make safari default browser on mac

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How to Change Your Default Browser on Mac

In macOS, Apple's Safari is the default browser for accessing the web, but you don't have to keep it that way. This article shows you how to change your default web browser to an alternative option. Keep reading to learn how.

While Chrome is the most popular choice among Mac users, Microsoft Edge is catching up. In fact, Edge is on the verge of overtaking Safari as the world's second most popular desktop browser , thanks to its fast performance and strong feature set.

While all browsers have something different to offer, the choice between them really comes down to personal preference. The main contenders are all free to download, so the best thing to do is install them, try them out, and keep the one you like best. Then you can make it your default browser to replace Safari.

The following sets of steps show you how to do just that. The first set of steps assume you are running macOS Ventura or later, while the second set of steps are for earlier versions of macOS that still feature the System Preferences panel. Bear in mind that both sets of steps assume you have already downloaded and installed the browser you want to use.

Change Default Browser on macOS Monterey and Earlier

• Launch System Preferences from your Mac's Dock, from the Applications folder, or from the Apple menu bar (  -> System Preferences... ).

Change Default Browser on macOS Ventura and Later

• Launch System Settings from your Mac's Dock, from the Applications folder, or from the Apple menu bar (  -> System Settings... ).
• Select Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.

That's all there is to it, you have now successfully changed your default web browser from Safari to your preferred app. Want to do the same thing on your iPhone or iPad ? Check out our dedicated article to learn how .

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How to Change the Default Web Browser on a Mac

Last Updated: October 26, 2023 Tested

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd . Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 544,257 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to make a web browser other than Safari your default web browser on a Mac computer. Common third-party browsers include Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge, but you can set any browser that's installed on your Mac as the default browser.

Install your preferred web browser.

• Google Chrome – Download from https://www.google.com/chrome/downloads .
• Microsoft Edge – Download from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge
• Firefox – Download from https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox .
• Opera – Download from https://www.opera.com .
• Vivaldi – Download from https://vivaldi.com/download .
• Brave – Download from https://brave.com/download .

Open your Mac's System Preferences.

Click the "General" icon.

Select a browser from the "Default web browser" menu.

• If you don't see the browser that you want to use, restart your Mac and then re-open the System Preferences window to try again.

Community Q&A

• Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera are all good choices for an alternative browser. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Some web browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer) don't work on a Mac. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201607

About This Article

1. Download and install your preferred browser. 2. Click the Apple menu icon. 3. Click System Preferences... 4. Click General 5. Click the "Default Web Browser" drop-down box. 6. Click your preferred browser. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Change the Default Browser on Your Mac

Change Default Browser on Mac Computer (August 2022)

Change default browser in macos ventura on your mac.

2. The System Settings app opens the “Appearance” settings by default, but we need to move to the “ Desktop & Dock ” settings from the left sidebar to change the default browser on Mac.

Change Default Browser in macOS Monterey or Older Versions

2. The Settings app will now open up. Here, you need to click on “General” .

Change Default Browser from Safari to Google Chrome on Mac

2. If you do not see this notification on the “New Tab” page, check out the method described in the following steps. First, click the vertical three-dots icon at the top-right corner and select “ Settings ” from the drop-down menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are two easy ways to make Chrome the default browser on Mac computers. Firstly, you can click the “Make default” browser option in the Chrome settings. Secondly, you can navigate to the “Desktop & Docks” section in the macOS Ventura settings app to set the default browser.

Set Default Browser in macOS Ventura or Earlier Versions

Getting my start with technology journalism back in 2016, I have been working in the industry for over 7 years. Currently, as the Editor of Beebom, I'm leading the coverage on the website. While my expertise lies in Android, Windows, and the apps world, find me reading manga, watching anime, and playing Apex in my free time.

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How to change your default browser on a Mac computer

• You can change the default browser on Mac in System Preferences or your browser's settings page. 
• Macs set Safari as the default browser, but you can change it to any other browser, like Chrome. 
• When you change your default browser, any links you click will open in your preferred browser. 

