tab.

It’s also possible to close all but one tab. Just hold down the Option/Alt key when you click on the x to get rid of all the other tabs that are open, except for the page on that tab.

How to tell which Safari tabs are playing audio

Not everyone wants to surf the web in silence though. There is lots of very worthy audio and video content available on the web and no doubt many surfers wouldn’t want to miss out on that.

The problem is when you have multiple web pages open and more than one of them is blaring out audio.

Luckily there is another Safari tip to fix that.

You can identify which of your open tabs is playing audio by the speaker symbol that appears in the far right of the Safari tab associated with that web page.

It’s possible to mute the audio with a single click on the speaker symbol without even opening the tab.

And if more than one Safari webpage is playing audio you can choose to mute them all at once. Just click on the speaker symbol in the URL bar and choose Mute all Tabs.

Alternatively, you can Option/Alt-click on the speaker icon of the tab you do wish to listen to and mute the audio on all the other tabs.

How to reopen all windows from the last session

Here’s another useful tip. You can easily reopen all the tabs you had open last time you were using Safari.

Click History > Reopen All Windows from Last Session to quickly recover all the windows you were recently looking at. You might also find this helpful: How to export bookmarks from Chrome to Safari

How to show the full URL in Safari

Another handy Safari tip. In Yosemite Safari stopped showing the whole URL – a feature designed to help avoid users being taken in by phishing scams, wherein the URL is obfuscated. In other words, if you’re visiting https://macworld.co.uk/this/page/that/page then all you’ll see in the address bar is macworld.co.uk.

If this isn’t what you want, perhaps you want to see the full URL of the article you are reading, you can change things so that the whole URL is shown.

Open Safari’s preferences dialog box (Cmd+,) then click the Advanced icon and put a check alongside Show Full Website Address.

How to change how you view websites in Safari

One of our favourite features in Safari 11 is the extra control we have over the web. You can tweak the settings of specific websites so that they suit you for example.

How to change the font size on a website

You can tweak your settings so that when you visit a specific site the images and text are bigger – perfect if you are frustrated to find that the text on a favourite website is a bit too small for your eyes.

Here’s how to enlarge (or reduce) the font size on a particular website so that it stays that size whether you visit:

• Go to Safari > Preferences.
• Click on the Websites tab.
• Click on Page Zoom.
• Find the site you want to customise (any site you have open or have recently visited will be listed here).
• Choose a number bigger or smaller than 100% depending on how large you want the text and images to be.

You can do this on a per website basis, or if you frequently find that the text on websites is too small for you, you can choose to default to the percentage that suits you wherever you go on the web. Note that not all websites are created the same so some will naturally have larger type than others.

To choose the zoom percentage for all websites, click in the drop down box beside “When visiting other websites”.

Another benefit of having access to these controls that allow you to change the way you view the web is that it enables you to stop seeing ads and auto-playing videos. We’ll look at that below.

How to stop ads and auto-playing videos in Safari

Another enticing feature of Safari is the way you can choose to adjust the settings so that you never see another ad or auto-playing video again. We’ll look at how to do that next.

How to stop autoplay audio and video in Safari

Perhaps you are frustrated by auto-playing video blaring out every time you visit a website.

With Safari 11 you can disable autoplay video, so you will never again have to hear voices while you are browsing the web. Here’s what to do:

• Open the offending website.
• Click on Safari > Settings for This Website (or right-click the URL box and select Settings for This Website).
• Allow All Auto-Play
• Stop Media with Sound
• Never Auto-Play

Stop Media with Sounds is the default option, and it will essentially stop any video from starting if the sound is set to be on. If the video is set to play silently it will still run but you won’t hear it, unless you choose to.

If you would rather not let auto-playing video play, you can choose Never Auto-Play.

Remember that if you adjust the settings this way it will only apply to autoplay videos on that website. If you’d like to never see an autoplaying video again follow these steps:

• Go to Safari > Preferences and click on Websites.

And there is an option below to choose the same settings “When visiting other websites”.

We have a complete tutorial that explains how to use this feature here: How to stop autoplay video in Safari & Chrome on Mac .

We also cover how to stop Safari asking to use your location data here .

How to stop seeing ads on websites in Safari

While ads pay a part of our wage, we realise that some ads can really reduce the enjoyment of web browsing. Usually these are ads that have something wrong with the way they have been coded and aren’t behaving as intended, or even worse they are spam ads that have crept onto the ad networks. We are honestly as frustrated as you are!

