How to Delete Safari from an iPhone
There are a lot of reasons someone might want to delete Safari from an iPhone. Safari isn’t exactly the best web browser – it isn’t privacy focused, and it tries to store everything. If you’re not using Safari, it’s just taking up space. Although Apple doesn’t want you to get rid of their stuff, it’s still possible to technically delete Safari from your iPhone.
How to Delete Safari History and Website Data
It’s important to periodically clear your history and website data. This practice is called browser hygiene – it helps to get rid of stored passwords and unnecessary cookies you’ve accumulated. Deleting this information will help Safari load faster. It will also diminish some potential security risks, especially if your device is stolen or someone wants to snoop on you.
To clear the history and cookies from Safari on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, open the settings menu. Select Safari, and tap “Clear History and Website Data”. To remove just your cookies, to go Settings, then Safari, then Advanced, and then Website Data. Tap “Remove All Website Data.”
Removing this information won’t eliminate AutoFill data. You’ll need to do that separately. To remove AutoFill data, go to Safari. Select preferences, and then AutoFill. Select Edit beside User Names and Passwords.” Remove your stored passwords manually.
How to Delete Safari from iPhone and Mac
You cannot actually remove Safari from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apple really doesn’t want you to get rid of it. Their operating systems are notoriously rigid – Apple products aren’t nearly as customizable as Windows products. Apple uses something called System Integrity Protection in its operating system. This prevents people from changing settings or deleting things.
Unfortunately, SIP makes it difficult for experienced users (or people who are good at following directions) from making the changes they want to make. The best you can do is follow the steps to clear all of the data Safari stores, and then remove its icon from your desktop or home screen.
Delete Safari from iPhone or iPad
After clearing the data, press the Home button. Go to settings, then general, then restrictions. Tap “Enable Restrictions” and create a four digit passcode. Then, tap Safari to the “Off” position. The app will be restricted and cannot enable itself again without the passcode. It won’t be deleted, but it will remain dormant. You can use it again if you’d like to, but it’s probably best to keep the restriction on if you’re looking to upgrade to a better browser.
Delete Safari from Mac
While it is technically possible to delete Safari from your Mac laptop, you’ll have to manually disable SIP. This is a needlessly complicated process, and it should only be attempted by experts who are thoroughly familiar with the operating system. Making a false move can break the OS and cause the computer to go belly up. Instead, follow the instructions to delete Safari history and website data, and then remove Safari from the dock.
Getting a Better Web Browser
If you’re not going to use Safari, you’ll surely need another web browser. We recommend selecting a privacy focused web browser and using it in conjunction with a VPN. You can never be too safe when browsing the internet.