Mac computers come with Apple's Safari web browser pre-set as the default browser. This means that Safari will open automatically when you click certain links, even if you don't want it to. 

While Safari is a fast web browser and works well for most web needs, there are drawbacks to using it. One of these drawbacks is that for some websites, other browsers can be faster — for example, Google Apps work better in Google's own browser, Chrome . Other websites might not work with Safari at all. 

You can change your Mac's default web browser through System Preferences or through the browser itself — here's how to do both. 

How to change the default browser on Mac from System Preferences 

1. Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting System Preferences in the drop-down.

2. In System Preferences, click General in the top-left corner.

3. On the General page, click the drop-down next to Default Web Browser.

4. All web browsers downloaded on your computer will appear in the drop-down list. Choose one to set it as your default. Now, whenever you click on a link to open it, it will automatically appear in your chosen browser. 

How to change your default browser on Mac from the browser's settings 

There are dozens of different web browsers you could be using, and the exact method for setting them as your default browser is slightly different for each. Here, we'll use Google Chrome as an example.

1. Open Chrome.

2. In the toolbar at the very top of your screen, click Chrome and select Preferences in the drop-down. 

3. Scroll down to the Default browser section and click Make default .

4. A window will pop up asking if you want to Keep [browser] as your default or Use Chrome . Choose Use Chrome .

• Main content

How to Change the Default Browser on Your Mac

Don’t like Safari? Follow these steps to choose a different default browser on your Mac.

If you use a third-party browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox on the Mac, it’s a good idea to go all the way and make it the default. That way, any links that you select in Mail and other apps will open in your browser of choice and not in Safari.

Let’s figure out what you can do to change the default browser for the Mac.

Change the Default Browser via System Preferences

The easiest way to change the default browser on the Mac is to use the System Preferences app in macOS . You don’t even have to open your browser for that:

• Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences .
• Select the General category.
• Open the dropdown menu next to Default web browser and pick your preferred browser—for example, Google Chrome .

If you want to revert to having Safari as the default browser on the Mac, simply repeat the steps above and set the Default web browser to Safari .

Change the Default Browser via In-Browser Settings

You can also change the default browser on your Mac in-browser. Here’s how to do that using the two most popular third-party browsers for Mac : Chrome and Firefox.

Set Google Chrome as the Default Browser

Follow these steps inside Google Chrome to make it your default browser:

• Open the Chrome menu and select Settings .
• Choose Default browser on the sidebar.
• Select Make Default > Use Chrome .

Set Mozilla Firefox as the Default Browser

Follow these steps inside Mozilla Firefox to make it your default browser:

• Open the Firefox menu and select Settings .
• Make sure that you’re on the General tab.
• Select Make Default > Use Firefox .

Set Your New Default Everywhere

The Mac aside, you might also want to change the default browser on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. That ensures you use the same browser across all of your devices. Learn what it takes to do that.

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How to Change the Default Browser in macOS

Make your favorite browser your computer's first pick

What to Know

• Go to the Apple menu and choose System Preferences > General . Choose a new browser from the Default Web Browser drop-down.
• The list displays only the browsers installed on your Mac. If your choice isn't on the list, go to the browser website and download it.

Apple Safari is the macOS default browser. With alternatives like Chrome , Edge , and Firefox available on the platform, along with Opera , Vivaldi , and other browsers , it's common to have several browsers installed on the same computer. Here's how to change the default browser in macOS (or OS X) Yosemite (10.10) through Catalina (10.15).

How to Change the Mac's Default Browser

To change the default browser on your Mac, change some settings in System Preferences. Here's what to do.

Under the Apple menu, select System Preferences .

Select General .

Select the Default Web Browser drop-down menu and choose a new browser.

The browser list displays only the browsers installed on your Mac. If your choice isn't on this list, go to the browser's website and download it to your Mac.

Close System Preferences to save your changes.

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How to change your default browser in macOS Sonoma

There are many browsers available on macOS, and it's always worth setting your preferred browser as your default.