One of the big changes Apple bought to Safari 11 was the ability to really manage the ads that you see – this was part of Apple’s effort to make the web work better. Effectively, if Apple can remove ads that aren’t behaving as intended and are jamming up page loading times and the like, then Safari will perform quicker, which means that the surfer has a better time surfing.

There are a few ways you can take advantage of these anti-ad related features in Safari 11.

One way is to choose to surf the web – or certain pages – in Reader mode.

Reader mode is a way of viewing webpages that Apple introduced back in 2010 in Safari 5. Reader displays just the text and images from a webpage, without any of the other page furniture. We think it is a bit like reading a Word document or a PDF. The feature hasn’t changed much over the years, but in Safari 11 it’s became possible to choose for a site to always be viewed in Reader Mode.

First, here’s how to view a site in Reader mode:

• Click on the stack of lines to the left of the URL bar.
• This will automatically change the webpage to Reader view.
• Click on the stack of lines to turn Reader view off.

It’s worth checking how a site appears in this mode before switching over to it because not all sites implement it particularly well (sometimes you will find that an article stops abruptly because only one page has been carried into Reader view). Some sites don’t have a Reader view at all (such as Apple, for example).

And here is how to customise your settings so that whenever you visit that site the pages are viewed in Reader mode:

• Click on Reader.
• Find the site you want to customise (any site you have open, or have recently visited will be listed here).
• Toggle the drop-down menu beside that site to On.

A quicker way to do this is to right-click or control-click on the stack of lines beside the URL and choose Use Reader Automatically.

Or, as long as you are on the website you wish to change the setting for, you can click on Safari > Settings for this Website, and choose Use Reader When Available.

How to surf in private using Safari

Another useful feature in Safari is the option to use a private browsing window. This doesn’t just keep your browsing habits private from someone else who has access to your Mac, it also means that you are incognito – in other words even the websites you are visiting don’t have any information about you.

Go to Safari > File > New Private Window (or shift-cmd-n). You can tell if a window is private because the search bar will be grey. Any new tabs you open in this window will be private.

Alternatively, to open a Private Browsing window you can click shift, command and N.

You can tell it’s a private window because the URL field will be greyed out.

Hold down Option/Alt while picking Private Browsing to quickly switch it on and bypass the ‘Do you want to switch on Private Browsing?’ alert window if you happen to see it frequently. We have a complete guide to private browsing on Safari here .

For even more privacy, you can choose to always search with privacy-obsessed DuckDuckGo as your default search engine. Go to Safari > Preferences > Search, and click on the Search Engine. Then select Duck Duck Go from the Search Engine dropdown list. You can choose from Google, Bing, Yahoo or DuckDuckGo.

How to delete your histroy in Safari

If you didn’t search using a private browsing window you can still delete your history and evidence of what you were up to.

• Click on History.
• Scroll down and click on Clear History.
• You can choose to clear history for Today, the last hour, today and yesterday, or all history.
• You’ll see a warning that Clearing history will remove related cookies and other website data. Basically this is warning you that if you go ahead and Clear History you may find that you have to log onto websites, or shopping cart information may disappear.
• If you are happy with that then click on Clear history.

We have a complete tutorial all about how to delete your browser history on a Mac here .

How to delete cookies in Safari

Another new feature that came in Safari 11 was the introduction of privacy protection, a feature that’ll stop those annoying Amazon adverts showing you products after you’ve bought them.

Safari actively tries to block the cross-site tracking data that powers targeted adverts. While it won’t completely stop it, it should have a noticeable effect when using the browser.

According to Apple this isn’t an attempt to block ads, but rather to protect your privacy.

This means that you should no longer need to delete cookies if you want to stop seeing targeted ads (cookies have also been known to affect the price for goods if you have previously shown an interest in a product so deleting cookies could avoid such practices).

If you want to go a step further regarding cookies in Safari 11 there are some preferences changes you can make.

• Beside Website tracking click on Ask websites not to track me.
• Beside Cookies and website data click on Block all cookies.

If you aren’t using Safari 11 you can still delete cookies.

• Click on the Privacy tab.
• Click on Remove All Website Data…

Here’s how to add your own background image to Safari.

Author: Karen Haslam , Editor

Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld two decades ago. 

Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.

Recent stories by Karen Haslam:

• How to reset an Apple ID if you forgot the password
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How To Update Safari On Your Mac: A Step-By-Step Guide

I t's no secret that Safari is the go-to browser for many Mac users . Sure, other browsers like Google Chrome have their advantages , especially if you're deep into Google's ecosystem, but using third-party browsers other than Safari on your Mac has downsides. Safari is optimized for macOS and integrates seamlessly with your other Apple devices like your iPhone and iPad by using Handoff.

If you've been a part of the Apple ecosystem for a while now, you're probably aware of Handoff, a very convenient Apple feature that allows you to begin a task on one of your devices, and pick up where you left off on another device.

Safari is no exception — Handoff allows you to start reading or watching something on your iPhone or iPad, and pick up where you left off on your Mac. This not only saves you the time of looking for a webpage but also makes jumping from one task to another extremely simple. Like any application, keeping Safari up to date is extremely important. Not only do new Safari updates come with newer features, but Apple also frequently rolls out updates to address security threats.

Now that you know it is a good idea to install Safari updates whenever they're rolled out, the real question is: How do you update Safari? Strangely enough, if your Apple device is updated to macOS Ventura or later , the only way to update Safari is to update your Mac itself.

Read more: The 20 Best Mac Apps That Will Improve Your Apple Experience

How To Update macOS

While you can't update Safari without updating macOS, you can check which version of Safari you're currently using. To do so, open the Safari app on your Mac and click on Safari from the menu bar. Now, select About Safari from the dropdown menu. Once you do so, a dialogue box will appear. The version of Safari you're currently using should be mentioned below the "Safari" text.

If you'd like to update Safari, follow the steps below to update macOS:

Click the Apple menu in the menu bar and select System Settings from the dropdown menu.

Select General from the sidebar on the left.

Click Software Update and wait for a few seconds.

Now, if a new update is available, click Update Now next to Updates Available.

If a Safari-specific update is available, you can click More Info and select Safari from the "Updates are available for your Mac" section.

To avoid having to update macOS manually to update Safari, we recommend enabling automatic updates. This way, you won't miss out on new features and can rest easy, knowing that Apple has fixed any known security threats . To do so, click the info icon next to Automatic updates and toggle on the switch next to Download new updates when available, Install macOS updates, and Install Security Responses and system files.

Read the original article on SlashGear

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How to Change Safari Settings on iPhone or iPad

Last Updated: November 4, 2019 Tested

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA . Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 35,687 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to customize the behavior of the Safari web browser on your iPhone or iPad. If you're using iOS 13 or later, you now have the option to choose display options for individual websites in addition to making global changes.

Changing Web Preferences by Website

• Changes you make with this method will only affect the currently-open website. If you want your preferences to affect all websites rather than just for those you customize, see the Changing Web Preferences for All Websites section instead.

• Select Ask on a feature if you'd like to be asked each time the site tries to access the feature (default).
• Select Deny if you never want the site to access the feature.
• Select Allow to always allow the site to access the feature.

Changing Web Preferences for All Websites

• It is also possible to customize these settings on a per-website basis. See this method to learn how.
• Changing your web preferences using this method will not affect sites you've customized individually.

• Select Ask on a feature if you'd like to be asked each time any site tries to access the feature (default).
• Select Deny if you never want websites to access the feature.
• Select Allow to always allow websites to access the feature.

Changing General Safari Settings

• Use the sliders in the "IN SAFARI" section at the top to choose whether Siri has access to Safari.
• Use the sliders in the "IN SEARCH" section to customize whether Safari options show when searching your iPhone/iPad or using the Shortcuts app.
• Tap the back button when you're finished.

• Tap AutoFill to adjust which information appears automatically in form fields, such as your name, address, phone number, email, and credit card info.
• Pop-up ads are blocked in Safari by default. If you'd like to see pop-up ads on websites, slide the "Block Pop-ups" switch to the Off (gray) position.
• Tap Downloads to choose where to save files and media you download from websites. You'll have the option to choose a cloud storage service or your iPhone/iPad.

