📺 Video Tutorial

🛡️ Why Safari Privacy Settings Matter

Safari has powerful privacy features that block trackers, prevent fingerprinting, and protect your browsing data. Proper configuration stops advertisers from following you across the web.

• 🔒 Block cross-site tracking – Stop advertisers from following you
• 📱 Prevent fingerprinting – Make your browser less unique
• 🛡️ Hide IP address – Use iCloud Private Relay
• ⚡ Block pop-ups and fraudulent sites – Built-in protection

Built into iOS – Configure in Settings → Safari

💡 Configuration Steps

Quick guide:

• 1️⃣ Go to Settings → Safari
• 2️⃣ Enable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking”
• 3️⃣ Enable “Hide IP Address” (requires iCloud+)
• 4️⃣ Enable “Fraudulent Website Warning”
• 5️⃣ Disable “Allow JavaScript” for maximum security (optional)

💡 Safari Privacy & Security Tips

🎉 You’re now protected! Safari is blocking trackers and protecting your privacy.

Essential Safari Privacy Practices:

• 🔍 Enable Prevent Cross-Site Tracking
  Settings → Safari → Prevent Cross-Site Tracking → ON. This blocks third-party cookies and prevents advertisers from tracking you across websites. It’s Safari’s most powerful privacy feature. Some websites may break (especially older ones), but most work fine. If a site doesn’t work, try disabling temporarily for that specific session.
• 🚫 Use iCloud Private Relay to hide your IP
  Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Private Relay → ON (requires iCloud+ subscription). This routes your Safari traffic through two separate servers, hiding your IP address and location from websites and even Apple. It’s like a VPN but built into Safari. Works on cellular and WiFi. Essential for privacy on public networks.
• 📱 Enable Privacy Report to see blocked trackers
  In Safari, tap the AA button → Privacy Report. This shows which trackers Safari blocked on the current website and over the last 30 days. Review this regularly to see which websites track you most aggressively. It’s eye-opening and helps you make informed decisions about which sites to trust.
• ⚠️ Clear browsing history and website data regularly
  Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data. Do this weekly or after visiting sensitive sites. This removes: Browsing history, cookies, cache, and other website data. It logs you out of all websites, so save important sessions first. For maximum privacy, clear after every browsing session.
• 🔒 Use Private Browsing for sensitive searches
  In Safari, tap tabs button → Private. Private Browsing doesn’t save history, cookies, or autofill data. Use it for: Medical searches, financial research, gift shopping, or anything you don’t want in your history. It’s not anonymous (your ISP and websites still see you), but it prevents local tracking on your device.
• 📊 Disable AutoFill for maximum security
  Settings → Safari → AutoFill → Disable all options. AutoFill can leak sensitive information through form data. Malicious websites can extract autofilled data without you clicking submit. For maximum security, disable AutoFill and manually enter information. Use a password manager instead for credentials.
• 🌐 Enable Fraudulent Website Warning
  Settings → Safari → Fraudulent Website Warning → ON. This uses Google Safe Browsing to warn you about phishing sites and malware. Apple sends website URLs to Google (with privacy protections), but the security benefit outweighs the minor privacy cost. This catches most phishing attempts before you enter credentials.
• 🛡️ Block pop-ups and disable JavaScript for high security
  Settings → Safari → Block Pop-ups → ON. For maximum security on untrusted sites, also disable JavaScript (Settings → Safari → Advanced → JavaScript → OFF). This breaks many websites but prevents most web-based attacks. Enable JavaScript only for trusted sites. Most people should leave JavaScript on for usability.
• ⚡ Use content blockers for ad and tracker blocking
  Install content blockers from App Store (1Blocker, AdGuard, Wipr). Enable in Settings → Safari → Content Blockers. These block ads, trackers, and malicious scripts before they load. They’re more powerful than Safari’s built-in tracking prevention. Choose open-source blockers with good privacy policies.
• 🔍 Disable “Allow Websites to Check for Apple Pay”
  Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security → Allow Websites to Check for Apple Pay → OFF. This prevents websites from detecting if you have Apple Pay configured, which can be used for fingerprinting. Only enable when you actually want to use Apple Pay on a website, then disable again.
• 📱 Review and manage website permissions
  Settings → Safari → Advanced → Website Data. This shows which websites store data on your device and how much. Delete data for sites you don’t trust or no longer use. Also check Settings → Safari → Camera/Microphone/Location to see which sites have these permissions. Revoke liberally.
• 🔒 Use DuckDuckGo or Startpage as default search engine
  Settings → Safari → Search Engine → DuckDuckGo. Google tracks all your searches and builds a profile. DuckDuckGo and Startpage don’t track or profile you. They provide similar search quality without the surveillance. For maximum privacy, use DuckDuckGo with Private Relay enabled.

Remember: Safari’s privacy features are powerful but not perfect. Combine with VPN and good browsing habits for maximum protection.