Using a browser that isn't set to your default on macOS can be an enormous pain. There are few things more annoying than trying to open a link from Messages, only for it to open up in a browser you don't use.

Within macOS Sonoma , making the change can be quick and easy. Depending on the browser you want to make your default, you may not even have to take a trip to System Settings.

How to change your default browser in System Settings

The simplest and most universal way to change your default browser on your Mac is to do so from System Settings. While the switch is easy enough to make, the option is in a rather peculiar spot in System Settings.

• Open System Settings .
• Navigate to Desktop & Dock settings.
• Select your preferred browser from the Default web browser dropdown.

Once you've found your way to the right spot in System Settings, any browsers you have installed will show up in the dropdown menu for selecting a default browser. But, the likelihood is that you probably don't even need to open System Settings to change your default browser.

How to change your default browser from your preferred browser

It is the goal of almost any browser you will ever download that you make it your default browser. With that goal in mind, almost every browser will trip over itself to ask you to take that step. If you have a browser in mind you want to make your default on macOS, setting that change up can be as easy as just opening the browser.

Google Chrome, for example, will be sure to notify you that it is not set to your default web browser upon opening it. A pop-up telling you as much alongside the option to make it your default will linger beneath Chrome's address bar until you either dismiss it or make it your default browser.

Slightly less intrusively, most browsers will have some variation of the phrase "this browser is not your default web browser" at the top of their settings menus. This will often be accompanied by a button to set the browser in question to your default straight from the browser's settings menu.

No matter how you prefer to change your default browser, there are plenty of ways to do so on macOS Sonoma. The important thing is that you do, so to avoid any unwanted annoyances when opening links from other apps.

Because "Desktop & Dock" is a logical place to put the default browser setting.  And obviously it belongs under Widgets. /s

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How-To Geek

How to change your default browser on iphone and ipad.

For the first time, Apple is allowing iPhone and iPad users (that run iOS 14 or iPadOS 14) to change their default web browser app. Here's how.

Safari is a great web browser, but there's a reason why Google Chrome has the largest market share . Thankfully, as long as you're running iOS 14 , iPadOS 14 , or higher, you can set any third-party browser as the default on your iPhone or iPad.

First, open the "Settings" app. If you've lost it in a sea of icons, use Apple's built-in  Spotlight Search  to find the application.

In the Settings menu, locate the section for the browser you'd like to set as your default. For example, navigate to Settings > Chrome to set Google Chrome as your default web browser.

If the third-party browser has been updated to support Apple's default browser switching feature, you will find a "Default Browser App" option in its settings. Tap it.

Next, you'll see a list of every web browser app installed on your device that supports the default browser feature. Tap the name of the browser you'd like to use as your default.

After that, tap the "Back" button once and exit "Settings." From now on, whenever you tap a web address link, it will open in the browser app you chose.

Note that, at the time of writing, rebooting your iPhone or iPad will reset the default setting . It's not clear yet if this was designed to reset or it's a bug.

Related: How to Change Your Default Email App on iPhone and iPad

Also, if you prefer to use a third-party email client, you can change your default email app on iPhone or iPad.

How to Change Default Browser on Mac in macOS 14 Sonoma

Even though the redesigned System Settings app has looked quite impressive to me, there are still quite a few confusing areas. Due to the overhauled design, the settings for several major and nifty features have changed including the ability to enable fast user switching , check Mac’s storage , erase all content & settings , and change the default browser.

If you have used the new System Settings app, chances are you may also have found these changes a bit perplexing because of the relocation. But fret not, I have done all the digging to help you navigate without any hassle. On this very note, let me show you how to change the default browser on Mac.

How to Switch Default Browser on Mac 

It’s worth pointing out that earlier the settings for switching browsers were found in the General section. However, in the updated System Settings app it has gone inside the new Desktop & Dock section, which is not so well-thought-out adjustment. Ideally, it would have been better to keep this setting in the General section.

1. First off the System Settings (formerly System Preferences) app on your Mac. Besides, click on the Apple menu at the upper left burger of the screen and choose the System Settings option in the contextual menu.