• To allow sites and services to track your browsing anywhere on the web, slide the "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" switch to the Off (gray) position. To retain your privacy, you can leave this switch in the On (green) position.
• Cookies are used by websites to keep track of your visits, preferences, and login information (for sites that require username/password access). [2] X Research source The "Block All Cookies" switch is Off (gray) by default, but you can enable it by toggling it to the On (green) position.
• Safari will display a warning message if a website you visit is deemed fraudulent in some way. If you don't want to see these messages, you can toggle the "Fraudulent Website Warning" switch to the Off (gray) position.
• Adjust the "Check for Apple Pay" switch to reflect your desired Apple Pay behavior on all websites.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.cultofmac.com/636450/how-to-use-safaris-amazing-new-settings-in-ios-13/
• ↑ https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-what-are-cookies.html

About This Article

1. Go to a website in Safari. 2. Tap the Aa button. 3. Tap Website Settings . 4. Make your changes. 5. Tap Done . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Update Safari On IPhone

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Keeping your Safari browser up to date is crucial for a smooth and secure browsing experience on your iPhone. Regular updates not only enhance the browser's performance but also patch security vulnerabilities, ensuring that your online activities remain safe and protected. In this article, we will explore the various methods to update Safari on your iPhone, empowering you to stay current with the latest features and security enhancements.

As technology continues to evolve, web browsers like Safari undergo frequent updates to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape. These updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features that enhance the overall browsing experience. By staying up to date with the latest version of Safari , you can take advantage of these enhancements and ensure compatibility with the latest web technologies and standards.

Whether you use Safari for casual browsing, online shopping, or accessing sensitive information, maintaining an updated browser is essential for safeguarding your privacy and security. With each update, Apple addresses potential vulnerabilities and strengthens the browser's defenses against emerging threats, providing you with a more secure environment for your online activities.

By understanding the importance of keeping Safari updated, you can harness the full potential of your iPhone's browsing capabilities while minimizing the risks associated with outdated software. In the following sections, we will delve into the step-by-step procedures for updating Safari on your iPhone, empowering you to take control of your browsing experience and ensure that you are always equipped with the latest enhancements and security features. Let's embark on this journey to discover the seamless process of updating Safari on your iPhone, enabling you to embrace the full potential of this powerful web browser .

Check for Updates in the App Store

One of the most straightforward methods to update Safari on your iPhone is by checking for updates in the App Store. The App Store serves as a centralized hub for managing and updating all the applications installed on your device, including the Safari browser. Here's how you can ensure that Safari is up to date by leveraging the App Store's update functionality:

Open the App Store : Begin by tapping on the App Store icon on your iPhone's home screen. The App Store provides access to a vast array of applications, games, and updates, making it a pivotal platform for managing your device's software ecosystem.

Navigate to the Updates Tab : Once the App Store is launched, navigate to the "Updates" tab located at the bottom of the screen. This section displays a comprehensive list of available updates for all the installed applications, including Safari.

Locate Safari in the Update List : Scroll through the updates list to locate Safari. If an update is available for Safari, it will be listed here along with other applications that have pending updates.

Initiate the Update : Upon finding Safari in the updates list, tap the "Update" button next to the Safari listing. This action prompts the App Store to commence the download and installation of the latest Safari update, ensuring that your browser is equipped with the most recent features and security enhancements.

Verification and Completion : Once the update process is initiated, the App Store will verify the update and proceed to install it on your device. Depending on the size of the update and your internet connection speed, the process may take a few moments to complete.

By leveraging the App Store's update functionality, you can effortlessly ensure that Safari remains up to date, enabling you to benefit from the latest improvements and security patches. This method provides a user-friendly approach to managing software updates, allowing you to stay current with the evolving features and capabilities of Safari without navigating through complex settings or menus.

Updating Safari through the App Store is a seamless and efficient process, empowering you to maintain a secure and optimized browsing experience on your iPhone. By regularly checking for updates in the App Store, you can proactively stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and ensure that your browsing activities are supported by the latest advancements in Safari's functionality and security measures.

Update Safari through Settings

Updating Safari through the Settings app on your iPhone provides an alternative method to ensure that your browser remains current with the latest features and security enhancements. This approach offers a direct pathway to managing Safari updates, allowing you to seamlessly maintain the browser's performance and security. Here's a detailed guide on how to update Safari through the Settings app:

Access the Settings App : Begin by locating and tapping the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen. The Settings app serves as a central hub for configuring various aspects of your device, including software updates and application settings.

