To stop Safari from saving new browsing history by default, set it to open in a private window: choose Safari > Settings > General, then set Safari opens with to A new private window. To browse privately just once, choose File > New Private Window. Previously saved history must be cleared separately.
Make Safari open in Private Browsing by default
- Open Safari on your Mac.
- In the menu bar, choose Safari > Settings.
- Click General.
- Open the Safari opens with menu and choose A new private window.
If that option is missing, enable the setting that closes windows when you quit an app. On macOS 13 or later, go to Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock and turn on Close windows when quitting an application. On macOS 12 or earlier, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > General and turn on Close windows when quitting an app. Use the wording shown in your macOS version. Apple’s Safari guide and personal safety guide describe these options.
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Start a single private session
For a one-time private session, choose File > New Private Window. A private window has a dark Smart Search field with white text, making it easier to distinguish from a regular window. Apple explains how to use Private Browsing.
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Apple says Safari does not save visited webpages or AutoFill information from private browsing. Recent searches are excluded from Smart Search suggestions, private tabs are not stored in iCloud tabs, and changes to cookies and website data are not saved. Downloads from a private session are omitted from Safari’s downloads list, but the downloaded files remain on the Mac. Private Browsing describes Safari’s local behavior; it does not guarantee that websites or other services cannot retain information.
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Private windows can also retain Back and Forward navigation while they remain open. If someone else may use the Mac, close other private windows; delete any downloaded files you do not want left on the computer. Apple’s safety guidance covers these precautions.
Clear Safari history that is already saved
- In Safari, choose History > Clear History.
- Open the time-range menu and choose how far back to clear.
Clearing history removes more than the visible list of pages. Apple says Safari also clears the Back/Forward list, frequently visited sites, recent searches, website icons, snapshots for open pages, the Safari downloads list, Quick Website Search sites, and sites that requested location or notification permissions. It does not delete downloaded files. If Safari is set up with iCloud on your Mac and other Apple devices, the history is removed from those devices too. This action does not erase records that websites keep independently. See Apple’s list of what Clear History removes.
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Private Browsing, clearing history, and profiles are different
| Option | When to use it | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Private Browsing | Prevent Safari from saving details of a new session | Private-session browsing data; downloaded files remain on the Mac |
| Clear History | Remove records Safari has already saved | The selected time range and related Safari history items; website-held records are outside Safari’s control |
| Profiles | Keep contexts such as work and personal browsing separate | History, cookies, and other website data are not shared between profiles |
Safari 17 and later supports profiles. They separate browsing contexts rather than serving as a substitute for Private Browsing; Safari lets you clear history for all profiles or only a selected profile. Apple’s profile guide explains the feature.
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