How to Search Privately on Safari

Key points:.

  • Privacy is a fundamental human right that can be compromised by online tracking and data collection, which can pose risks to your security and identity.
  • Apple offers some built-in privacy features, but they are not enough to ensure complete privacy and anonymity online. You need a powerful browser extension like Ghostery to block trackers, ads, and scripts that may harm your privacy online.
  • Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker gives you control over your online privacy with features like Anti-Tracking Protection, ad blocking, and Never-Consent . You can install and use Ghostery on Safari easily and enjoy a faster, safer, and cleaner browsing experience.

How to Search Privately on Safari

Safari is the second most used browser worldwide, with over a 21% market share . But how private is your browsing on Safari? And how can you enhance your privacy while using this browser?

We will explore why online privacy is important, what Safari offers in terms of privacy features, and how you can use Ghostery to search privately on Safari.

Why Privacy Matters in Browsing

Privacy is a fundamental human right that should be respected and protected online as well as offline.

When you browse the web, you may not realize how much of your personal information is exposed, collected, and used by various parties without your consent or knowledge.

Protecting Personal Information Online

Every time you visit a website, you leave behind a digital footprint that can reveal information about you, such as your location, interests, preferences, habits, and behavior.

This data can be used by third-party trackers, such as advertisers, marketers, analytics companies, and social media platforms, to create detailed profiles of you and target you with personalized ads and content.

While some of this may seem harmless or even helpful, it can also pose risks to your privacy and security.

For example, some trackers may sell or share your data with other parties without your permission, or use it to manipulate your opinions or decisions.

Some trackers may also collect sensitive information such as your health records , financial details, or political views.

Maintaining Online Anonymity

Another aspect of privacy is anonymity, which means being able to browse the web without revealing your identity or personal information.

Anonymity can be beneficial for many reasons, such as accessing information that may be restricted or censored in your region, expressing your opinions freely without fear of retaliation or harassment, or avoiding unwanted attention or tracking from certain parties.

Anonymity can also help you avoid bias or discrimination based on your identity or characteristics.

To browse anonymously, we recommend the Tor browser.

To learn about the difference between anonymity and privacy, check out this page or this short YouTube video .

Safari Privacy Features

Apple is known for their commitment to user privacy and security. They offer several features and options that can help you protect your privacy while browsing the web.

Built-in Privacy Options

Safari’s privacy settings can help you control how much of your data is shared with websites and trackers:

Intelligent Tracking Prevention ( ITP ) is enabled by default for Safari. This feature limits how third-party cookies and other tracking technologies can track your activity across websites.

Another setting enabled by default is Prevent Cross-Site Tracking , which deletes third-party cookies after 24 hours and prevents them from accessing your data across websites.

Private Browsing in Safari — also known as incognito mode — lets you browse the internet without your computer storing any traces of where you’ve been.

Limitations of Built-in Privacy Options

While Safari’s privacy settings built-in privacy options are useful, they are not enough to ensure complete privacy and anonymity online.

For example:

  • Private Browsing in Safari (similar to Incognito mode in Chrome browser) does not prevent websites or trackers from collecting or using your data while you are browsing. It only prevents Safari from saving it on your device.
  • ITP and Prevent Cross-Site Tracking do not block all trackers or cookies. They limit their access and duration. Some trackers may still be able to track you across websites or use other methods to identify you.

Ghostery: Your Privacy Solution

If you want to search privately on Safari and enjoy a safer, faster, and cleaner browsing experience, Ghostery is the perfect solution for you.

Ghostery is a powerful browser extension that allows you to block trackers and ads that compromise your privacy online.

What is Ghostery?

Ghostery is a browser extension that gives you control over your online privacy and security by blocking ads and trackers.

How Can it Help Me Browse Privately?

Ghostery enables you to:

  • Block annoying and intrusive ads that slow down your browsing and clutter your screen.
  • Block unwanted trackers that follow you around the web and collect your data, and view what was blocked.
  • Learn more about the trackers and websites you encounter and how they affect your privacy.

Key Features

Ghostery has many features that make it an effective solution for Safari users:

  • Ghostery Panel : A comprehensive and user-friendly interface that lets you access and manage all the features and settings of Ghostery.
  • AI Anti-Tracking : Anonymizes your data and prevents trackers from identifying you or creating profiles of you.
  • Ad Blocking : Blocks ads based on your blocking settings and preferences, and improves your browsing speed and performance.
  • Never-Consent : Automatically rejects annoying cookie consent notices and selects the optimal privacy settings in Safari for you, informing website owners that you do not want to be tracked.
  • Tracker Database : A daily updated database that contains information about thousands of trackers and their behavior, sources, and purposes.

How to Install Ghostery on Safari

Installing Ghostery for Safari is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Installing Ghostery

To install Ghostery on Safari, you need to:

  • Visit our website and click on the Download Ghostery button, or go directly to our page on the Apple App Store .
  • Follow the instructions to install the Ghostery extension on your browser.

If you get stuck, check out the installation guide or our YouTube video .

What other privacy products does Ghostery offer?

While ad and tracker blockers help protect your data from being snooped on by sites, one of the best things you can do is choose services that are private by default.

This includes your search engines and web browser.

Private Search Engine

By default, Safari includes DuckDuckGo as a built-in option, but you can also use Ghostery Private Search by bookmarking this link .

These search engines do not collect or share your personal information, and they provide you with unbiased results.

By combining a private search on Safari with the built-in privacy features, you can enjoy a more secure and private browsing experience.

Private Browser

Safari does a decent job of protecting your data, but if you’re looking for a change, try out Ghostery Private Browser .

Private, secure, and fast , it’s a free browser that blocks ads, trackers, and pop-ups. It also comes with our private search built right in, and many more enhancements under-the-hood.

Plus, it’s powered by Firefox , so you can enjoy a secure browsing experience.

Final Thoughts

Privacy is a precious and important right that should not be taken for granted or compromised online.

When you use Safari as your web browser, you have some options to protect your privacy, but they are not enough to ensure complete privacy and anonymity.

That’s why you need Ghostery, a powerful browser extension that allows you to block trackers, ads, and scripts that may harm your privacy or security online.

With Ghostery, you can search privately on Safari and enjoy a faster, safer, and cleaner browsing experience.

Get in touch if you have any questions. We’re always happy to help.

How do I enter private mode on Safari?

To activate Private Browsing in Safari: Locate and tap on the Tabs icon in Safari’s toolbar. It looks like two overlapping squares. Tap and hold the Tabs button. Tap New Private Tab . For more info, here is how to enable “incognito mode” on Safari.

Can Ghostery ensure my browsing experience is completely private?

Ghostery can enhance your privacy and security on Safari by blocking trackers, ads, and scripts that may collect or use your data without your consent or knowledge. However, Ghostery cannot guarantee complete anonymity online, as websites can identify you by other means. For complete anonymity online, you need to use the Tor browser.

Does using a privacy tool like Ghostery in Safari affect my browser's speed?

Using Ghostery in Safari can actually improve your browser’s speed, as it blocks intrusive ads and trackers that slow down your browsing. Pages load almost 2x faster with Ghostery.

Still have questions?

If there is anything you miss in Ghostery or have any questions, please drop a line to [email protected] . We’re happy to talk to you anytime.

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How-To Geek

4 ways to open a private safari tab on iphone and ipad.

Hide your activity quickly and easily!

Quick Links

Use the drop-down on safari's toolbar, use the pages button on safari's toolbar, use 3d touch or haptic touch, say a siri command.

Private Browsing mode in Safari lets you view sites without adding anything to your history on your iPhone and iPad. Here are four different ways to open a private tab in Safari when you need it.

When you use a private tab, Safari doesn't store your browsing history, AutoFill your information, suggest recent searches, or save cookies once you close the tab.

With  iOS 15 and iPadOS 15  arrived several changes, including how you can use private browsing mode in Safari . That said, there are easier and lesser-known ways to quickly open a private tab in Safari on your iPhone or iPad.

Related: How Private Browsing Works, and Why It Doesn't Offer Complete Privacy

To get started, open Safari on your iPhone or iPad. On the iPhone, tap the "Pages" button (cascading squares icon) in the bottom-right corner.

You'll see a windows or webpages management screen with the grid of thumbnails representing the open tabs. The toolbar at the bottom will show the "Tab Groups" option with a drop-down button next to it. Tap the drop-down button.

Select the "Private" option from the menu that pops up to switch to the private browsing mode.

Select the "+" icon in the bottom-left to open a new private tab. Or tap "Done" in the bottom-left corner if you're opening a private tab for the first time.

On the iPad, you'll need to tap the "Sidebar" option on the upper-left corner.

When the sidebar panel slides open, choose the "Private" option to turn on the private browsing mode and open a new private tab.

Related: How to Always Start Any Browser in Private Browsing Mode

A quick way to open a private tab in Safari is to use the "Pages" button on the bottom toolbar on your iPhone.

Fire up Safari. Long-press or hard-press the "Pages" button (cascading squares icon).

Select the "New Private Tab" option with a hand icon next to it from the menu that pops up.

You'll need to follow the same method on the iPad by tapping the "Pages" button (four squares) in the top-right corner and then select "New Private Tab."

Related: How to Open Chrome's Incognito Mode with a Keyboard Shortcut

You can open a private tab directly from the Safari app icon using the hard-press or long-press gesture powered by  3D Touch or Haptic Touch feature. The 3D Touch is available only on the older (pre-iPhone 11) modes.

Long-press or hard-press the Safari app icon on the homescreen.

Select "New Private Tab" from the menu that pops up.

Follow the same on the iPad.

The iPhone models from iPhone 6s to iPhone X (including XS) support 3D Touch. All iPhone models from iPhone XR and higher support Haptic Touch.

Another neat method to launch a private tab in Safari is to use Siri commands on your iPhone and iPad. This method works if you have the "Listen For 'Hey Siri'" option enabled from the Settings app.

While your iPhone or iPad is unlocked, say "Hey Siri" and ask it to open a private Safari tab. Here's an example of what you can ask Siri:

  • Open a private tab in Safari

That's it! Have fun opening the private tab quickly in Safari on iPhone and iPad.