2. Now, click on Desktop & Dock .

3. Scroll down to the Default Web Browser section and click on the drop-down menu located right next to it.

4. Next, a menu will appear with all the installed browsers on your Mac. Simply, select the desired web browser and you are pretty much done.

That’s it! The change will come into force straight away. Going forward, this browser will work as default. That means all the web links will open in this app only.

Set a Browser As Default Right From Within the App on Mac

It’s important to note that macOS allows you to switch the default browser from an app itself. When you open a browser that is not currently set as the default option, you would get a prompt to do so. Just click on the prompt saying something like “Make Safari Default” and you are good to go.

Set Your Favorite Browser As Default on Mac With Ease

While I’m very fond of Safari, Google Chrome remains my go-to tool across platforms. Aside from being feature-packed, Chrome boasts the largest collection of extensions. Whether you want to customize the browser for enhanced functionality or boost your productivity by adding handy tools like Grammarly, Google’s offering has got you fully covered.

Not to mention, it also provides seamless interaction with all the Google apps like Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Sheets which most of us use in our personal and professional lives. However, what separates Safari from the rest is the wide range of security and privacy features.

If you are someone who prefers to have top-notch safeguards, this one should easily fit your bill. On top of all, Apple’s offering also stands out in terms of efficiency and consumes way less power than rivals. That said, where do you stand between the Google Chrome vs Apple Safari rivalry? It would be great to have your thoughts in the comments below.

Ratnesh Kumar

Ratnesh Kumar is an experienced tech writer with over six years of experience. All this years he has written at TechYorker, BrowserToUse, Fossbytes, MakeTechEasier, SysProbs and several other publications. When not writing, he likes to listen Punjabi music or watch Cricket match.

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iOS 17: How to Set a Default Browser Other Than Safari

The iOS 17 update makes it easier for users to change their default browser. Apple is seemingly encouraging users to try other browsers. Although this change is currently exclusive to those from EU countries, it could become a permanent feature once newer public iOS versions are available.

How to Set a Default Browser Other Than Safari in iOS 17

Time needed:  2 minutes

Apple will automatically show a choice screen the first time you open Safari after upgrading to iOS 17. The pop-up displays the most popular browsers in your region. Here’s how to change your default browser engine through it:

In an email to the Apple Developer Program members, Apple shared which web browsers it will display to EU users. The list included:

• Aloha Browser
• Brave Browser
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Onion Browser
• Opera Touch
• Private Browser Deluxe
• Vivaldi Browser
• You.com AI Search Assistant

Apple’s letting other web browser engines in as well. So browsers like Chrome won’t be stuck using just the WebKit engine.

Can We Change the Default Browser in Other iOS Versions?

I want to clarify that iPhone users have been able to change their default browser settings since iOS 14 launched in 2020 .

Apple made this change in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements in the European Union (EU). Users outside its regions won’t see this pop-up yet. But don’t fret too much because nothing changed in terms of functionality—it’s merely a mandatory pop-up for fair trade compliance. You can still explore the best alternatives to Safari .

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How Do I Make Safari My Default Browser

• How-To Guides
• Tech Setup & Troubleshooting

Introduction

Are you tired of your current default browser and looking for a change? Safari, with its sleek design and seamless performance, might just be the perfect choice for you. Whether you’re using a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, setting Safari as your default browser is a simple process that can greatly enhance your browsing experience.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make Safari your default browser on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS . By the end, you’ll be enjoying the fast and user-friendly features of Safari without any hassle. So, let’s dive in!

Safari is Apple’s native web browser, known for its speed, security, and compatibility with Apple devices. With a clean interface and advanced features like content-blocking extensions and seamless integration with iCloud, Safari offers a superior browsing experience for Apple users.

Whether you’re a long-time Mac user, a proud owner of an iPhone, or a fan of the iPad, using Safari as your default browser can significantly improve your browsing speed and overall satisfaction. By setting Safari as your default browser, you’ll enjoy a seamless browsing experience as links from other apps will automatically open in Safari.

