Safari Privacy and Security Settings on Mac

Safari’s privacy and security settings help limit tracking, block deceptive websites, and control what sites can access on your Mac. Review them periodically, especially after changing browsers or restoring settings; the exact options can vary slightly with your macOS version.

What You’ll Need

A Mac with Safari installed and permission to change its settings.
A few minutes to review site permissions and decide which websites you trust.
Your macOS account password or Touch ID if your Mac requests authentication for a system setting.

Step-by-Step

Open Safari settings. Open Safari, choose Safari > Settings from the menu bar, then select a tab to review. On older macOS versions, the command may be named Preferences. Changes generally take effect immediately.
Review tracking protections. In Privacy, leave Prevent cross-site tracking enabled unless you have a specific compatibility reason to change it. This limits third-party tracking across websites; it does not make you anonymous or prevent every form of tracking. Use Manage Website Data to see stored cookies and other site data, or remove selected entries. Removing data can sign you out or reset site preferences. Choose Remove All only if you are comfortable clearing data for all listed sites.
Choose how cookies and site data are handled. Safari does not provide a universal setting that blocks every cookie in every version. Avoid installing unfamiliar extensions that promise total privacy. If a site behaves unexpectedly, check whether its essential cookies or stored data were removed, and allow only what is necessary for that site to work.
Turn on fraud warnings. In the Security tab, enable Warn when visiting a fraudulent website, if the option is available. Safari can warn about sites suspected of phishing or other fraud. Treat a warning seriously: do not enter passwords or payment details; close the page or navigate to the organisation’s known address yourself.
Check website permissions. Open Websites and review categories such as Camera, Microphone, Location, Notifications, and Screen Sharing where available. For each category, remove access from sites that do not need it. Prefer Deny or Ask as the default when offered, and grant access only to a site you recognise and are using for a clear purpose.
Review per-site settings. In a Websites category, select a site shown in the list and change its permission or remove it. You can also visit the site, choose Safari > Settings for This Website when available, and adjust relevant options. Remember that a site may request permission again later; read the prompt rather than approving automatically.
Control pop-ups and downloads. In Websites, inspect Pop-up Windows and choose a restrictive default, such as blocking or asking, if offered. Allow pop-ups only for a trusted site that needs them. Check Safari’s general settings for the download location, and avoid opening files you did not expect or do not trust.
Keep extensions to a minimum. Open the Extensions tab and remove or disable extensions you no longer use or cannot identify. Extensions can request access to website content, so check their permissions and install only from a source you trust. If an extension is responsible for a site problem, turn it off temporarily and test again.
Use private browsing when appropriate. Choose File > New Private Window for a session where Safari should not save that window’s browsing history in the usual way. Private browsing does not hide activity from websites, your network, or services you sign in to, and it is not a substitute for changing privacy settings.
Update macOS and recheck. Install available macOS updates through System Settings > General > Software Update. Safari updates are generally delivered with macOS updates. Afterward, revisit Safari settings if a permission or option appears to have changed.

Common Mistakes

Assuming private browsing makes you anonymous. It mainly limits what Safari saves locally for that session. Websites and network operators may still observe activity.
Allowing every permission prompt. Camera, microphone, location, and notification access should match the task. A prompt appearing does not mean the site needs that permission.
Clearing all website data to fix one site. This can sign you out everywhere and erase useful preferences. Remove data for the affected site first where possible.
Expecting tracking prevention to block all ads or tracking. It reduces some cross-site tracking but cannot guarantee that every tracker, advertisement, or data collection method is blocked.
Leaving unknown extensions installed. An extension can affect what you see and interact with online. Review its identity and access instead of assuming that a familiar name is trustworthy.

Tips

Review site permissions every few months and after using a temporary service, meeting, or online tool that needed device access.
When a site requests access, ask whether the feature you are using genuinely needs it. You can usually deny access and change it later in Safari > Settings > Websites.
Use unique passwords and, where available, multi-factor authentication for important accounts. Safari privacy settings do not replace account security.
For sensitive browsing, close tabs you no longer need and sign out of accounts on shared Macs. Private windows do not sign you out of services.
Use the address bar carefully. A padlock or secure connection indicates an encrypted connection, not that a website is honest or safe.

Troubleshooting

A website stops working after a setting change: In Safari > Settings > Websites, find that site under the relevant category and change its permission to Ask or allow access if you trust it and the feature requires it. If necessary, remove that site’s data under Privacy > Manage Website Data, then reload and sign in again. This may reset its preferences.

A permission does not appear or cannot be changed: Check the matching category in Safari’s Websites tab, then check macOS privacy controls in System Settings > Privacy & Security. The available controls depend on macOS and the feature. Quit and reopen Safari after changing a system permission.

Safari keeps showing unwanted notifications: In Safari > Settings > Websites > Notifications, deny or remove sites you do not recognise. If alerts continue, review notification access in System Settings > Notifications and remove access for Safari or the relevant source as appropriate.

A security warning appears: Do not bypass it just to reach the page. Close the tab, check the address for misspellings, and access the organisation through a known bookmark or address. If the warning occurs on many legitimate sites, update macOS, check the Mac’s date and time, and try again.

An option is missing: Menu names and available settings vary by macOS release. Update macOS if possible, and search System Settings for the privacy category you need. On a work or school Mac, an administrator may manage some settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Safari prevent all tracking?
No. Tracking prevention limits some cross-site tracking, but it cannot stop every website, tracker, or network from observing activity.

Will clearing Safari website data delete my passwords?
It can remove cookies and site data, sign you out, or reset preferences. Saved passwords are managed separately, but check what the confirmation says before clearing data.

How do I stop a website from using my camera or microphone?
Open Safari > Settings > Websites, choose Camera or Microphone, then deny or remove the site. Also check macOS System Settings > Privacy & Security.

Are Safari Private Windows completely private?
No. They reduce the browsing history and related information Safari stores locally for the session, but do not conceal activity from websites, network operators, or accounts you use.

Why does Safari ask for permission again?
A site may ask again after you change its setting, clear its website data, or use a different browsing context. Review the request and grant access only if it is needed and you trust the site.

Do Safari security settings update automatically?
Safari is generally updated through macOS updates. Check System Settings > General > Software Update regularly and install available updates.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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