Related: How to Set Up and Use "Hey Siri" on iPhone and iPad

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How to go incognito in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

While incognito mode in any of the big four web browsers offers a measure of privacy, it doesn’t completely hide your tracks online. here’s how the feature works in each browser, and how to use it..

Gregg Keizer

Senior Reporter, Computerworld |

face superimposed on keyboard privacy hacker

How to go incognito in Google Chrome

How to privately browse in microsoft edge, how to do private browsing in mozilla firefox, how to browse privately using apple's safari.

Private browsing. Incognito . Privacy mode.

Web browser functions like those trace their roots back more than a decade, and the feature — first found in a top browser in 2005 — spread quickly as one copied another, made tweaks and minor improvements.

But privacy-promising labels can be treacherous. Simply put, going " incognito " is as effective in guarding online privacy as witchcraft is in warding off a common cold.

That's because private browsing is intended to wipe local traces of where you've been, what you've searched for, the contents of forms you've filled. It's meant to hide, and not always conclusively at that, your tracks from others with access to the personal computer. That's it.

How to keep web browsing private

Google chrome's incognito mode, microsoft edge's private browsing, mozilla firefox's private browsing mode, apple's safari private windows.

At their most basic, these features promise that they won't record visited sites to the browsing history, save cookies that show you've been to and logged into sites, or remember credentials like passwords used during sessions. But your traipses through the web are still traceable by Internet providers – and the authorities who serve subpoenas to those entities – employers who control the company network and advertisers who follow your every footstep.

To end that cognitive dissonance, most browsers have added more advanced privacy tools , generically known as "anti-trackers," which block various kinds of bite-sized chunks of code that advertisers and websites use to trace where people go in attempts to compile digital dossiers or serve targeted advertisements.

Although it might seem reasonable that a browser's end game would be to craft a system that blends incognito modes with anti-tracking, it's highly unlikely. Using either private browsing or anti-tracking carries a cost: site passwords aren't saved for the next visit or sites break under the tracker scrubbing. Nor are those costs equal. It's much easier to turn on some level of anti-tracking by default than it would be to do the same for private sessions, as evidenced by the number of browsers that do the former without complaint while none do the latter.

Private browsing will, by necessity, always be a niche, as long as sites rely on cookies for mundane things like log-ins and cart contents.

But the mode remains a useful tool whenever the browser -- and the computer it's on -- are shared. To prove that, we've assembled instructions and insights on using the incognito features -- and anti-tracking tools -- offered by the top four browsers: Google Chrome , Microsoft's Chromium-based Edge , Mozilla's Firefox and Apple's Safari.

Although incognito may be a synonym to some users for any browser's private mode, Google gets credit for grabbing the word as the feature's snappiest name when it launched the tool in late 2008, just months after Chrome debuted.

The easiest way to open an Incognito window is with the keyboard shortcut combination Ctrl-Shift-N (Windows) or Command-Shift-N (macOS).

Another way is to click on the menu on the upper right - it's the three vertical dots - and select New Incognito Window from the list.

Open a new Incognito window in Chrome using keyboard shortcuts or from the menu (1) by choosing New Incognito window (2).

The new Incognito window can be recognized by the dark background and the stylized "spy" icon just to the left of the three-dots menu. Chrome also reminds users of just what Incognito does and doesn't do each time a new window is opened. The message may get tiresome for regular Incognito users, but it may also save a job or reputation; it's important that users remember Incognito doesn't prevent ISPs, businesses, schools and organizations from knowing where customers, workers, students, and others went on the web or what they searched for.

Each time a new Incognito window is opened, Chrome reminds users what Incognito doesn't save. As of Chrome 83, it also puts a toggle on the screen for blocking third-party cookies.

Incognito's introductory screen also displays a toggle -- it's on by default -- along with text that states third-party cookies will be blocked while in the privacy mode. Although cookies are never saved locally as long as the user stays in Incognito, websites have been able to track user movements from site to site while within Incognito . Such tracking might be used, for example, to display ads to a user visiting multiple sites in Incognito. This third-party cookie blocking, which halts such behavior, debuted in Chrome 83 in May 2020.

Google has been experimenting with new language on Chrome's Incognito introductory page, but it's yet to make it to the desktop browser. In the Canary build of Chrome on Android, however, the intro now outlines "What Incognito does" and "What Incognito doesn't do," to make the mode's capabilities somewhat clearer to the user. (Some have speculated that the changes were made in reaction to a still-ongoing class-action lawsuit file in 2020 that alleged Google continued to track users' online behavior and movements in Incognito.)

Once a tab in Incognito has been filled with a website, Chrome continues to remind users that they're in Incognito by the dark background of the address bar and window title.

A link on an existing page can be opened directly into Incognito by right-clicking the link, then choosing Open Link in Incognito Window from the resulting menu.

What Incognito looks like after pulling up a website. Note the "spy" icon at the right of the address bar.

To close an Incognito window, shutter it like any other Chrome window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or the red dot in the upper left (macOS).

Pro tip: Google has been working on locking Incognito mode tabs on mobile devices -- the tabs unlocked with built-in biometric features -- so that others can't get a look at the privacy mode's content simply by picking up another's phone or tablet. Google is currently rolling out this feature in Chrome 92 on iOS, and still testing it in preview builds of Chrome for Android. No word on whether desktop Chrome will get something similar.

borrowed the name of its private browsing mode, InPrivate, from Internet Explorer (IE), the finally-being-retired legacy browser. InPrivate appeared in IE in March 2009, about three months after Chrome's Incognito and three months before Firefox's privacy mode. When Edge was first released in 2015 and then relaunched as a clone of Chrome in January 2020, InPrivate was part of the package, too.

At the keyboard, the combination of Ctrl-Shift-N (Windows) or Command-Shift-N (macOS) opens an InPrivate window.

A slower way to get there is to click on the menu at the upper right -- it's three dots arranged horizontally -- and choose New InPrivate Window from the menu.

Like other browser, Edge will take you incognito from the menu (1) when you pick New InPrivate window (2).

Edge does a more thorough job of explaining what its private browsing mode does and doesn't do than any of its rivals, with on-screen paragraphs dedicated to describing what data the browser collects in InPrivate and how the strictest additional anti-tracking setting can be called on from within the mode. In addition, Edge 92 -- the current version as of this writing -- uses the more informal "What Incognito does" and "What Incognito doesn't do" language on its InPrivate introductory screen, something desktop Chrome hasn't yet gotten to.

Microsoft's browser also well marks InPrivate when the mode is operating: a blue-colored oval marked "In Private" to the right of the address bar combines with a full-black screen to make sure users know where they're at.

The white-on-blue oval at the upper right tells you Edge is in InPrivate mode.

It's also possible to launch an InPrivate session by right-clicking a link within Edge and selecting Open in InPrivate Window . That option is grayed out when already in a private browsing session but using Open Link in New Tab does just that within the current InPrivate frame.

To end InPrivate browsing, simply shut the window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or click the red dot at the upper left (macOS).

Although Microsoft based the relaunched Edge on Chromium, the same open-source project that comes up with the code to power Chrome, the Redmond, Wash. company has integrated anti-tracking into its browser, something Chrome has yet to do. Dubbed "Tracking Prevention," it works both in Edge's standard and InPrivate modes.

To set Tracking Prevention, choose Settings from the three-ellipses menu at the right, then at the next page, pick Privacy, Search and Services . Choose one of the three options -- Basic, Balanced or Strict -- and make sure the toggle for Tracking prevention is in the "on" position. If you want InPrivate to always default to the harshest anti-tracking -- not a bad idea -- toggle Always use "Strict" tracking prevention when browsing InPrivate to "on."

Toggle Always use Strict to the 'on' position and InPrivate will apply the most stringent anti-tracking even though Edge's standard mode is set to, say, Balanced.

Pro tip: To open Edge with InPrivate -- rather than first opening Edge in standard mode, then launching InPrivate -- right-click the Edge icon in the Windows taskbar and select New InPrivate Window from the list. There is no similar one-step way to do this in macOS.

After Chrome trumpeted Incognito, browsers without something similar hustled to catch up. Mozilla added its take -- dubbed Private Browsing -- about six months after Google, in June 2009, with Firefox 3.5.

From the keyboard, a private browsing session can be called up using the combination Ctrl-Shift-P (Windows) or Command-Shift-P (macOS).

Alternately, a private window will open from the menu at the upper right of Firefox -- three short horizontal lines -- after selecting New private window .

Opening a private browsing window is as simple as choosing New Private Window (2) from the Firefox menu (1).

A private session window is marked by the purple "mask" icon in the title bar of the Firefox frame. In Windows, the icon is to the left of the minimize/maximize/close buttons; on a Mac, the mask squats at the far right of the title bar. Unlike Chrome and Edge, Firefox does not color-code the top components of the browser window to signify the user is in privacy mode.

Like other browsers, Firefox warns users that private browsing is no cure-all for privacy ills but is limited in what it blocks from being saved during a session. "While this doesn't make you anonymous to websites or your internet service provider, it makes it easier to keep what you do online private from anyone else who uses this computer," the caution reads.

Firefox reminds users that while a private session doesn't save searches or browsing histories, it doesn't cloak them in complete anonymity.

(Firefox also uses the Private Browsing introductory screen to shill the Mozilla VPN service, a $5 to $10 per month virtual private network that can, like other VPNs, hide your actual IP address from destination servers.)

A link can be opened into a Firefox Private Window by right-clicking the link, then choosing Open Link in New Private Window from the menu.

To close a Private Window, shut it down just as one would any Firefox window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or the red dot in the upper left (macOS).

Notable is that Firefox's private browsing mode is accompanied by the browser's superb "Enhanced Tracking Protection," a suite of tracker blocking tools that stymie all sorts of ad-and-site methods for identifying users, then watching and recording their online behavior. While the earliest version of this was offered only inside Private Windows, the expanded technologies also work within standard mode.

Because Enhanced Tracking Protection is enabled by default within Firefox, it doesn't matter which of its settings -- Standard, Strict or Custom -- is selected as far as private browsing goes; everything that can be blocked will be blocked.

The shield appears in the address bar to note what trackers were blocked by Firefox in a Private Window. Clicking on the icon brings up an accounting of what was barred.

