Introduction
When browsing the internet, Safari keeps track of the websites you visit frequently and displays them as “Frequently Visited” sites for quick access. While this feature can be convenient for some users, it may not be ideal for everyone. If you want to maintain your browsing history private or simply clean up your Safari homepage, you may want to learn how to get rid of these frequently visited sites.
Clearing Frequently Visited Sites
If you want to remove or clear the frequently visited sites on your Safari homepage, there are several methods you can use. Follow the steps below to get rid of frequently visited sites on Safari:
1. Clear History and Website Data:
One way to remove frequently visited sites on Safari is by clearing your browsing history and website data. This will not only remove the frequently visited sites but also clear your entire browsing history. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Safari on your Mac or iOS device
- Go to “History” in the menu bar
- Click on “Clear History” and select the time range you want to clear
- Confirm your choice by clicking “Clear History”
2. Private Browsing Mode:
Another way to prevent Safari from saving your browsing history and displaying frequently visited sites is by using the Private Browsing mode. When in Private Browsing mode, Safari will not save any browsing history, cookies, or other data. To enable Private Browsing mode, follow these steps:
- Open Safari on your Mac or iOS device
- Go to “File” in the menu bar
- Click on “New Private Window” to start browsing privately
3. Resetting Safari:
If clearing your history and using Private Browsing mode does not remove the frequently visited sites, you can try resetting Safari to its default settings. Keep in mind that resetting Safari will remove all your saved passwords, browsing history, and other data. To reset Safari, follow these steps:
- Open Safari on your Mac
- Go to “Safari” in the menu bar
- Click on “Reset Safari”
- Check the options you want to reset and click “Reset” to confirm
Disabling Frequently Visited Sites
If you prefer not to clear your browsing history or reset Safari, you can also disable the frequently visited sites feature altogether. Here’s how you can disable frequently visited sites on Safari:
1. Disable Frequently Visited Sites:
To turn off the frequently visited sites feature on Safari, follow these steps:
- Open Safari on your Mac or iOS device
- Go to “Preferences” in the menu bar
- Click on the “General” tab
- Uncheck the box next to “Show Frequently Visited Sites” to disable the feature
2. Customize Favorites:
Instead of disabling the frequently visited sites feature completely, you can customize your favorites to display specific websites you want to see on your Safari homepage. To customize your favorites, follow these steps:
- Open Safari on your Mac or iOS device
- Click on the “Edit” button on the Favorites section of your homepage
- Remove the frequently visited sites you want to get rid of
- Add new websites to your favorites by clicking on the “+” button
Other Tips and Considerations
In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are a few other tips and considerations to keep in mind when trying to get rid of frequently visited sites on Safari:
1. Use Third-Party Extensions:
There are third-party extensions and tools available that can help you customize your Safari homepage and remove frequently visited sites. Look for extensions in the Mac App Store or Safari Extensions Gallery that offer this functionality.
2. Clear Cookies and Cache:
Clearing your cookies and cache can also help remove frequently visited sites on Safari. To clear your cookies and cache, go to Safari preferences and click on “Privacy”. From there, you can manage your website data and clear any unwanted cookies or cache.
3. Update Safari:
Make sure you are using the latest version of Safari to access any new features or improvements that may help you manage and customize your browsing experience. Check for updates in the App Store or through the Safari menu.
Conclusion
Removing frequently visited sites on Safari can help you maintain your browsing history private and clean up your Safari homepage. Whether you choose to clear your history, disable the feature, or customize your favorites, there are several methods you can use to get rid of frequently visited sites in Safari. Experiment with different options to find the best solution that works for you.