Now, let’s get started and learn how to make Safari your default browser on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS!

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences

The first step to making Safari your default browser is to open Safari Preferences . This will allow you to customize various settings and ensure that Safari is set as your default browser.

Here’s how you can open Safari Preferences:

• Launch Safari on your device. You can find it in the Applications folder on macOS, or on your home screen on iOS and iPadOS.
• In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on “Safari” for macOS or tap on the “Settings” app icon on iOS and iPadOS.
• A dropdown menu will appear. From the options provided, select “Preferences” for macOS, or scroll down and tap on “Safari” for iOS and iPadOS.

Once you’ve opened Safari Preferences, you’re ready to proceed to the next step of setting Safari as your default browser.

Note: The menu options may vary slightly depending on the version of macOS, iOS, or iPadOS you are using. However, the overall steps to access Safari Preferences will remain the same.

Step 2: Set Safari as Default Browser on macOS

Setting Safari as your default browser on macOS is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Safari Preferences as mentioned in Step 1.
• Click on the “General” tab at the top of the Preferences window.
• In the “Default web browser” section, you will see a drop-down menu labeled “Default web browser”. Click on the menu to reveal a list of available browsers.
• From the list, select “Safari” to set it as your default browser.

Once you have selected Safari as your default browser, any links you click on in other applications will open directly in Safari.

Additionally, you have the option to customize advanced settings in Safari Preferences. You can configure preferences related to privacy, extensions, downloads, and more, according to your preferences.

With Safari set as your default browser, you can enjoy the seamless integration of Safari with other macOS features. Safari supports features like Handoff, which allows you to start browsing on one Apple device and quickly continue on another.

Now that you have successfully set Safari as your default browser on macOS, let’s move on to the next step and learn how to do the same on iOS.

Step 3: Set Safari as Default Browser on iOS

Setting Safari as your default browser on iOS devices is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to make Safari your default browser:

• Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device. You can find it on your home screen.
• Scroll down and tap on “Safari” in the list of available settings.
• On the Safari settings screen, locate the “Default Browser App” option.
• Tap on “Default Browser App” to open a list of available browsers.
• Select “Safari” from the list to set it as your default browser.

Once you have set Safari as your default browser on iOS, all clickable links from other apps will automatically open in Safari.

Not only does Safari offer a smooth and seamless browsing experience on iOS, but it also provides features like Safari Reader, Intelligent Tracking Prevention, and the ability to sync bookmarks and browsing history across your Apple devices via iCloud.

With Safari as your default browser, you’ll enjoy faster browsing speeds, enhanced privacy features, and the convenience of accessing your bookmarks and saved passwords across multiple devices.

Now that you’ve successfully set Safari as the default browser on your iOS device, let’s move on to the final step and learn how to do it on iPadOS.

Step 4: Set Safari as Default Browser on iPadOS

Setting Safari as your default browser on iPadOS is similar to setting it on iOS. Follow these steps to make Safari your default browser on your iPad:

• Open the “Settings” app on your iPad. You can find it on your home screen.
• Scroll down and tap on “Safari” in the list of settings.

After setting Safari as your default browser on iPadOS, any links that you click on in other apps will automatically open in Safari.

Safari on iPadOS offers a seamless browsing experience with features like Split View, Slide Over, and the ability to open multiple tabs side by side. You can also use Apple Pencil to draw and make annotations directly on web pages.

With Safari as your default browser, you’ll benefit from its excellent performance, robust security features, and optimized browsing experience designed specifically for iPad.

Now that you’ve successfully set Safari as your default browser on iPadOS, you’re ready to explore the web with ease and take full advantage of Safari’s features.

Setting Safari as your default browser on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS is a simple process that can greatly enhance your browsing experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can seamlessly integrate Safari into your daily web activities and take advantage of its powerful features.

Safari, Apple’s native web browser, offers a smooth and user-friendly experience across all Apple devices. With its speed, security, and seamless integration with other Apple features, Safari is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient browsing solution.