Pro tip: As of Firefox 91, Private Browsing sessions take place over the more secure HTTPS, not the once-standard HTTP protocol. Users don't need to do anything: The new HTTPS-only policy is on by default. (If the destination site doesn't support HTPPS, Firefox will recognize this and go into fallback mode, connecting via HTTP instead.)

Chrome may get far more attention for its Incognito than any other browser -- no surprise, since it's by far the most popular browser on the planet -- but Apple's Safari was actually the first to introduce private browsing. The term private browsing was first bandied in 2005 to describe Safari 2.0 features that limited what was saved by the browser.

Side note: Early in private browsing, the label porn mode was often used as a synonym to describe what many writers and reporters assumed was the primary application of the feature. The term has fallen out of favor.

To open what Safari calls a Private Window on a Mac, users can do a three-key combination of Command-Shift-N , the same shortcut Chrome adopted. Otherwise, a window can be called up by selecting the File menu and clicking on New Private Window.

From the File menu (1), New Private Window (2) gets you started.

Safari tags each Private Window by darkening the address bar. It also issues a reminder of what it does -- or more accurately -- what it doesn't do. "Safari will keep your browsing history private for all tabs of this window. After you close this window, Safari won't remember the pages you visited, your search history or your AutoFill information," the top-of-the-page note reads. The warning is more terse than those of other browsers and omits cautions about still-visible online activity.

The darkened address bar up at the top is the signal that this Safari window is for private browsing.

Like Firefox, Safari automatically engages additional privacy technologies, whether the user browses in standard or private mode. Safari's Intelligent Tracking Protection (ITP), which kicked off in 2017 and has been repeatedly upgraded since, now blocks all third-party cookies, among other components advertisers and services use to track people as they bounce from one site to another. ITP is controlled by a single on-off switch -- on is the default -- found in Preferences under the Privacy icon. If the Website tracking: box is checked to mark Prevent cross-site tracking , ITP is on.

Switching on cross-site tracking enables Safari's Intelligent Tracking Protection, which blocks a wide variety of bits advertisers try to use to follow you around the web while you're using a Private Window

A link can be opened directly to a Private Window by right-clicking, then selecting Open Link in New Private Window . Close a Private Window just as any Safari window, by clicking the red dot in the upper left corner of the browser frame.

Pro tip: Once in a Safari Private Window, opening a new tab -- either by clicking the + icon at the upper right or by using the Command-T key combo -- omits the Private Browsing Enabled notice. (The darkened address bar remains as the sole indicator of a private browsing session.) Other browsers, such as Firefox, repeat their cautionary messages each time a tab is opened in an incognito session.

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How to Use Safari's Private Browsing Mode

This article explains how to use Safari's Private Browsing mode, which prevents your browsing history from being logged on your Apple devices. It's a useful feature if you're buying gifts online for friends or family, for instance, and you don't want anyone with access to your devices to find out what you're up to.

safari icon blue banner

Using Safari's Private Browsing Mode

Enabling Private Browsing limits Safari in three important ways: It prevents the browser from creating a history of the pages you visit, it stops AutoFill information like website usernames and passwords from being remembered, and any tabs you open won't be stored in iCloud .

Also, for added peace of mind when you browse privately, Safari automatically prevents cross-site tracking , and requests that sites and third-party content providers don't track you as a rule. Additionally, the privacy mode stops sites from modifying any information stored on your iOS device, and deletes cookies when you close the associated tab.

To enable Private Browsing in Safari, follow these steps.

  • Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad , tap the Pages icon (consisting of two squares) to bring up the open tabs view, and then tap the profile icon, centered at the bottom of the screen.

safari

  • When you're done browsing, return to the open tabs view, individually swipe any open tabs to close them if you wish.
  • Tap the profile icon again, then choose your regular profile at the top. Your private browsing session is now cleared from memory.

Clearing Existing Browsing History

When you clear your browsing history on a device running iOS 11 or higher, the same logs are cleared on any other devices signed into your ‌iCloud‌ account. The following methods also clear all cookies and web data on the device you're currently using, although AutoFill information remains unchanged.

The first method outlined below allows you to either limit the clearing of history, cookies and website data to a specific timeframe, or to delete your existing web history altogether.

  • Open Safari and with a tab open, tap the Bookmarks icon (the open book) located at the bottom of the screen.
  • Tap the tab at the top of the screen with a clock symbol, and you'll see a history of your browsing activity.
  • To remove instances of recorded visits to specific web pages, swipe leftwards across individual logs in the list and tap the red delete button that appears.
  • To delete the entire browsing history list, tap Clear .
  • Choose the timeframe to clear ( Last hour , Today , Today and yesterday , or All history ), choose the profile or select All Profiles , then tap Clear History .

safari

The second method of wiping your browsing history might be considered the 'nuke' option, since it clears all history, cookies and website data on that device, regardless of when the sites were accessed.

  • Open the Settings app and scroll down to Safari in the list.

settings

And that's it. Note that these built-in Safari features only make you safer from discovery by other people in the same household.

If your privacy concerns extend to a desire for enhanced security and anonymity online, consider subscribing to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that offers an iOS client or supports OpenVPN ( Private Internet Access and ProtonVPN are two popular options), and using a Tor-powered browser for iOS .

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Top Rated Comments

keysofanxiety Avatar

This article explains how to use Safari's Private Browsing mode, which prevents your browsing history from being logged on your Apple devices. It's a useful feature if you're buying gifts online for friends or family, for instance, and you don't want anyone with access to your devices to find out what you're up to.

testcard Avatar

I can really use this info, because I’m always “buying gifts”. ;) :cool:

Hastings101 Avatar

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How To : Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More Private on iOS 17

Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More Private on iOS 17

Private Browsing mode finally lives up to its name in Apple's huge Safari 17 update for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. So whether you search for things you don't want anybody to know about or want to ensure websites and trackers aren't eavesdropping on your activity, you'll want to update your devices pronto.

By default, each tab in Safari's Private Browsing mode on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS is its own environment, isolated from your other tabs, so websites can't track your activity from the current tab to another session. You also won't see any recent private searches suggested when performing new searches in other tabs.

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Private tabs do not sync with iCloud, so they won't show up on your other Apple devices, and they won't work with Handoff or show downloaded files in Safari's downloads list. Once you close a Private Browsing tab, Safari forgets the pages you visited, your search history, your AutoFill information, and any new cookies or website data from the session.

But incognito browsing in Safari has even more protection available with the iOS 17 , iPadOS 17 , and macOS 14 Sonoma software updates. Here's everything you get with the new for-you-eyes-only browsing experience:

1. Face ID, Touch ID, or Password Protection

Safari's Private Browsing mode is now protected behind biometric authentication or your device passcode or password. So whenever you switch to Private Browsing from regular browsing or return to it from another app or window, you'll need to authenticate yourself using Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

If the biometrics scan doesn't work or your device is not equipped with biometric protection, you can use your device's passcode or password instead.

While it's more useful on iPad and Mac, devices frequently shared between family members or housemates, it can also ensure no one can access your locked incognito tabs on your iPhone whenever someone borrows it or hacks into it.

Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More Private on iOS 17

If Private Browsing is not locked on your device or you want to disable it, you can quickly turn it on or off.

  • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings –> Safari –> Privacy & Security, toggle on or off "Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing" or "Require Touch ID to Unlock Private Browsing," and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. ( Shown below. )
  • On Mac: Go to Safari –> Settings –> Privacy, then check or uncheck "Require Touch ID to view locked tabs" or "Require password to view locked tabs."

Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More Private on iOS 17

2. A Separate Search Engine

You could already change Safari's search engine on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but now you can choose separate search engines for regular and private browsing.

For example, you may like Google as your regular search engine, but you may want something like DuckDuckGo, which does not build user profiles and aims to prevent online tracking, as your search engine for Private Browsing mode. This can make Private Browsing even more private.

  • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings –> Safari –> Private Search Engine, then choose the one you want. ( Shown below. )
  • On Mac: Go to Safari –> Settings –> Search, click the browser next to "Private Browsing search engine," and choose the one you want.

You can choose between "Use Default Search Engine" or any available search engine, including Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuck Go, and Ecosia. If you have additional languages installed on your device, you may see other options, such as Baidu, Sogou, Yandex, and 360 Search.

Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More Private on iOS 17

3. Protection Against Extensions That Access Page Content

Before, any Safari extensions you had turned on for regular browsing also applied to Private Browsing mode. Now, "extensions that inject scripts or can read information about the pages [you visit]" are disabled by default in Private Browsing mode on iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14 Sonoma, according to Apple.

In contrast, content blockers and other extensions that don't access any content on webpages are allowed in Private Browsing mode by default. This is because they don't pose any additional privacy or security concerns.

4. Customization Options for Extensions

As you could probably guess from the previous section, Safari 17 now lets you toggle extensions on or off for Private Browsing mode without affecting their status in regular browsing mode. So if you ever want to turn on an extension that Safari automatically disabled for Private Browsing, you can do that. And you can turn off any extension in Private Browsing you don't want or need when searching incognito.

  • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings –> Safari –> Extensions, tap an extension, and toggle the "Private Browsing" switch on or off. ( Shown below. )
  • On Mac: Go to Safari –> Settings –> Extensions, click on an extension, and toggle "Private Browsing" on or off.

When an extension is completely disabled, you won't be able to turn it on for Private Browsing alone. But when enabled on your "Personal" profile , you can turn it on or off for Private Browsing and any of your other profiles .

Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More Private on iOS 17

5. Automatic Tracker Blocking on Websites

Safari 17 has more advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection. In Private Browsing mode, it completely blocks known trackers from loading on pages.

6. Automatic Removal of Tracking IDs in Links

Safari 17 also includes Link Tracking Protection automatically for Private Browsing. Link Tracking Protection disables known tracking parameters appended to URLs that websites use to monitor your movements across the web and build profiles on you. For example, it may turn this:

To ensure it's enabled for Private Browsing, follow the applicable instructions below.

  • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings –> Safari –> Advanced –> Advanced Tracking and Fingerprint Protection, then choose either "All Browsing" or "Private Browsing." ( Shown below. )
  • On Mac: Go to Safari –> Settings –> Advanced, click "in Private Browsing" next to "Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection," and change it to "in all browsing" or "in Private Browsing."

Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More Private on iOS 17

Link Tracking Protection is an improvement in privacy, for sure, but it's not going to stop all marketing companies as there are ways to bypass parameter removals.

Other New Safari Features Also Work in Private Browsing

While the above features improve privacy when using Private Browsing mode, you can also use many of the other new features Safari has to offer when browsing incognito. Features that work in regular browsing that also work in Private Browsing include speedier Tab Group switching, faster and more relevant search suggestions, the new screen reader, and more.

Just updated your iPhone? See everything that's new with Apple's latest iOS update: 30 New Features and Changes for Your iPhone on iOS 17.4

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VPNoverview.com Privacy Anonymous Browsing Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

Chris Bluvshtein

Ever wondered what Safari Private Browsing does exactly? Chances are it might not be giving you the level of online privacy you expect. Safari Private Browsing does have some perks, including:

  • Stopping Safari from remembering the websites you’ve visited
  • Not storing any new usernames, passwords, payments cards, and other information you input into private browsing
  • Forgetting any search engine queries you’ve run
  • Allowing you to save money by avoiding marketing cookies that might inflate prices

However, this is pretty much all the privacy that you’ll get with Safari Private Browsing. This incognito mode  won’t cloak your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, or make you safe on public Wi-Fi . Private browsing still leaves you pretty exposed to a lot of the risks that come with connecting to the internet.

For true online anonymity, you’ll need to use a VPN to change your IP address . We’re big fans of ExpressVPN, one of the fastest VPNs in the industry.

Below, you’ll find more information on how to use Safari Private Browsing on all your Apple devices, as well as more details on how this incognito mode does and doesn’t protect your privacy.

If you use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, then chances are you’ve encountered Safari Private Browsing before. Whether you’re shopping for a partner’s gift or want to snoop on a long-lost colleague’s LinkedIn, there are many reasons why you might want to use private mode in Safari.

In this article, we answer the question, what is Safari Private Browsing ? We’ll also tell you what this handy tool can’t  do to save you any embarrassment or risk to your online security.

What is Safari Private Browsing?

Use anonymous search engine icon

There’s a little more to this method of browsing than meets the eye, but we’ll go into specifics further down in this article. The point is, for a more private experience, you can use Safari’s incognito mode . You’ll be logged out of all accounts, and Safari won’t autofill user logins, passwords, or payment information. When you turn on private browsing, Safari won’t remember :

  • Your search engine history
  • Webpages you’ve visited
  • Browsing activity or history

You should, however, be aware of a major drawback of this tool on Macs: your browsing activity likely isn’t as hidden as you might think. Websites you visit can still see who you are and what you’re doing . You can read more about this in our general incognito mode article .

With Macs, Private Browsing information is logged in a different place, as well: your Terminal archive.

Beware the Mac Terminal archive

On Macs, there’s something called the Terminal archive , and it’s as scary as it sounds — well, for fans of privacy at least. It’s a treasure trove for snoops. The Terminal archive contains all of the websites you visit , whether you’re using Safari Private Browsing or not. This is because your Mac stores static images and other files when you visit a website for the first time. This makes future visits to these sites and page loading much faster, as your Mac pulls the relevant files from the Terminal archive.

This command-line function also lets you make systemic changes to your Mac . For most users, there’ll never be a need to make any changes in the Terminal archive, and you shouldn’t if you don’t know what you’re doing. You could end up breaking something critical in your computer’s operating system if you tinker with the Terminal.

Screenshot of iOS user interface, Access Terminal app

However, it is good to know that, even when you’re using Safari’s Private Browsing mode, your online activity is logged here.

Make your Safari Private Browsing truly private

By now, you might be asking yourself: how do I clear the cache on my Mac? Well, today’s your lucky day.  Below, you’ll find a brief, step-by-step guide to clearing the cache on a Mac . Just make sure not to do anything else while inside the Terminal.

  • Open “ Finder ,” then search for “ Terminal ” in the search bar.
  • Run the  Terminal  application.
  • Paste the following text into the Terminal and hit enter: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

You may have to enter your Admin password to proceed. This is going to flush the DNS cache.

Remember that you shouldn’t do anything else inside of the Terminal application unless you know what you’re doing. It only takes a short command to nuke files or entire directories in this app forever! So, tread carefully.

Why You Should Use Safari Private Browsing on Macs and iOS

We can hypothesize all we want, but you’ve probably got a good idea of why you  use private browsing. According to a 2018 research study , the most common reason people use private browsing is so others that are using a shared device can’t see what they’re doing. This comes down to protecting two things from other users of your device:

  • Their personal data
  • Their browsing activity

Fortunately, these are two things that Safari Private Mode manages to do wonderfully. Below, you can read more about what else Safari Private Browsing does for you .

Online privacy

Privacy browser icon

  • Your browser won’t remember what websites you’ve visited.  Anything you browse while you’re in private browsing mode won’t be remembered by Safari. So, if you start shopping online for gifts or a product that you find embarrassing, you won’t usually have to worry about your friends or family coming across your browsing history.
  • Safari won’t suggest usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and so   on.  You’ve probably noticed that Safari can remember usernames, passwords, credit cards, and other information when you use it for the first time. If you tell your Mac, smartphone, or tablet to remember those details, they’ll be automatically filled in the next time you visit the website. With Safari Private Mode enabled, these kinds of details won’t be stored: you won’t be prompted to save or autofill them at all.
  • Your search engine queries won’t be remembered . If you’ve been shopping for gifts or trying to self-diagnose, you probably don’t want other users of the computer to see what you’ve searched for . Normally, you’ll see suggested searches popping up in search engines like Google. Based on your past searches and clicks, some links might be colored purple instead of blue, too. In private browsing mode, these won’t appear, nor will any new searches be stored.

How to pay less with Safari Private Browsing

There’s more to private mode options than just online security. You could also save money with Safari Private Browsing, as you won’t be quoted higher prices for products you’ve already viewed. When you visit a website, cookies (small text files) are stored on your computer by your browser.

These kinds of cookies aren’t delicious or rewarding at all. Instead, they allow the site to track you and figure out that you’re interested in, for example, a particular holiday destination. This can result in you seeing higher airfares, hotel booking fees, and more. Just turn on Safari’s Private Browsing to s top cookies from being stored on your browser and avoid hiked prices.

How to Go Incognito on Safari

Incognito mode icon

Safari Private Browsing on a Mac

Using  Safari Private Browsing  on a Mac is simple. If you’re reading this on a Mac, you can skip step one in our step-by-step guide below:

  • Open Safari on your Mac.
  • Click on “ File ” in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  • Select “ New Private Window .” This will open a new private tab, but you can open as many private tabs in your tab bar as you need.

Screenshot how to open a New Private Window on Safari

It’s that simple. Now, any new tab you open within this new private browsing window will be a private browsing tab. Give it a whirl by opening some new private tabs and navigating to a website you frequently log into. You’ll notice that your username and password aren’t suggested for autofill as they usually would be .

Also, you’ll know that you’re in private browsing, as the URL bar will have a gray background rather than the usual white. Just remember to ignore or close your existing browser window if you had any open. If in doubt, check the background color of the URL bar.

Finally, to  turn off private browsing in Safari , simply click the red cross in the corner of the browser window as you usually would.

Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Using  Safari’s private browsing mode on an iPhone or iPad is fairly straightforward and could increase your privacy on an iPhone . If you’re running  iOS 14 or earlier , simply follow the steps below:

  • Open  Safari on your phone.
  • Tap on the “ Tabs ” button. That’s the two small squares in the bottom-right corner of your Safari window on iPhone.
  • A new option called “Private” should appear.
  • Tap “ Private ” and you’ll be taken to a blank screen confirming that you’re using Private Browsing Mode . You’ll notice that it’s using the same gray color scheme as Safari for Mac.
  • Lastly, click on the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a private browsing window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode

If you’re using  Apple’s latest iPhone update, iOS 15.1.1 , you’ll need to follow a slightly different (and hey, we’ll say it — more confusing) set of steps:

  • Tap on the “ Tabs ” button.
  • Tap where it says “ X Tab(s) ” – this number will reflect the number of windows you have open.
  • Tap “ Private .”
  • Now, you’re in Private Browsing mode and can click the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a new private window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode latest Apple update

Again, turning off private browsing in Safari for iPhones or iPads is simple. Just press the same “ Private ” button that you used to enable the feature. Don’t forget, if you have multiple private tabs open, they won’t close automatically. Swipe each tab closed before you exit private mode if you want to leave no trace.

How to Set Safari Private Browsing as the Default

If you’d rather always browse privately, you can also set Safari Private Browsing as your default, so that it opens automatically whenever you open a new tab or window. Check out the step-by-step instructions below for a Mac :

  • Make sure your active application is Safari, then select “ Safari ” from your Mac’s toolbar at the top of your screen. Click on “ Preferences ” next, which can also be accessed using the keyboard shortcut “ Command ” + “ , ” (that’s Command, plus a comma).
  • Now, you should see the Privacy window for Safari. Click on the “ General ” tab.
  • Next to “Safari opens with”, select “ A new private window ” from the drop-down list.

While you  can’t automatically use Safari Private Browsing by default on mobile , there are some options for minimizing what’s remembered, stored, or recommended. Here’s how you get there:

  • Open the “ Settings ” application.
  • Scroll down until you see “ Safari ” and tap on that option.

Now, you’ll have the choice to use a number of features. You can:

  • Disable search engine suggestions
  • Disable Safari suggestions specifically
  • Turn off autofill for Safari , either for personal information, payment information, or both
  • Disable “ Favorites “, which you can save in your Safari app’s home screen
  • Turn off “ Frequently Visited Sites “, which appear below your favorites

In this menu, you can also  prevent cross-site tracking and  block all cookies on the websites that you visit. In the event that you forget to launch Safari Private Browsing, these options should give you at least a little more privacy whenever you go online.

Is Safari Private Browsing Safe?

Question mark over padlock icon

That last risk is surprisingly common on public Wi-Fi networks  too. Bear in mind that private browsing doesn’t protect you against malware (malicious software) either, nor does it protect your payment information or other personal details . For true online anonymity and to  improve your online security , you should give serious thought to using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) .