Navigate to General Settings : Within the Settings app, scroll and locate the "General" tab. Tap on "General" to access a wide range of device management options, including software updates, device storage, and accessibility settings.

Select Software Update : Upon entering the General settings, tap on "Software Update." This action triggers the device to check for any available updates for the iOS operating system and installed applications, including Safari.

Check for Safari Updates : After initiating the software update check, the device will display a list of available updates, including any pending updates for Safari. If an update for Safari is available, it will be listed alongside other application updates.

Initiate the Safari Update : If a Safari update is presented in the list, tap on the "Download and Install" option to commence the update process. This action triggers the device to download and install the latest Safari update, ensuring that your browser is equipped with the most recent enhancements and security patches.

Verification and Installation : Once the update is initiated, the device will verify the update and proceed with the installation. Depending on the size of the update and your internet connection speed, the process may take a few moments to complete.

Updating Safari through the Settings app provides a streamlined approach to managing software updates, offering a convenient pathway to ensure that your browser remains optimized and secure. By leveraging the Settings app, you can proactively maintain the performance and security of Safari, empowering you to embrace the latest features and advancements without the need for third-party applications or complex procedures.

By regularly checking for Safari updates through the Settings app, you can stay current with the evolving capabilities of the browser, ensuring that your browsing activities are supported by the latest enhancements and security measures. This method offers a user-friendly and efficient approach to updating Safari, enabling you to harness the full potential of the browser's features while safeguarding your online experiences.

Automatic Updates for Safari

Enabling automatic updates for Safari on your iPhone streamlines the process of ensuring that your browser remains current with the latest features and security enhancements. By activating this functionality, you empower your device to automatically download and install Safari updates as soon as they become available, eliminating the need for manual intervention and proactively safeguarding your browsing experience. Here's a comprehensive overview of how to enable automatic updates for Safari, empowering you to effortlessly stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and benefit from the latest browser improvements.

Navigate to App Store Settings : Within the Settings app, scroll and locate the "App Store" tab. Tap on "App Store" to access a range of options related to app downloads, updates, and automatic update settings.

Enable Automatic Updates : Within the App Store settings, locate the "App Updates" section. Toggle the switch next to "App Updates" to enable automatic updates for all installed applications, including Safari. Once enabled, your device will automatically download and install updates for Safari without requiring manual intervention.

By enabling automatic updates for Safari, you establish a proactive mechanism to ensure that your browser remains equipped with the latest enhancements and security patches. This approach minimizes the risk of running outdated software, providing you with a seamless and secure browsing experience on your iPhone. Additionally, automatic updates alleviate the need to regularly check for Safari updates manually, freeing you from the task of monitoring and initiating updates, and allowing you to focus on your browsing activities with confidence.

By embracing automatic updates for Safari, you harness the convenience of a hands-free approach to software maintenance, empowering your device to continuously optimize and secure the browsing experience without disrupting your workflow. This proactive strategy aligns with the best practices for device security and performance, ensuring that your iPhone remains equipped with the latest features and security measures to support your online activities.

Enabling automatic updates for Safari represents a proactive and efficient approach to maintaining the browser's performance and security, empowering you to seamlessly embrace the latest features and enhancements without the need for manual intervention. By leveraging this functionality, you can confidently navigate the digital landscape, knowing that your browsing activities are supported by the most current version of Safari , fortified with the latest security measures and optimizations.

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Update Safari on macOS

Updated at: Feb 15, 2022

This guide will step you through the process of updating the Safari web browser on macOS.

Do you need to know what version of Safari do I have?

macOS automatically looks for updates

macOS will regularly & automatically check for updates to Safari (and any other software you have installed via the App Store) and prompt you to install updates as they are found.

It should prompt you in the top-right hand corner of the screen when updates are found. If you want to manually check for updates and install them, follow these steps:

Open the App Store

Click the Apple menu icon in the top left-hand corner of your screen.

The system menu will appear, click the " App Store... " item.

This starts the App Store application.

Go to the Updates tab

Along the top of the App Store window which has just opened will be several tabs (or buttons). Click the one on the far-right named Updates

Find and activate the Safari update

The Update screen may look different to the one in the screenshots. Version numbers shown here are examples and may change depending on what is considered the latest version...

On this screen, the App Store will show you all of the updates which are available to you.

It will bundle all of the System Applications (eg iTunes, Safari, Security Updates etc) which have updates available into one main "Software Update" item - shown in the following image.