By setting Safari as your default browser, you’ll enjoy the convenience of opening clickable links from other apps directly in Safari. This streamlined experience saves time and ensures a consistent browsing experience across all your devices.

Whether you’re using Safari on macOS, iOS, or iPadOS, you’ll benefit from its advanced features such as content-blocking extensions, Handoff, Safari Reader, and iCloud integration. These features enhance your privacy, boost productivity, and give you greater control over your browsing experience.

Now that you have learned how to set Safari as your default browser on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, why wait? Take the next step and make Safari your go-to browser for a seamless and enjoyable web browsing experience.

Embrace the speed, reliability, and user-friendly features of Safari, and discover the wonders of the internet with your new default browser.

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6 of the Best Safari Alternatives for Your Mac

As the default browser on Apple computers, Safari offers compelling usage, thanks to its deep integration into the Mac ecosystem, yet it isn’t without its faults and shortcomings. If you are interested in exploring other web browsers, check out these Safari alternatives.

1. Best Overall Safari Alternative: Opera

2. best open-source safari alternative: brave, 3. best for people already using microsoft software: microsoft edge, 4. best for extensions: google chrome, 5. best for built-in privacy: duckduckgo, 6. best for the environmentally conscious user: ecosia.

One of the best known of the “mid-tier” Internet browsers, Opera has been in the browser game since 1996 and Windows 95. With a solid balance of speed and power, a number of built-in features help make Opera a standout choice. By including a free VPN, Opera effortlessly helps shield your browsing habits and blocks cryptocurrency mining.

Similarly, Opera includes built-in ad-blocking to remove ads that can slow down page load times to ensure that Opera remains fast, without having to worry about adding an excessive number of extensions. Opera also shines on the Mac with its built-in Messenger programs. Messaging services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are all integrated into a sidebar on the left side of the Opera window.

Like Safari, Opera also offers a beautiful mobile app on both Android and iOS that can easily sync bookmarks, open tabs, and more. Using Opera on Mac means adding all of Safari’s best features, plus a whole host of features you never knew you needed. It’s a win-win for any Mac user.

In the world of Internet browsing, Brave remains something of an anomaly. Launched by one of the original Firefox creators, Brave stormed out of the gate promising something no other browser has previously done . Unlike Safari, Brave adds all of today’s browser essentials, like built-in ad-blocking.

Where Brave differentiates itself is that it will pay you to look at ads. This is something Safari users can only dream about. In lieu of ads on web pages, Brave instead shows you random ads and pays you to look at them. You’ll be paid in cryptocurrency, and this unique idea has earned Brave lots of attention.

Brave also has a feature that lets you answer search queries with AI. When you do this, you’ll see a ChatGPT-style breakdown.

Microsoft Edge is built on the same platform as Chrome and works off the same rendering engine, with terrific results. Where Microsoft diverges from Google is that it added strong privacy tools right from the get-go. This approach closely matches the experience Apple provides with Safari, meaning Edge users don’t give up personal security while browsing online.

Outside of its privacy focus, Edge excels with a native look on Mac, so it feels right at home during browsing sessions. Any MacBook Pro users with the Touch Bar will discover native video controls and easy access to tabs. Given that few browsers have prioritized Touch Bar support, Edge’s focus on the user experience helps make it an easy transition out of Safari.

Microsoft Edge also has a “Deep search” feature that’s powered by AI. After the search has been finalized, you can segment based on different categories that may meet your needs. If you have a question, use Microsoft Copilot to answer instead of looking for results.

Google Chrome is often seen as one of the main Safari alternatives for Mac users, and for good reason. The browser is easy to navigate and lets you quickly bookmark essential tabs that you access daily. Moreover, you can add shortcuts to your favorite web pages.

Chrome also has several extensions to access frequent apps and simplify your browsing workflows. For example, you can automate boring browser tasks with your Chrome extensions , and even prank your friends with funny extensions .