How to use a VPN with Safari Private Browsing

Using a VPN along with Safari Private Browsing should give you the online security you’re looking for. In addition to avoiding any logged browsing history or search history , you’ll be much harder to track and enjoy greater online anonymity. You can check out the many advantages of a VPN for more information. Want to get started right away? The following steps will only take a few minutes of your time:

  • Choose a VPN provider and create an account. We recommend checking out our list of the best VPNs if this is new ground for you. Alternatively, ExpressVPN is a market-leading VPN provider that we’re always happy to recommend.
  • Download and install  the VPN software onto your Mac. You can also download ExpressVPN for mobile on your iPhone. Other premium providers like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark all offer really slick mobile apps for iOS, too.
  • Log into your account , either in the desktop software or the mobile app.
  • Choose a VPN server in a country of your choice. If you’re purely interested in online security, then the location you choose isn’t  too  important (though some will be faster than others). However, if you want to  save money on subscriptions , for example, you should give it some more thought.
  • Connect to the VPN server . When you connect, you’ll be  changing your IP address to mirror the VPN server’s IP. It’s safe, legal ( in most countries ), and best of all, it’ll give you far greater online security than simply using Safari Private Browsing alone.

Safari Private Browsing is perfect for hiding those Christmas or birthday purchases from your family before the big day. It’s also a great way to save money on flights, hotels , or other purchases. However, it won’t do much for your online security. If you want  truly private browsing , then use a VPN along with Safari private mode.

Interested in exploring other private browsers? Check out these articles below:

  • How Anonymous Is DuckDuckGo?
  • Is Vivaldi Browser Safe?
  • How to Set Up Firefox as an Anonymous Browser

Do you want to know how to enable private browsing on Safari? Are you wondering how much privacy Safari Private Browsing actually gives you? You’ll find these answers and more in our frequently asked questions below.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for Mac, follow these simple steps:

  • Make sure Safari is the active application that you’re using.
  • Click on  File in the menu bar along the top of the screen.
  • Click on  New Private Window to switch to private browsing mode.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for iPhone or iPad, the process is much the same:

  • Open the  Safari application.
  • Tap on the  Tabs icon (the two small squares in the lower-right corner of your screen).
  • Tap on  Private to switch to private browsing.
  • Click on the small  + (plus) icon to open a new private browsing tab.

Check out our full article for more information on Safari Private Browsing.

No. Safari Private Browsing, like any browser’s private mode, won’t protect you against a lot of online threats. Your IP address will still be visible to many third-party individuals and organizations. For example, your ISP will know what websites you’ve visited, and hackers could determine your location using your IP (though some private modes do limit location tracking). For true online privacy and anonymity, you’re safer using a VPN like ExpressVPN .

With Private Browsing, it’s more difficult for websites to track you, since cookies are cleared the moment you close the browser — but it’s not impossible. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider), employer, school, or college could still see your internet history . That is, unless you use a VPN along with the incognito mode.

Yes. The owner of an internet connection can absolutely check up on your browsing session if they have the right technical knowledge. Some routers can be set up to remember all URLs a device accesses. So, if you’re trying to fly under your parents’ radar, for example, they could potentially bust you using the family router, even if you’re exclusively using private browsing modes.

For true anonymity , you’ll want to use a VPN. With a VPN connection, all of your internet traffic is encrypted, which gives you far better anonymity and privacy than using private browsing on its own.

Chris Bluvshtein

Chris Bluvshtein Author

Senior journalist.

Chris is a tech journalist with many years’ experience covering online privacy and cybersecurity. He’s also a published author and works as a Product Manager for some of the most innovative software development companies.

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Hi Chris , I’m finding while using private mode in safari my sound is being cut out and I have not been able to find a way to reconnect it. I use it on a iPad with a vpn and trend anti spam for protection as much as it can in private mode. I have not been able to find any reason as to why this is happening.

Hey Wayne, I've done a bit of digging, and I've found something that might be worth a try. It seems that recent versions of Safari have a built-in feature that can prevent audio from playing when you visit a website; it's enabled by default too. Give this a try and let me know if the issue goes away: 1. Open the Safari menu and click preferences 2. Click on the websites tab 3. Look for the setting: "When visiting other websites", which has a drop-down selection beside it 4. Change this setting so that it allows websites with media to play sound. You can alternatively add individual websites to this list if you'd rather have control over which ones can play sound by default.

Hi Chris Just tried your Terminal Commands, I am running macOS Monterey The Terminal Commands Below are not working dscacheutil -cachedump -entries Host dscacheutil -flushcache

You're right. Thank you for pointing it out to us! There is a new terminal command you'll now need instead: "sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder". We've adjusted the article to reflect this. Hope this helps!

Looking for a VPN?

Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Extensively tested by our experts.

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How to use a different search engine in Safari’s private browsing mode

Apple lets you set a unique search engine for Safari’s private mode on an iPhone, iPad and Mac separately from the one you use for regular browsing.

Two iPhones showcasing setting a search engine for Safari's private mode

Google is Safari’s default search engine, but you’ve always been able to override Apple’s choice and set the browser to use Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo or Ecosia instead. In iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, you can set a search engine for private browsing different from the one when browsing the web publicly.

Whether you distrust Google or just wanna use a more private service like DuckDuckGo for private mode, Safari has you covered. Follow these steps to configure Safari to use a different search engine for private browsing.

How to set a unique search engine for Safari’s private browsing mode

Use the Search section of the Safari settings on an iPhone, iPad or Mac to set separate search engines for regular and private browsing.

Choosing DuckDuckGo as Safari's private search engine on iOS 17

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and select Safari in the list. On your Mac, click the Safari menu and choose Settings , then select the Search tab.
  • Choose your private search engine. On the iPhone or iPad, touch the Private Search Engine option under the Search heading. On the Mac, click the menu next to Private Browsing search engine .

The following options are available:

  • Use Default Search Engine : Use the same search engine for private browsing as your default search engine for public browsing.
  • Google : Use Google for your private searches.
  • Bing : Use Bing when browsing the web privately.
  • Yahoo : Use Yahoo when in Safari’s private mode.
  • DuckDuckGo : Use this privacy-focused search engine for private browsing.
  • Ecosia : Use Ecosia for private browsing and help plan the trees!

From now on, entering Safari’s private browsing mode will activate the selected search engine for searches via the URL bar. The app will revert to your default search engine after exiting private browsing or switching to a standard window.

Setting DuckDuckGo as Safari's private search engine on macOS Sonoma

This setting doesn’t sync across other devices that use the same Apple ID, allowing Safari to use a different private search engine from one device to another.

Fingerprinting protection in private mode

With Safari’s private browsing mode invoked , Apple’s advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection is turned on by default. To choose whether this feature only works in Safari’s private mode or regular mode as well, follow the steps below.

On an iPhone or iPad, visit Settings > Safari > Advanced > Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection . On the Mac, click Safari Settings > Privacy > Advanced Settings > Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection .

You can now choose from these options:

  • Off : Turns off the feature for all browsing.
  • Private Browsing : Only use the feature when browsing the web privately.
  • All Browsing : Never turn off this capability.

To protect your privacy further, search engine suggestions work differently in Safari’s private mode, with on-device information used to create recommendations instead of sharing your data with a search provider. This might result in less relevant suggestions, but at least your privacy won’t be compromised.

Tell me more about Ecosia

Ecosia How it Works Map

Ecosia is among the private search engines available in Safari. For those wondering, Ecosia is a search engine that, with your help, can plant trees in Indonesia, Uganda, Kenya, Peru and other areas that need them, using the income from the search ads.

Those trees help the environment, people and local economies, and you don’t have to do anything to help but use Ecosia. Visit the Ecosia website to learn more about their mission, view the locations they help and more. While at it, you may also want to take a peek at Ecosia’s privacy policy .

Other private-browsing changes in iOS 17

Apple has added several new features to make private browsing even more private on iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma and later.

  • Locked private browsing : Protect our private tabs with Face ID, Touch ID or device password.
  • Enhanced anti-tracking measures : Safari protects you against techniques like fingerprinting to stop websites from tracking you in private mode.
  • Link tracking protection : Safari’s private mode automatically strips tracking codes from URLs that can be used to identify you.
  • Private search engine : Use a different search engine for private browsing.

These features are available in Safari on the iPhone, iPad and Mac with iOS 17.0, iPadOS 17.0 and macOS Sonoma 14.0 or later.

A more private Private Mode

Safari’s private mode is great for surfing the web anonymously. Web searches aren’t logged in private mode, visited websites aren’t saved in your history and none of your private tabs are shared across devices.

To further increase your privacy, configure Safari to automatically lock your private browsing sessions with Face ID, Touch ID or device passcode when not in use.

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How to set a unique search engine for private browsing in iOS 17

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Safari on iOS 17

how to private search safari

Safari on iOS has long had private browsing — where it doesn't save your passwords or logins, for instance — and more recently it's added Private Relay. Stopping short of being a full VPN, Private Relay nonetheless exists to protect your privacy by only allowing websites to know what state or country you're in.

Yet Apple seemingly doesn't think that's enough. So for iOS 17, it has beefed up private browsing by letting you choose a different search engine.

Prior to iOS 17, Safari already had this option but it was a single control that applied to all searches. So whether you were in private browsing or not, you used the same search engine by default.

How to set a different search engine for private browsing

  • On your iPhone, open Settings
  • Scroll down to Safari and tap
  • In the section headed Search, tap Private Search Engine
  • Choose from the list of search engines available

Apple has added the ability to use a different search engine when in private browsing

In this private browsing section, your choice of search engines consists of:

And there is also Use Default Search Engine , which is itself the default.

What this means is that the search engine used in private browsing will be whatever you've set up for searching in regular or non-private browsing. You have the same five engines to choose from.

But then if you tend to switch between search engines, private browsing will follow. If you've chosen Use Default Search Engine .

One-off searches

These settings apply to what your iPhone will use for you whenever you try searching the web for something. There is never anything to stop you using Safari to take you to, say, bing.com and enter a search there.

There are reasons to switch search engines — they each tend to return different results, for one thing. But it's curious that Apple has added this within the privacy feature of Private Browsing.

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How to Use Two Different Search Engines in Safari

how to private search safari

Imagine using two different search engines at the same time in Safari on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It’s like having double the power to find exactly what you’re looking for online. So, whether you’re hunting for information, want more privacy, or love exploring the web, get ready to supercharge your Safari searches. We’ll show you how to use two different search engines in Safari on iPhone iPad, and Mac.