If you click the UPDATE button, it will install all of those updates in one go. Notice that in some cases this may also require you to restart your computer.

If you click the UPDATE ALL button, it will install all of the System Application updates, as well as any Third Party updates - you may be required to restart with this option as well.

It is generally a good idea to install all of the available updates, but be aware: this may change how some of your software functions in the future. You should always have a backup of your system before you install System Updates.

Upgrading just Safari

If you want to upgrade just Safari and install none of the other available updates, click the blue " More " link; this will expand the System Applications, allowing you to pick and choose which updates to install.

An expanded list of software which has available updates:

Choose which update/s to install by clicking either the Update or Update all button.

App Store will now update Safari on macOS

The latest version of Safari available for your system will download and install itself. This may take a few minutes depending on the speed of your internet connection.

You can see the blue progress bar showing how much of the installation has occured.

Safari is now up to date

Safari is now shown in the Updates installed in the Last 30 Days section of the App Store Updates.

If you chose to also install other App updates, these should be included there as well.

Congratulations, you have now ensured that your copy of Safari is up to date. Confirm this by using our page to check if your web browser is up to date .

Updating in the future

In normal circumstances, the App Store will continue to check for updates and prompt you to install them. If for some reason App Store wasn't able to update Safari, please speak to your IT Support team for further help.

More guides and help for Safari

Need more help with Safari? Read our other Safari guides .

Clear cache & history

Do i need to clear my cache.

Not sure why you've been asked to clear your cache? We can explain. Why you need to clear your cache

What is a cache?

Before you consider clearing your browser cache, you should know what it is! Learn a little bit about browser caches

Is it safe to clear my cache?

Are there any risks to clearing your cache? Find out if it's ok to clear your cache

Update my web browser

Do i need to update my browser.

Find out if your browser is out of date Is my browser out of date?

Why should I update my browser?

There are very good reasons to, find out here! Why update your browser?

Is it free to update Chrome?

Find out about the cost of updating Chrome... Does Chrome cost anything?

What does "Update browser" mean?

What does it actually mean? What does it mean to update your browser

Get help with our guides

How to enable javascript.

Change your JavaScript settings Guide to enabling Javascript

How to enable Cookies

Configure your cookie settings for privacy Guide to enabling cookies

Related articles

I can't log in to a website..

We've got a detailed guide to help you solve login problems How to fix website log in problems

Why do websites use cookies?

Why are cookies useful? Do you need them? What's the deal with cookies?

How to update your browser

Old software puts you at risk. Keep your browser fresh and up to date

Clear Cache, Cookies and History

How to reset your browsing history How to reset your browser

Try a different web browser

Different web browsers have different features - try a different one to see if you prefer it. Experiment a bit!

Use a VPN to hide your IP address

We recommend NordVPN to hide your IP address or to unblock websites. Hide your IP Address

How To Update Safari on an Old Mac: What to Know

For those looking to update Safari on an Old Mac, I don’t really have the best news. I was looking to update the Safari browser on an older system, and what I discovered was a bit of a letdown. While you have some options, they’re a bit limited. Continue reading to learn more about Safari on an old Mac.

How to Update Safari on an Old Mac

If you need to update Safari on an old Mac, unfortunately, Safari is connected to whatever version of macOS you’re using . If you are unable to update to the latest version of macOS, you will only be able to use the version of Safari that supports your operating system. However, there is a way to check to see if you can update Safari.

1. Check for Safari Update

If you want to check to see if you can update Safari, then you will want to check your System Preferences/Settings the same way you would if you were updating macOS. Note that the photos below are just examples of the steps you will take.

Time needed:  2 minutes

To check for an update to Safari.

Unfortunately, this is likely to be your only option in terms of specifically using Safari on your Old Mac.

2. Use a Third-Party Browser

If you are unable to update Safari, remember that there are plenty of third-party browsers available, even for older devices. Some users recommend WaterFox for its similarity to Safari and ease of use on older machines. Of course, Firefox is also incredibly popular and is available on the Apple App Store . Personally, I am a big fan of Google Chrome and it is also available on the Apple App Store .

While this may not be the best news, you still want to do your best to keep your browser as up-to-date as you can. This is especially true if you are using an older machine that is no longer receiving security updates. In fact, you may want to consider how to protect an old Mac . You may also want to look at the best antivirus for an old Mac .