Google Chrome has a helpful Passwords and Autofill feature that lets you save online login details for easy access. You can also customize your browser with several themes.

DuckDuckGo is one of the most renowned browsers for privacy , and it has an impressive suite of built-in features. The browser lets you search for and block trackers, block cookie pop-ups, and import login details from other browsers.

For each website you visit, DuckDuckGo will show you which trackers it has blocked. You can also toggle whether to switch on protections for specific websites.

DuckDuckGo has a “Burn” feature that lets you clear your browsing history after each session. Access the tool via the fire button.

Ecosia is an easy-to-use web browser that doesn’t require an app download. It lacks many of the in-depth features that you’ll find in other Safari alternatives, but it’s fine if you just need something that performs basic functions.

One of Ecosia’s biggest draws is that it’ll plant trees when you find the information you need. Ecosia claims that it has planted over 200 million trees, making it a great choice if you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious.

Ecosia also has an AI chat tool that works like an assistant chatbot. After asking a question, you’ll receive an explanation with the chance to explore the web further if needed.

Mac users have plenty of Safari alternatives to choose from, and you’ll almost certainly find something that meets your needs. From privacy-oriented solutions, to search engines with advanced customization, think about your needs and explore each of these options. If you decide to stick with Safari, learn how to check and search your browsing history .

Image credit: DALL-E 3. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.

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Danny has written for online audiences for 10+ years. He specializes in Apple products and loves writing on his MacBook, keeping in touch on his iPhone, and measuring his workouts on his Apple Watch. Danny's work has featured in multiple places online, including MUO, Lifewire, and Guiding Tech. Away from the keyboard, he's passionate about photography and leading an active lifestyle outdoors.

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Safari Technology Preview

Get a sneak peek at upcoming web technologies in macOS and iOS with Safari Technology Preview and experiment with these technologies in your websites and extensions.

• Safari Technology Preview for macOS Sonoma Requires macOS 14 or later
• Safari Technology Preview for macOS Ventura Requires macOS 13 or later
• Release Notes

June 5, 2024

Safari beta

Try out the next version of Safari for upcoming macOS releases. To access the latest beta versions of Safari, sign in with your Apple ID.

View downloads

Release Date

September 20, 2021

Guides and sample code

Get details on implementing web technologies with guides, reference, and sample code.

• Safari Web Extensions
• Apple Pay on the Web
• Security Keys
• Video Content in Safari
• More Safari Documentation

Watch and learn from our engineers as they show how to bring the latest web technologies to your websites on Safari.

• Watch Safari and Web Videos

Ask questions and discuss a variety of web development topics with Apple engineers and other developers.

• Apple Developer Forums

Featured web technologies

Safari extensions.

Safari extensions are a powerful way to add new features to Safari. They are built in Xcode with web technologies, such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript and powerful native APIs. Now you can distribute and sell them through the App Store on Mac, iPhone and iPad.

• Meet Safari Web Extensions on iOS
• Explore Safari Web Extension improvements
• Converting a Web Extension for Safari
• Creating a Content Blocker
• Submit Your Extension

Universal links

Seamlessly link to content within your app or on your website in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. With universal links, you can always give users the most integrated mobile experience, even when your app isn’t installed on their device.

• Universal Links

Smart App Banners

Make it easy for people to discover and download your app using iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. With Safari Smart App Banners, you can display a banner that provides a direct link to your app on the App Store, or opens the app if the user already has it installed. Smart App Banners integrate seamlessly and are easy to implement.

• Promoting Apps with Smart App Banners

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

Deliver streaming media to apps on iOS and iPadOS or HTML5-based websites using an ordinary web server.

• HTTP Live Streaming

Safari iCloud Keychain

Easily create more secure logins for users in iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey or later using iCloud Keychain verification codes. Take advantage of verification codes, AutoFill, iCloud Keychain sync, and two-tap setup to simplify the multistep sign-in process.

