If online safety is a priority for you, private browsing stands out as one of the best methods to protect your digital footprint. Most modern web browsers, including Safari—the default browser on Apple devices—offer private modes to help safeguard user data.

Safari’s private browsing feature allows you to explore the internet without leaving traces like search history, browsing records, or AutoFill details. It also blocks cookies, making it harder for advertisers and other third parties to track your online behavior and build a profile of your activity.

Still, relying solely on private browsing isn’t enough. For stronger protection, consider combining it with tools like a reliable VPN and keeping your browser up to date. This article walks you through enabling private browsing in Safari and outlines additional steps to boost your privacy.

Activating private browsing in Safari

Safari’s Private Browsing mode ensures the sites you visit aren’t saved in your history. It works seamlessly across all Apple devices, including MacBooks, iMacs, iPhones, and iPads.

On iPhone and iPad (iOS/iPadOS 17 and later)

1. Launch the Safari app from your home screen.
2. Tap the tab groups icon (two overlapping squares) in the lower-right corner.
3. Swipe left or right on the tab bar until "Private" appears, then tap Unlock.
4. Press the button to open a new private tab and begin browsing.

For older versions of iOS/iPadOS

1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Tap the tab icon at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see two options: Private and Start Page (or a number indicating open tabs).

3. Select Private to enter private browsing mode.

4. Tap the button to start a new private session.

On macOS (MacBook and iMac)

1. Open Safari from your Applications folder or Dock.
2. Click File in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Choose New Private Window from the dropdown.

Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Shift Command N to instantly open a private window.

To exit private browsing, simply close the private window. Reopen it using the same method whenever you want to browse privately again.

What Safari’s private browsing actually does

Here’s a closer look at the privacy benefits when using Safari in private mode:

1. Your visited websites aren’t recorded.
2. Pages you view won’t sync across devices via iCloud.
3. Search suggestions won’t include your recent queries.
4. Downloaded files won’t appear in your download list (though they remain on your device).
5. Plugins that support private browsing won’t save cookies or tracking data.
6. Safari sends a “Do Not Track” request to websites, though compliance is optional for site owners.

Keep in mind that private browsing impacts functionality. Since cookies are blocked, you’ll need to log in again each time you revisit a site. Preferences like language or theme settings won’t be remembered either, as sites can’t store data during private sessions. These are trade-offs for increased privacy.

Enable Fraudulent Website Warning

Safari includes a built-in protection feature called Fraudulent Website Warning, which helps defend against phishing and malware sites. When enabled, it alerts you if you attempt to access a known malicious website.

Phishing sites often mimic banks or popular services to steal login details, while malware sites can silently install harmful software. Apple maintains an updated list of dangerous domains, and with this feature active, you’ll get an immediate warning before proceeding.

How to turn on Fraudulent Website Warning (iOS/iPadOS)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.

3. Tap Safari.

4. Scroll down and toggle on Fraudulent Website Warning.

On macOS

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari in the top menu, then select Settings (or Preferences on older systems).
3. Go to the Security tab.
4. Check the box for Warn when visiting a fraudulent website.

Block cross-site tracking

Safari blocks cross-site tracking by default, preventing advertisers from following you across different websites. While this setting is usually enabled, it’s wise to confirm it’s active.

On iPhone and iPad

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.

3. Tap Safari.

4. Make sure Prevent Cross-Site Tracking is toggled on.

On Mac

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari > Settings (or Preferences).
3. Navigate to Privacy and enable Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.

Use iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay is an advanced privacy tool available to iCloud subscribers. It enhances your browsing anonymity by routing your internet traffic through two separate relays.

The first relay, managed by Apple, receives your IP address but encrypts your DNS queries. The second, operated by a third party, assigns a temporary IP address, hiding your real one. This setup prevents ISPs, websites, and trackers from identifying you or monitoring your browsing.

To activate Private Relay:

On iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name at the top, then go to iCloud.

3. Select Private Relay under iCloud Features.

4. Toggle on Private Relay.

On Mac

1. Open System Settings.
2. Click your name in the sidebar (sign in if needed).
3. Go to iCloud > Private Relay.
4. Turn on the Private Relay switch.

Use a trusted VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection. This prevents your ISP and other snoopers from seeing what you do online.

A good VPN masks your real IP address by routing your traffic through a server in another location, making it seem like you're browsing from elsewhere. This helps avoid profiling and geo-tracking. Top services like PrivadoVPN, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN offer strong encryption, fast speeds, and robust privacy features.

For more details, check out our comprehensive guide on the best VPNs for Safari users.

Enable rapid security updates

Keeping Safari updated is essential for security. Apple frequently releases patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. While general OS updates happen periodically, Rapid Security Responses deliver critical fixes faster—without waiting for a full system update.

These updates are small, silent, and designed to protect you immediately from emerging threats.

On iPhone and iPad

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General > Software Update.

3. Tap Automatic Updates.

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