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How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Safari browser

The Safari browser store the browsing data and information in its storage in the form of cookies and cache. These data grow over the size and lead to site loading issues and even browser crash. The Safari offers the option to clear the browser data under it’s Settings menu. The options is available for both macOS and iOS or iPadOS devices.

Clear Cookies and Cache Data in Safari browser

Safari is a default browser app available only for Apple devices. It is considered a privacy-centric browser that is trusted by most in the Apple ecosystem. However, it does allow websites for some amount of data storage and tracking in the form of cookies and cache.

These cookies and cache stored in the browser are often used to identify the signed-in user and load the website faster. The data is stored after you quit the browser or restart the system.

The site data stored can grow over the period and start maintaining the obsolete data that can cause the loading issue and data theft. Hence, it’s essential to have scheduled data clean-up from the browser.

We have listed the steps for both device types: computer and phone, which shall help you to guide in clearing the storage data.

Steps for Safari on macOS

The option to clear the site data is available under the Safari settings menu. Here are the steps to follow for clearing cookies and stored cached data in the Safari browser on macOS:

  1. Open the Safari browser app on your Mac computer.
  2. Click on the Safari menu from the menu bar and select the Settings option.
    Apple Safari Settings menuIt will open the Settings window.
  3. Switch to the Privacy tab and click to open the Manage Website Data button.
    Manage Website Data button on Privacy tab in Safari macOS SettingsIt will load all the websites currently storing the cache and cookies in the browser.
  4. Hit on the Remove All command and then the Done button.
    Remove All cache and cookies data stored in Safari Mac

It will immediately empty the browser storage with cached files and site cookies.

Steps for Safari on iPhone or iPad

The option to clear the data is unavailable within the Safari browser interface. However, it’s in the Settings app. Here are the steps to clear the cache and cookies data from Safari on iPhone or iPad device:

  1. Launch the iPhone or iPad Settings app on your device.
  2. Select Safari in settings and scroll to the bottom to choose the Advanced option.
    Advanced options in Safari on iPhone Settings
  3. Tap on the Website Data option.
    It will display the list of all websites and corresponding data.
  4. Tap on the Remove All Website Data command.
    Remove All Website Data from Safari Settings Advanced tab on iPhone

It will delete all the stored website data and essentially clear the cache and cookies files from the Safari browser.

There is another option to clear data, but it will also clear the browsing history information. The option is available on the Safari settings page as Clear History and Website Data option.

Clear History and Data command on Safari Settings page

Bottom Line

Most websites leave traces on the web browser in the form of cookies and cache that help them to identify the users and load the website page faster. However, it could eventually lead to loading and sign-in issues if this data is overgrown. Hence, it’s suggested to clear these browsing data periodically.

macOS and iPhone/iPad offer the option to clear the data from the Safari browser. Select the Remove All Data option to wipe out the stored information. It also helps in resolving browser crashes or site loading problems.

The Safari also keeps a record of the sites you’ve visited in the browsing history, which can also be cleared.

Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback on How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Safari browser, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.

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Kushal Azza

Kushal has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical; however, his passion for technology and gadgets has made him a digital & tech geek. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems and creating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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