Table of Contents

Why Use Different Search Engines

Google search is the default option in Safari. However, Google has faced criticism for its data collection practices, and several users are uneasy. However, Google’s services have become deeply ingrained in our daily routines. So transitioning to a different search engine is challenging.

Using two search engines on your browser can help you avoid the hassle of constantly switching between them. Additionally, there are several compelling reasons to explore alternative search engines.

1. Diverse Results : Every search engine has its unique way of finding information. Using two search engines, you can broaden your search and obtain diverse results.

2. Safeguarding Privacy : Concerns about online tracking are common among individuals. Using different search engines disperses your search history, providing an added layer of privacy protection.

3. Exclusive Features : Each search engine offers its own set of impressive features and you can make the most of all these cool tricks to enjoy a distinct search experience.

4. Avoiding Bias : Search engines sometimes display results based on their perception of our preferences. By using different search engines, you can obtain an unbiased and well-rounded perspective on various topics.

Tip: Here’s how to change the default search engine on your iPhone or Android.

Use Two Different Search Engines in Safari on iPhone and iPad

The iPhone and iPad have a very similar user interface. The process for using two different search engines in Safari is identical on both devices. We’ll use screenshots from iPhone to demonstrate the process.

1. Open the Settings app and select Safari . Disable the toggle next to Also Use in Private Browsing .

Safari Settings

2. A new option of Private Search Engine will appear. Tap on it and select the search engine of your choice for your private browsing mode (Incognito Mode).

Select second search engine

3. You can use two different search engines on your Safari as shown below.

Use Two Different Search Engines in Safari on Mac

Adding two search engines in Safari requires a slightly different process on Mac. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open Safari on your Mac and click on the Safari option in the top-left corner of the menu bar.

Safari on mac

2. Select Settings from the context menu.

Safari Settings on mac

3. Uncheck the box next to Also Use in Private Browsing .

Uncheck also use in private browsing

4. You will see the option to select another search engine for your private browsing. Click on the box next to the Private Browsing search engine .

Click to choose second search engine

5. Select the search engine to use in the private mode in Safari.

Select second search engine

Best of Both Worlds

Say goodbye to the limitations of a single search engine and dive into a world of diverse search experiences. With this, you can have the best of both worlds. Besides Google’s integration and services, you can always refer to other search engines for a diverse set of results.

If you want to keep your results private and not change as per your use, check out the best private search engines that prioritize your privacy.

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Ritesh Rawat

Ritesh belongs to "Devbhoomi", the land of gods. He writes articles around tech and simplifies tech concepts for all. For him Apple Devices are the best, Messi is the GOAT and Uttarakhand means peace.

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How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac

Arnold Zafra

In case you’re not aware, Apple’s Safari browser, like other popular browsers, offers a Private Browsing mode . Simply put, when you use this feature while using Safari, the browser won’t log or save any of your activity. Other browsers call this Incognito Mode. The downside is that all your saved preferences for websites you frequently visited are disabled. Still, it won’t hurt to browse websites using the feature from time to time for some private browsing experience. But is there really no way to browse your Private Browsing history? Well, there is, and that’s what I’m going to show you in this guide on how to view Private Browsing history in Safari on your Mac.

How Does Private Browsing Work in Safari

When you opt to browse websites in Safari using Private Browsing, it opens up a new private window in your browser. As previously mentioned, when privately browsing in Safari, your activity will not be logged or saved. Although it’s not a foolproof way of browsing privately, the feature still offers some level of privacy. As such, Private Browsing in Safari won’t record your search engine history, webpages you’ve visited, browsing activity, and most especially passwords you used on different websites.

It should be noted that this feature doesn’t really prevent the websites you visited from knowing who you are and your browsing activity on the website.

How to Browse Privately in Safari on Your Mac

Before I discuss the procedure on how to view your Private Browsing history on Mac, let me walk you through the steps on how to browse privately. You can either do it one time or opt to always browse privately.

To browse privately in Safari one time:

  • Open the Safari app on your Mac.

how to private search safari

To always browse privately in Safari:

  • Click General.

how to private search safari

What is the Mac Terminal Archive?

Now that you know how to use Private Browsing in Safari on your Mac, it’s time for you to know that your Mac actually logs that browsing history. This can be found in your Mac’s Terminal archive. You’ll be surprised to know that this Terminal archive contains information about all of the websites you visited. That’s even when you use the Private Browsing feature. So, you can view Private Browsing history via the Terminal archive.

How to View Private Browsing History in Safari on Mac

Time needed:  1 minute

how to private search safari

You will notice that the website names have been translated into their corresponding IP addresses. You won’t see the exact name of the websites. That’s because your Mac has consulted a DNS directory to translate the website names into IP addresses.

We think you might also be interested in how to clear browser cache on Mac for Chrome, Firefox and Safari .

Final Words: Is It Really Safe to Browse Privately in Safari?

According to Apple, when you browse privately in Safari :

  • The browser won’t save the web pages you visit and your Autofill information.
  • Safari won’t store webpages you open in iCloud.
  • Safari won’t include your recent searches in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.
  • Safari won’t include items you downloaded in the download list.
  • Changes to your cookies and website won’t be saved.

Knowing all that, Private Browsing in Safari would seem safe. But then, when you browse privately, are you really browsing anonymously, or does the feature just hide your information from anyone who could access your Mac? However, if somebody gets physical access to your Mac and knows their way around, they can still see the websites you visited, since the information is stored in the DNS cache of your Mac.

Even worse is when you are using a public network. The network administrator can still see the websites you are visiting using your Mac. The bottom line is that advertisers can still track you even if you browse privately on your Mac, and then serve targeted ads. If you don’t mind that at all, then there’s no harm in always browsing privately in Safari on your Mac.

One thought on “ How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac ”

When it comes to private browsing, Utopia P2P ecosystem’s web proxy function is the gold standard. Its advanced encryption and anonymity features are unmatched by other solutions like VPNs and incognito modes.

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how to private search safari

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How to Lock Private Browsing Tabs in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

You might have seen ads about something that you search for on the internet. You may believe in the conspiracy theory that it happens because several websites monitor your browsing sessions. But you can keep yourself behind a wall of secrecy by using Private Browsing in Safari on your iPhone , iPad, and Mac.

How_to_Lock_Private_Browsing_Tabs_in_Safari_on_iPhone_iPad_and_Mac

To add more privacy to your browsing sessions, you can lock your private browsing tabs in Safari. This will prevent anyone from accessing your private tabs in Safari. Well, you can lock your private browsing tabs in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Lock Private Tabs in Safari on iPhone

Safari lets you lock your private browsing mode using Face ID on your iPhone. After you enable private browsing, Safari won’t save the cookies and passwords of the sites you visit. Here’s how you can enable the same.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and select Safari.

open settings iphone 1

Step 2: Scroll down and tap the toggle next to ‘Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing.’

lock private tabs safari on iphone

When you open a private tab in Safari, your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID. Do note that a private window won’t lock if you haven’t loaded a web page or are playing an audio or video.

Lock Private Tabs in Safari on iPad

Safari is is a delight to use on iPad. You can protect your private tabs in Safari from prying eyes. Here’s how you can enable locked private browsing.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.

open settings on ipad

Step 2: Scroll down the left sidebar and select Safari.

safari settings ipad

Step 3: Scroll down the right menu and tap the toggle next to ‘Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing.’

lock private tabs safari on ipad

How to Change Safari Private Browsing Search Engine on iPhone and iPad

You can opt for a different search engine for browsing privately in Safari. Here’s how to do it on your iPhone and iPad. The steps remain the same for both platforms.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

open settings iphone 1

Step 2: Tap on Safari and select Private Search Engine.

private search engine safari iphone

Step 3: Select a new search engine for your private tabs from the list of options.

If you have multiple Apple devices, you can view Safari tabs from another iPhone or iPad .

Lock Private Tabs in Safari on Mac

Safari is the default browser on Mac and is the most optimized. You can browse privately in Safari and choose to protect your private tabs via Touch ID or passcode. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar keyboard shortcut to open Spotlight Search, type Safari, and press Return.

open safari on mac

Step 2: Click on Safari at the top-left corner and select Settings.

settings safari mac

Step 3: Click the Privacy tab in the Settings window.

privacy settings safari mac 1

Step 4: Enable the option of Require Touch ID to view locked tabs next to Private Browsing.

enable touch id for private tabs safari mac

All your private tabs will be accessible only after authentication using Touch ID or passcode on your Mac.

How to Change Safari Private Browsing Search Engine on Mac

Like on iPhone and iPad, you can change the default search engine for Safari private tabs on Mac. Here’s how.

Step 3: Click the Search tab in the Settings window.

search settings safari mac 1

Step 4: Click the drop-down menu next to ‘Private Browsing search engine.’

select new search engine private tabs safari mac

Select the search engine of your choice from the list of options.

If you prefer using Google Search, refer our post whe Google Search suggestions are not showing in Safari .

Make Private Tabs Private

You can lock your private browsing tabs in Safari to make your usage more private. With the update of macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, and iPad OS 17, Safari lets you create profiles based on the category of websites you like to visit. You can create a profile for work and a profile for personal use. You can also select the Safari extensions will be running on what profile. It is just like creating a Focus Mode profile on your Apple device.

Last updated on 22 September, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Safari_Private_Browsing_Option_Missing_on_iPhone_or_iPad

DID YOU KNOW

how to private search safari

Paurush Chaudhary

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit and worked briefly as a copywriter. In his free time, he satiates his curiosity about streaming platforms and devices like Apple TV and Google TV. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often bumping it longer.

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Computer Hope

How to clear Safari history

Internet browsers

Most web page data is cached locally on your computer as you browse the Internet . This process helps sites load faster and reduces the amount of data transferred over your connection when you revisit them. Furthermore, this saved data can make it easier to locate a site again if you forgot to bookmark it during your previous session .

To help keep your Internet activities private or free up disk space , you can delete this stored information. To learn how to clear your browsing history in Safari , select your Apple device from the list below and follow the steps.

Once you delete browsing history from your computer, it cannot be recovered.