• Secure login with iCloud Keychain verification codes
• Securing Logins with iCloud Keychain Verification Codes
• Safari Push Notifications

Use the Apple Push Notifications Service to send notifications to your website vistors, right on their Mac desktop — even when Safari isn’t running. These notifications display your website icon and notification text, which people can click to go right to your website.

• Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles

Introduced by Apple, WebKit is the most advanced rendering engine, drawing the web pages in Safari on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

• WebKit Open Source Project

Write automated tests to exercise web content in Safari to ensure a good user experience, and run those same tests against other browsers with a WebDriver-compliant driver.

• macOS WebDriver Commands for Safari 11.1 and earlier
• macOS WebDriver Commands for Safari 12 and later
• About WebDriver for Safari
• Testing with WebDriver in Safari

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Browsers for the real you

Download free Opera browsers for computer, mobile, gaming, and data saving. Discover web browsers for everything you do on every device, connected and customizable. See more

Innovative browsers

Create tab groups, chat with ai, use integrated messengers and more, in a browser that’s perfectly tailored to your needs., opera browser.

Browsing reinvented

Speed, security and innovative features, Opera delivers real solutions for the way you use the internet.

Save data and load websites faster with Opera Browser’s built-in ad blocker .

Protect your privacy for free - block ads, tracking scripts and more while browsing.

Stay connected with built-in messengers and share files between web browsers with Flow .

Customizable

Choose web browser themes, integrated features, Opera addons & Google Chrome extensions.

Millions of people worldwide choose Opera browsers

Twitter in the sidebar.

Explore and tweet conveniently with a better view on desktop.

Save and collect web content easily, share it visually.

Instagram in the sidebar

Use Instagram in Opera’s sidebar while you browse.

Search in tabs

Work and browse more efficiently with many open tabs.

Organize tab groups in separate customizable workspaces.

Browse with less distractions and load websites faster.

Enhance online videos and images in one click.

Facebook Messenger in the sidebar

Use Messenger on desktop in Opera Browser.

Personal news

A customizable and convenient newsfeed on your start page.

Snapshot tool

Easily capture, edit and share your snapshots from webpages.

Instantly send files, links and notes between your devices.

Video pop-out

Pop out online videos so they float on top of webpages as you browse.

Import bookmarks

Easily manage, customize and keep your favorite places online.

Synchronize the Opera browsers on any of your devices.

Attach files in one click without digging through folders.

Battery saver

An easy way to noticeably extend your laptop’s battery life.

Unit converter

Automatically convert time-zones, currencies and units of measurement.

Player in sidebar

A world of music and podcasts at your fingertips.

Opera desktop browsers

Opera mobile browsers, browse the web longer, get the latest features first, share content instantly, personalize opera browser more, do it all in one browser, get opera on all your devices, enjoy cleaner web browsers, you deserve a better browser.

Opera's Ad blocker, Player, Lucid Mode and Flow file sharing. Just a few of the must-have features built into Opera for faster, smoother and distraction-free browsing designed to improve your online experience.

Safari User Guide

• Get started
• Go to a website
• Bookmark webpages to revisit
• See your favorite websites
• Use tabs for webpages
• Import bookmarks and passwords
• Pay with Apple Pay
• Autofill credit card info
• View links from friends
• Keep a Reading List
• Hide ads when reading
• Translate a webpage
• Download items from the web
• Add passes to Wallet
• Save part or all of a webpage
• Print or create a PDF of a webpage
• Interact with text in a picture
• Change your homepage
• Customize a start page
• Create a profile
• Block pop-ups
• Make Safari your default web browser
• Hide your email address
• Manage cookies
• Clear your browsing history
• Browse privately
• Prevent cross-site tracking
• See who tried to track you
• Change Safari settings
• Keyboard and other shortcuts

Clear cookies in Safari on Mac

You can see all the websites that have stored cookies and website data on your Mac, and you can remove some or all of it.

Open Safari for me

Click Manage Website Data.

Select one or more websites, then click Remove or Remove All.

Removing the data may reduce tracking, but may also log you out of websites or change website behavior.

Note: Removing cookies and website data in Safari may change or remove them in other apps.