If online privacy is a priority for you, Safari provides a number of built-in tools designed to protect your digital footprint. From Private Browsing to system-level features like iCloud Private Relay and security updates, Safari offers multiple ways to browse more safely and anonymously.
Private Browsing Mode: How It Works
Safari’s Private Browsing mode ensures your browsing history, search terms, and AutoFill data aren’t saved. It also prevents websites from storing cookies, which are often used to track your online behavior. This mode is ideal when you want to prevent local data from being recorded on your device.
Enabling Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad
If you’re using iOS or iPadOS 17 or newer, open Safari, tap the tabs icon in the bottom right, swipe right to access the Private section, and then tap Unlock. You can tap the plus icon to begin browsing privately.
On earlier versions, the process is similar. Tap the tabs icon, select Private at the bottom of the screen, and open a new tab.
Enabling Private Browsing on Mac
To start a private session on macOS, open Safari and choose New Private Window from the File menu. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + N. When you’re done, simply close the private window to exit private browsing.
What Private Browsing Really Does
Private Browsing ensures that your visited websites won’t be remembered, open tabs won’t sync via iCloud, and recent searches aren’t stored. While your downloads remain on your device, they won’t appear in Safari’s download list. Plug-ins and trackers are disabled, and Safari sends a Do Not Track request to all sites you visit, though websites aren’t required to honor it.
Because cookies are blocked, websites won’t remember your login sessions or preferences. You’ll need to sign in again each time and reset any custom settings. These are tradeoffs for improved privacy.
Using Fraudulent Website Warning
Safari’s Fraudulent Website Warning alerts you if a site you’re visiting is suspected of phishing or malware. This feature protects you from impersonators of banks, social networks, or online stores.
To enable it on iOS or iPadOS, go to Settings, tap Safari, and toggle on Fraudulent Website Warning. On a Mac, open Safari, go to Settings or Preferences, find the Security tab, and check the box to enable the warning.
Preventing Cross-Site Tracking
Safari blocks advertisers from following you across different sites by preventing cross-site tracking. This feature is usually enabled by default.
To confirm it on iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Safari, and make sure Prevent Cross-Site Tracking is active. On Mac, check this option under Safari’s Privacy settings.
Boosting Privacy with iCloud Private Relay
iCloud Private Relay, available to iCloud+ subscribers, hides your IP address and encrypts your web activity. It routes your data through two separate relays, one by Apple and the other by a third-party provider, making it difficult for anyone to trace your browsing.
To turn it on, go to Settings on iPhone or iPad, tap your name, then iCloud, and activate Private Relay. On Mac, go to System Settings, click your name, select iCloud, and enable the feature from there.
Consider Using a VPN for Full Protection
A VPN adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your connection and masking your real IP address. This makes it look like you’re browsing from a different location, making tracking extremely difficult. Trusted VPNs like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and PrivadoVPN offer strong security, multiple server locations, and high speeds.
Stay Up to Date with Rapid Security Responses
Apple occasionally releases Rapid Security Responses to fix urgent Safari vulnerabilities. These updates are faster than standard OS updates and essential for staying protected.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. Tap Automatic Updates and turn on Security Responses and System Files. On Mac, go to System Settings, click General, then Software Update. Click the information icon and enable the option to install security responses and system files.
Final Thoughts
Safari includes a suite of privacy tools to help you stay safe online. Use Private Browsing for everyday discretion, enable tracking prevention and fraudulent site warnings, and consider enhanced tools like Private Relay or a VPN. Keep Safari updated with rapid security responses to defend against emerging threats. With these steps, you can browse with peace of mind on any Apple device.