If you clear your Internet history often, you may want to consider browsing in incognito mode .

  • Safari for MacBook or iMac.
  • Safari for iPhone or iPad.

Safari for MacBook or iMac

This section shows you how to clear your history if you're using macOS on a desktop or laptop computer, such as an iMac or MacBook .

  • Open the Safari browser by clicking its icon in the Dock , or launching it through Finder .

Launching Safari from the Dock in macOS.

  • In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click History selector.

History on the Safari menu bar.

  • Select Show All History from the drop-down menu .

Show All History option in the Safari History menu.

  • To delete an individual history item, right-click an entry and select Delete from the drop-down menu .

Delete selector in Safari.

You may also highlight one or more entries and press the delete key to remove them.

  • To clear everything, click the Clear History button.

Clear History button in Safari.

  • Select an option from the drop-down menu to choose how far back to delete the history, and click the Clear History button.

Choosing how far back to clear history in Safari.

Safari for iPhone or iPad

This section shows you how to clear your history if you're on an Apple mobile device that uses iOS , such as an iPhone or iPad .

  • Open the Safari browser on your mobile device.
  • Scroll up until you see the address bar at the top of the screen and a toolbar at the bottom.
  • On the toolbar at the bottom, tap the fourth icon from the left that looks like a book .
  • Tap the History icon ( A ), which looks like a clock. Your device's history is displayed chronologically in the middle section of the screen.
  • Tap Clear in the lower-right corner of the screen ( B ).

Safari History screen on an iPhone.

  • On the Clear History screen that appears, tap an option for how far back to delete the history ( C ), and tap the Clear History button ( D ).

Safari History screen on an iPhone.

Related information

  • How to clear browsing history on exit.
  • How to set a browser to Incognito or private mode.
  • How to default launch a browser in private or incognito mode.
  • How to view Safari history.
  • How to clear browser cache and cookies.
  • How to reset default settings in an Internet browser.
  • See the cache and history definitions for further information about these terms.
  • Apple Safari help and support.

I accidentally discovered the hidden Safari browser on my Apple Watch — here’s how to do it

Surfing the web comes in handy when you're in a pinch

Apple Watch hidden Safari browser.

One of the coolest things I read about lately is Motorola’s concept bendable smartphone introduced at MWC 2024 that can be worn on your wrist. I was really impressed about the possibilities of a wrist-worn smartphone, up until a notification popped up on my Apple Watch , which subsequently led me to accidentally discovering its hidden Safari browser.

I’ll be the first to admit that smartphones are better suited for surfing the web, but I like having my options open. Browsing websites on an Apple Watch may not be as practical, mainly due to its tinier display, but it can certainly come in handy when I’m in a pinch.

I’m not saying that web surfing on a wearable needs to be a core feature available on the best smartwatches . However, I can see how others may lean on the option if given the opportunity. Here’s how to access it.

How to access the hidden Safari browser on your Apple Watch

No, there’s not a Safari app for the Apple Watch. I wish it were that easy, but it’s actually buried in the WatchOS software. I’ve tried loading up different sites to see how they load and function on my Apple Watch’s display.

For the most part it functions in a reduced capacity than what we’re all used to on our phones. Believe me, you don’t want to shop or fill out long forms with this hidden Safari browser — and for the most part — should be used strictly to browse sites and nothing more. That’s because it has trouble running certain web scripts, resulting in some page elements not loading properly. Here are some important things you should know about using the hidden Safari browser on your Apple Watch.

  • Scrolling: You can do this either by using swipe gestures on the screen or using the digital crown.
  • Page views: Sometimes it’ll load in a reader view to make it easier to see, but there’s an option for web view for the full experience.
  • Navigation : The URL bar that loads at the top can’t be used to type in URLs. However, there are buttons to stop and reload the page — along with returning to the previous page.
  • Zooming: On some pages you’ll be able to zoom by double tapping anywhere on the display. Otherwise, text passages will automatically fill out the entire width of the screen.
  • Multitasking: If you exit the Safari browser, it should remain in memory and be accessible by double pressing the digital crown to get into the recent apps menu. 

1. Send yourself the desired URL

On your Apple Watch, you will need to send the URL to yourself by opening the Messages app , tapping the compose button , choosing yourself as the contact, and then typing the URL by using the on-screen keyboard or Siri voice dictation. Once you have the URL, tap the giant send button .

2. Launch the hidden Safari browser

Once you’ve sent the URL to yourself, you’ll get a notification where you can instantly jump into the message. If not, simply open the Message app and tap on the preview window of the URL you sent. A new page should load on top of the Messages app. In certain instances, the browser will default to the Reader view, but you can change it to Web View by clicking the URL bar at the top.

3. Mail app can also launch Safari browser

Alternatively, you can also access the Safari browser through links in the Mail app . When you click on them, a new page will overlay the mail app with the appropriate link. 

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch aren’t meant to replace our smartphones. They’re extensions that let us access some of the most commonly used functions on our phones, like the way they discreetly show notifications.

This hidden Safari browser can be useful when you’re in a dire situation. While I was able to basically get to checkout on Motorola’s website for one of its phones, I really don’t recommend using it for this purpose — but rather — the option to quickly browse a webpage.

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John Velasco

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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  • Adjust map settings
  • Get started with Freeform
  • Create a Freeform board
  • Draw or handwrite
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  • Get started with Health
  • Fill out your Health Details
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  • Turn Sleep Focus on or off
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  • Intro to Home
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  • Set up Messages
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  • Get started with News
  • Use News widgets
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  • Subscribe to Apple News+
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  • Get started with Notes
  • Add or remove accounts
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  • Delete, share, or copy a photo
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  • Share photos and videos
  • Share long videos
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  • Watch memories
  • Personalize your memories
  • Manage memories and featured photos
  • Use iCloud Photos
  • Create shared albums
  • Add and remove people in a shared album
  • Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
  • Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
  • Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
  • Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
  • Import and export photos and videos
  • Print photos
  • Find podcasts
  • Listen to podcasts
  • Follow your favorite podcasts
  • Use the Podcasts widget
  • Organize your podcast library
  • Download, save, and share podcasts
  • Subscribe to podcasts
  • Listen to subscriber-only content
  • Change download settings
  • Make a grocery list
  • Add items to a list
  • Edit and manage a list
  • Search and organize lists
  • Work with templates
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  • Print reminders
  • Use the Reminders widget
  • Change Reminders settings
  • Browse the web
  • Search for websites
  • Customize your Safari settings
  • Change the layout
  • Use Safari profiles
  • Open and close tabs
  • Organize your tabs with Tab Groups
  • View your tabs from another device
  • Share Tab Groups
  • Use Siri to listen to a webpage
  • Bookmark a website
  • Bookmark a website as a favorite
  • Save pages to a Reading List
  • Find links shared with you
  • Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
  • Automatically fill in forms
  • Get extensions
  • Hide ads and distractions
  • Clear your cache
  • Browse the web privately
  • Use passkeys in Safari
  • Check stocks
  • Manage multiple watchlists
  • Read business news
  • Add earnings reports to your calendar
  • Use a Stocks widget
  • Translate text, voice, and conversations
  • Translate text in apps
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  • Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
  • Add your TV provider
  • Get shows, movies, and more
  • Watch sports
  • Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
  • Watch multiple live sports streams
  • Control playback
  • Manage your library
  • Change the settings
  • Make a recording
  • Play it back
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  • Keep recordings up to date
  • Organize recordings
  • Search for or rename a recording
  • Share a recording
  • Duplicate a recording
  • Check the weather
  • Check the weather in other locations
  • View weather maps
  • Manage weather notifications
  • Use Weather widgets
  • Learn the weather icons
  • Find out what Siri can do
  • Tell Siri about yourself
  • Have Siri announce calls and notifications
  • Add Siri Shortcuts
  • About Siri Suggestions
  • Change Siri settings
  • Set up Family Sharing
  • Add Family Sharing members
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  • Share subscriptions
  • Share purchases
  • Share locations with family and locate lost devices
  • Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
  • Set up parental controls
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  • Get started with Screen Time
  • Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
  • Set up Screen Time for yourself
  • Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
  • Set up Screen Time for a family member
  • Set up Apple Pay
  • Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
  • Track your orders
  • Use Apple Cash
  • Use Apple Card
  • Use Savings
  • Manage payment cards and activity
  • Power adapter and charge cable
  • Use AirPods
  • Use EarPods
  • Use headphone audio-level features
  • Apple Pencil compatibility
  • Pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation)
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  • Enter text with Scribble
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  • Quickly write notes
  • Preview tools and controls with Apple Pencil hover
  • Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
  • Connect to a display with a cable
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  • iPad keyboards
  • Switch between keyboards
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  • Use iPad as a second display for Mac
  • Use iPad as a webcam
  • Use a keyboard and mouse or trackpad across your Mac and iPad
  • Hand off tasks between devices
  • Cut, copy, and paste between iPad and other devices
  • Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPad
  • Use AirDrop to send items
  • Connect iPad and your computer with a cable
  • Transfer files between devices
  • Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
  • Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
  • Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
  • Use an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service
  • Get started with accessibility features
  • Turn on accessibility features for setup
  • Change Siri accessibility settings
  • Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
  • Enlarge text by hovering
  • Change color and brightness
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  • Reduce onscreen motion
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  • Hear what’s on the screen or typed
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  • Turn on and practice VoiceOver
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  • Operate iPad when VoiceOver is on
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  • Intro to Switch Control
  • Set up and turn on Switch Control
  • Select items, perform actions, and more
  • Control several devices with one switch
  • Use hearing devices
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  • Flash the LED for alerts
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  • Type to speak
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  • Use Guided Access
  • Use built-in privacy and security protections
  • Set a passcode
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  • Keep your Apple ID secure
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Browse privately in Safari on iPad

how to private search safari

Visit sites privately

You can use Private Browsing to open tabs that don’t appear in History on iPad or in the list of tabs on your other devices. Tabs in Private Browsing aren’t shared with your other Apple devices, even if you’re signed in with the same Apple ID .

If you have a passcode set on your iPad, Private Browsing locks when it’s not in use. Private Browsing may not lock immediately.

the Show Sidebar button

Follow the directions onscreen to unlock Private Browsing.

how to private search safari

Note: Any Safari extensions you have installed that have access to browsing data are automatically turned off in Private Browsing. To turn on an extension in Private Browsing, see Use extensions .