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• Nick deCourville

Don't Like These iOS 17 Settings on Your iPhone? You Can Change Them

There are quick fixes for some of the annoying features in iOS 17.

You don't have to love everything iOS 17 has to offer. 

Six months after iOS 17 was introduced to the  iPhone , you may still be getting used to new features like  StandBy mode , interactive widgets, full-screen  contact posters  for phone calls and the  Journal app . For the most part, these are welcome additions and changes. If you're like me, you might have to relearn some steps when using your phone.

Read more :  iOS 17.2: Check Out These New Features on Your iPhone

I get used to a particular way of doing certain things. For instance, I wasn't a fan of the new search button at the bottom of each home page when I upgraded to iOS 16, because I'd accidentally trigger it all the time. It isn't necessarily a bad feature, I just personally didn't like it.

With iOS 17, there are a few features I'm not a huge fan of, as well. If you want to find out about some of the iOS 17 settings I sometimes find annoying, keep reading. Even better, there's a "fix" for all of them, so you can either get rid of them or never have to deal with them again.

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

While you're here, check out the iOS 17 settings you need to change ASAP and the best hidden features in iOS 17 .

Stop NameDrop from automatically sharing your contact info

The new NameDrop feature on iOS 17 allows you to quickly swap contact information via AirDrop simply by bringing your iPhone near another iPhone or Apple Watch. Your name and Contact Poster (also new with iOS 17) are shared with NameDrop, along with your phone number, email address and other information.

Some people have had issues with NameDrop sharing info when they don't want to. For example, if you place your iPhone near another iPhone in general, NameDrop may attempt to transfer your contact information. If you carry two iPhones in your bag -- one personal and the other for work -- NameDrop could attempt to share contact info between the two, which can be annoying when you're not trying to use the feature on purpose.

Fortunately, there's an easy way to disable NameDrop completely. In the Settings application, go to General > AirDrop and toggle off Bringing Devices Together . Once the feature is off, you won't be able to swap numbers and information via NameDrop.

You can share photos via AirDrop and close proximity, so that too will be disabled when this setting is toggled off.

Hide notifications in StandBy

The StandBy feature is arguably one of the biggest new iOS 17 features to the iPhone, turning your phone into a smart display when it's charging horizontally and showcasing information, like the time, your calendar, photos and notifications, in large blocks that are easy to see. StandBy is a great way to quickly absorb information by glancing at your phone, but if people are around and you want to keep some of your information private, you may not want StandBy to show notifications.

In Settings > StandBy , toggle off Show Notifications . Now when you're in StandBy mode, you won't see all of your notifications displayed. Critical notifications, like weather emergencies, will still be shown in StandBy mode .

Alternatively, you can hide notification previews instead of the entire notification. That way, you can still see what notifications you're getting, you just can't check out the exact details unless you tap on the notification. For this to work, you'll need to enable Show Notifications , as well as the Show Preview on Top Only setting underneath.

Stop Siri from activating so easily

Siri received a few major changes in iOS 17, including the ability to activate the voice assistant by only saying "Siri" -- no more "hey" needed. It's an easier way to quickly open an application or run a shortcut with just your voice, but at the same time, you might accidentally trigger Siri more often, since the new trigger is just a single word now.

If you want to go back to only having Siri activated when you say "Hey Siri" and not just "Siri," go into  Settings > Siri & Search > Listen for and choose the solo "Hey Siri" option. Your iPhone will no longer activate Siri simply when you say "Siri."

You can also just turn off the "Listen for" feature.

For more on iOS 17, learn how to automatically delete multifactor authentication messages in texts and emails  and  how to create Live Stickers .

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Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 192 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview , the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.

The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma , the latest version of macOS that Apple released in September 2023.

The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser . Full release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website .

Apple's aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.

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Top Rated Comments

Safari 17.5 with MacOS 14.5 scored a 14.2, Safari Tech Preview 192 was 13.3, and the latest Google Chrome was 26.8. Uggg....

"and Performance Improvements" Sooooo...at long last, it's the most snappiest Safari we've ever created. You're going to love it

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Update your iPhone, iPad and Mac! New patch fixes nasty Safari issue

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You’d like to think your browser prioritizes privacy. Unfortunately, sometimes our search providers let us down. Tap or click here to take a free, fast test that reveals how much private data our browser is leaking .

Last week, security researchers discovered that Apple’s Safari browser could leak your data to websites you visit. It all comes down to an implementation bug in IndexedDB, designed to hold user data.

Put simply, the bug lets websites see databases they shouldn’t. It also lets them search those databases for information like your browsing history, personal data and even your Google avatar. Luckily, Apple released a new update that fixes this privacy-endangering bug.

Patch the bug ASAP

Don’t wait to update. There’s a lot of personal information at risk. Not only is this bug an invasion of your privacy, but it also lets hackers see your browsing activity in real-time .

If you want to go into the weeds and get a technical understanding of how this works, check out this short video from FingerprintJS , the folks who blew the whistle on Jan. 14.

Fun fact: Someone reported the issue to the WebKit Bug Tracker on Nov. 28, 2021. Apple didn’t take action until Jan. 16 — after FingerprintJS shone a spotlight on the issue. (How curious.)

You can even run a quick test to see the problem in action

Head to  Safari Leaks and see if the site can grab your Google User ID. You can even check out one of its test websites in a new tab. Return to the site and you’ll see that browsing history. It can be creepy to see the surveillance in real-time.

RELATED : Is someone spying on your cellphone?

Typically, this shouldn’t be possible. When Safari is working correctly, Safari Leaks would have no way to find this information. That’s because sites are only supposed to access data from their databases. (Or to be super technical, databases its domain created.)

How to fix the bug

To protect yourself, update your Apple devices. Apple released a few updates:

• iPhone: iOS 15.3
• iPad: iPadOS 15.3
• Mac: macOS 12.2
• Apple Watch: watchOS 8.4

Install the latest OS onto whichever Apple device you’re using. To do this, follow these steps:

How to update iPhone, iPad or iPad touch

• Open  Settings .
• Tap  General .
• Select  Software Update .
• Tap  Install Now .

Instead of  Install Now,  you might see  Download and Install . If so, select that option to download the update. Then, enter your passcode and select  Install Now .

How to update macOS

• Click on the  Apple menu  in the corner of your screen.
• Select  System Preferences .
• Click  Software Update .
• Select  Update Now .

How to update Apple Watch

• Open  Settings  on your  Apple Watch .
• Tap  Software Update .
• Tap  Install .
• Open the  Watch  app on your iPhone and agree to the Terms & Conditions.
• On your  Apple Watch , tap  Download &   Install .

Good news: You’re doing a lot of good when you download the update. Not only are you fixing this bug, but you’re also downloading security updates for iCloud, Crash Reporter, ColorSync and more. Here’s the complete list of updates you’re getting when you download iOS 15.3 .

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Update your iPhone or iPad

Find out how to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

You can update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS wirelessly.

If the update doesn't appear on your device, use your computer to update your device manually. Find out how to update your device manually if you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later , or if you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or a Windows PC .

Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.

Plug your device into a power source and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi .

Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one you want to install.

Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, find out what to do .

If you receive an alert when updating wirelessly

Find out what to do if you see an alert message while trying to wirelessly update your device .

Some software updates aren't available wirelessly. VPN or proxy connections might prevent your device from contacting the update servers.

If you need more space when wirelessly updating

If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because the software needs more space for the update, tap Continue to allow apps to be removed. After the installation process has finished, those apps will be automatically reinstalled. If you tap Cancel instead, you can delete content manually from your device to add more space.

Customise automatic updates

Your device can update automatically overnight while it's charging.

Turn on automatic updates

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Tap Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS Updates.

Turn on Install iOS Updates. Your device will be automatically updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Some updates might need to be installed manually.

Install Rapid Security Responses

Rapid Security Responses deliver important security improvements quicker, before they are included in future software updates.

To get Rapid Security Responses automatically:

Tap Automatic Updates.

Make sure Security Responses & System Files is turned on.

If you don't want Rapid Security Responses to be installed automatically, you can install Rapid Security Responses such as software updates .

If you need to remove a Rapid Security Response:

Go to Settings > General > About.

Tap iOS Version.

Tap Remove Security Response.

You can reinstall the Rapid Security Response later, or wait for it to be installed permanently as part of a standard software update.

Upgrading to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS software provides the latest features, security updates and bug fixes. Not all features are available on all devices or in all countries and regions. Battery and system performance may be influenced by many factors, including network conditions and individual use; actual results may vary.

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.