Choose a search engine for Private Browsing

Tap Private Search Engine, then choose a search engine.

View the Privacy Report

Safari helps prevent trackers from following you across websites and from seeing your IP address. You can review the Privacy Report to see a summary of trackers that have been encountered and prevented by Intelligent Tracking Prevention on the current webpage you’re visiting. You can also review and adjust Safari settings to keep your browsing activities private from others who use the same device, and help protect yourself from malicious websites.

the Page Settings button

Use iCloud Private Relay to browse the web with more privacy

When you subscribe to iCloud+ on iPad , you can use iCloud Private Relay to help prevent websites and network providers from creating a detailed profile about you. When iCloud Private Relay is turned on, the traffic leaving your iPad is encrypted and sent through two separate internet relays. This prevents websites from seeing your IP address and exact location while it prevents network providers from collecting your browsing activity in Safari. See Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPad .

See Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPad to learn how to:

Turn iCloud Private Relay completely on or off for your iPad.

Turn iCloud Private Relay on or off for a specific Wi-Fi or cellular network.

Turn iCloud Private Relay off temporarily.

Set the specificity of your IP address location.

Temporarily allow a website to see your IP address

If a website relies on IP filtering, monitoring, or rate-limiting, it might require your IP address to be visible. You can turn off iCloud Private Relay temporarily for that website only.

Note: iCloud Private Relay isn’t available in all countries or regions. See the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website .

Tap Show IP Address (if available).

Your IP address remains visible to that website until you leave the website or close its Safari tab. iCloud Private Relay remains on for other websites.

To turn off or pause iCloud Private Relay for all websites, see Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPad .

Control privacy and security settings for Safari

Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: Safari limits third-party cookies and data by default. Turn this option off to allow cross-site tracking.

Hide IP address: Safari automatically protects your IP address from known trackers. For eligible iCloud+ subscribers, your IP address is protected from trackers and websites as you browse in Safari. If this option is off, your IP address isn’t hidden.

Fraudulent Website Warning: Safari displays a warning if you’re visiting a suspected phishing website. Turn this option off if you don’t want to be warned about fraudulent websites.

Camera: Choose whether Safari websites can use your camera without asking you first. Tap Camera, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

Microphone: Choose whether Safari websites can use your microphone without asking you first. Tap Microphone, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

Location: Choose whether Safari websites can use your location without asking you first. Tap Location, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

IMAGES

  1. How to use Safari private browsing on Mac, iPhone & iPad

    how to private search safari

  2. How to enable private browsing in an iPhone using Safari?

    how to private search safari

  3. How to use Safari private browsing on Mac, iPhone & iPad

    how to private search safari

  4. How to enable and use private browsing in Safari for iOS

    how to private search safari

  5. 4 quick ways to open Safari Private Tab on iPhone in iOS 15

    how to private search safari

  6. Private browsing in Safari: All you need to know

    how to private search safari

VIDEO

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  5. How To Clear Safari Browser Search History On iPhone ( safari browser ) 2024

  6. iPadOS 17: What's new in the Safari App

COMMENTS

  1. Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPhone

    In iOS 17. Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap the Tabs button. Swipe to the Private tab group button, then tap the tab that you want to open. For additional privacy, you can choose to lock Private Browsing when you're not using it. When you lock your device, your private tabs in Safari will also lock. Then, when you unlock your device again, just ...

  2. Browse privately in Safari on iPhone

    Open the Safari app on your iPhone. Tap . Swipe right on the tab bar at the bottom of the screen until Private Browsing opens, then tap Unlock. To exit Private Browsing, tap , then swipe left to open a Tab Group from the menu at the bottom of your screen. The websites you have open in Private Browsing stay open, and Private Browsing locks.

  3. Use Private Browsing in Safari on Mac

    Always browse privately. In the Safari app on your Mac, choose Safari > Preferences, then click General. Click the "Safari opens with" pop-up menu, then choose "A new private window.". If you don't see this option, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click General, then make sure "Close windows when quitting an app" is selected.

  4. How to use Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone

    When you use Private Browsing, Safari won't remember your search history, the pages you visit, or your AutoFill information. Private Browsing also blocks som...

  5. How to Search Privately on Safari

    To activate Private Browsing in Safari: Locate and tap on the Tabs icon in Safari's toolbar. It looks like two overlapping squares. Tap and hold the Tabs button. Tap New Private Tab. For more info, here is how to enable "incognito mode" on Safari.

  6. How to Use Private Browsing in Safari on Mac, iPhone, or iPad

    Open the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad, then tap the Tabs button in the bottom-right corner to view your open pages. In the bottom-left corner, tap Private to enable private browsing mode. Then tap the Add ( +) button to open a private browsing window. Tap the Tabs button in the bottom-right corner.

  7. How to Use Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone or iPad

    To activate Private Browsing, first launch Safari. If you don't see the toolbar at the top of the screen, tap anywhere once to reveal it. Then tap on the "New Window" button in the upper-right corner. On Safari's window management screen, tap the "Private" button in the upper-right corner. After Private Mode is enabled, tap the plus (+) button ...

  8. 4 Ways to Open a Private Safari Tab on iPhone and iPad

    Use the Pages Button on Safari's Toolbar. A quick way to open a private tab in Safari is to use the "Pages" button on the bottom toolbar on your iPhone. Fire up Safari. Long-press or hard-press the "Pages" button (cascading squares icon). Select the "New Private Tab" option with a hand icon next to it from the menu that pops up.

  9. How to go incognito in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

    To open what Safari calls a Private Window on a Mac, users can do a three-key combination of Command-Shift-N, the same shortcut Chrome adopted. Otherwise, a window can be called up by selecting ...

  10. How to use Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap and hold the Tabs button. Tap [number] Tabs in the pop-up menu. You may also exit out of incognito mode in Safari on iOS 17 by completing these steps: Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap the Tabs button. Tap [number] Tabs or Start Page to show the Tab Groups list. Tap Private, then tap Done.

  11. How to Use Safari's Private Browsing Mode

    Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Pages icon (consisting of two squares) to bring up the open tabs view, and then tap the profile icon, centered at the bottom of the screen. Tap Private ...

  12. Safari's Private Browsing Mode Just Made Your Private Tabs Way More

    On Mac: Go to Safari -> Settings -> Search, click the browser next to "Private Browsing search engine," and choose the one you want. You can choose between "Use Default Search Engine" or any available search engine, including Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuck Go, and Ecosia.

  13. Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPad

    Safari won't remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information. How to turn on Private Browsing. Open Safari on your iPad. Touch and hold the Tabs button. Tap New Private Tab. While Private Browsing is on, the Safari address bar appears black or dark instead of white or gray, and the buttons are black instead of blue.

  14. Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

    Open Safari on your phone. Tap on the " Tabs " button. Tap where it says " X Tab (s) " - this number will reflect the number of windows you have open. Tap " Private .". Now, you're in Private Browsing mode and can click the small " + " (plus) icon to launch a new private window.

  15. iOS 17 Safari makes private browsing more secure

    There's an entry for Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing. Move the slider right to turn on the feature. For phones without Face ID — essentially the iPhone SE, at this point — the menu ...

  16. How to set a different search engine for Safari's private mode

    Use the Search section of the Safari settings on an iPhone, iPad or Mac to set separate search engines for regular and private browsing. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and select Safari in the list. On your Mac, click the Safari menu and choose Settings, then select the Search tab.

  17. How to Check Private Browsing History on iPhone

    Open the Safari app on your iPhone. Inside Safari, swipe up from the bottom Tab Bar until you see all your open tabs on the screen. When you see the active tabs on your screen, tap on the Private tab from the bottom left corner or swipe from left to right on the bottom bar. This will open the Private Browsing screen which may show the ...

  18. How to change search engine in Safari private browsing in iOS 17

    Scroll down to Safari and tap. In the section headed Search, tap Private Search Engine. Choose from the list of search engines available. Apple has added the ability to use a different search ...

  19. How to use Locked Private Browsing in Safari

    How to use Locked Private Browsing in Safari. Lock your private windows, so that you can keep them open and private even when you step away from your device. Browse privately in Safari on your Apple device. When you use Private Browsing, Safari doesn't remember the pages that you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information.

  20. How to Use Two Different Search Engines in Safari

    Open Safari on your Mac and click on the Safari option in the top-left corner of the menu bar. 2. Select Settings from the context menu. 3. Uncheck the box next to Also Use in Private Browsing. 4. You will see the option to select another search engine for your private browsing. Click on the box next to the Private Browsing search engine. 5 ...

  21. How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac

    Open the Safari app on your Mac. Click File > New Private Window. Browse as you normally would. Note that Private Browsing mode in Safari will have a dark search field as compared with the light ...

  22. How to Lock Private Browsing Tabs in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    Here's how. Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar keyboard shortcut to open Spotlight Search, type Safari, and press Return. Step 2: Click on Safari at the top-left corner and select Settings. Step 3 ...

  23. How to Clear Safari History

    Safari for MacBook or iMac. This section shows you how to clear your history if you're using macOS on a desktop or laptop computer, such as an iMac or MacBook.. Open the Safari browser by clicking its icon in the Dock, or launching it through Finder.; In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click History selector.; Select Show All History from the drop-down menu.

  24. How to access the hidden Safari browser on your Apple Watch

    Multitasking: If you exit the Safari browser, it should remain in memory and be accessible by double pressing the digital crown to get into the recent apps menu. 1. Send yourself the desired URL

  25. Keep your browsing history private in Safari and Maps

    To hide the sites and exit Private Browsing Mode, tap the Tabs button , then tap the Tab Groups button to open a different Tab Group from the menu at the bottom of your screen. The private sites reappear the next time you use Private Browsing Mode. To close private tabs, tap the Tabs button , then swipe left each of the tabs you want to close.

  26. Browse privately in Safari on iPad

    Open the Safari app on your iPad. Tap , then tap Private. Follow the directions onscreen to unlock Private Browsing. To exit Private Browsing, tap , then tap a Tab Group. The websites you have open in Private Browsing stay open, and Private Browsing locks. To prevent Private Browsing from locking, go to Settings > Safari, then turn off Require ...