How to Get Rid of Frequently Visited on Safari: A Simple Guide

Are you tired of seeing the same websites constantly appear in your Safari browser’s “Frequently Visited” section? You’re not alone. Many users find this feature useful at first, but it can quickly become a nuisance when you’re trying to maintain privacy or simply want a cleaner browsing experience. In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of frequently visited sites on Safari in a few easy steps.

Understanding the Frequently Visited Section

What is the Frequently Visited Section?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s briefly explain what the “Frequently Visited” section in Safari is. This section displays thumbnails of websites you visit frequently or recently, allowing for quick access to your favorite sites. While it can be handy, it might not always align with your browsing preferences.

Clearing Frequently Visited Sites

Method 1: Clearing Individual Thumbnails

If you have specific websites you want to remove from the “Frequently Visited” section, follow these steps:

1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Scroll down to the “Frequently Visited” section.
3. Hover your mouse cursor over the website thumbnail you want to remove.
4. Click the “X” icon that appears in the top left corner of the thumbnail.
5. Confirm your action by clicking “Delete.”

Method 2: Clearing All Frequently Visited Sites

If you want to start with a clean slate and remove all frequently visited sites, here’s what you need to do:

1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Click on “History” in the top menu bar.
3. Select “Clear History.”
4. In the dropdown menu, choose the time range you want to clear (e.g., “all history”).
5. Click “Clear History” to confirm.

Adjusting Safari Preferences

Method 3: Changing Frequently Visited Preferences

If you’d like to customize what appears in the “Frequently Visited” section, you can adjust your Safari preferences:

1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Click on “Safari” in the top menu bar.
3. Select “Preferences.”
4. Go to the “General” tab.
5. In the “Safari opens with” dropdown menu, choose “Favorites” instead of “Top Sites.”
6. Close the Preferences window.

Now, your Safari browser will open with your favorite bookmarks rather than displaying frequently visited sites.

Using Private Browsing

Method 4: Utilizing Private Browsing Mode

Private browsing is an excellent way to prevent websites from appearing in your “Frequently Visited” section:

1. Open Safari on your device.
2. Click “File” in the top menu bar.
3. Select “New Private Window.”
4. In the private browsing window, your browsing activity won’t be tracked or displayed in the “Frequently Visited” section.

Conclusion

By following these methods, you can regain control over your Safari browsing experience. Whether you prefer to clear individual sites, remove all frequently visited sites, or customize your preferences, these steps will help you get rid of the clutter in your “Frequently Visited” section and enjoy a cleaner Safari browser.

FAQs

1. Will clearing my history remove my bookmarks?

No, clearing your browsing history will not affect your bookmarks. They are stored separately in Safari.

2. Can I still access frequently visited sites after I remove them?

Yes, you can still access those sites by typing their URLs in the address bar or visiting your bookmarks.

3. Does private browsing impact website functionality?

Some websites may not work correctly in private browsing mode due to restrictions on cookies and tracking. You can always switch back to regular browsing if needed.

4. How often should I clear my browsing history?

The frequency of clearing your history depends on your personal preference. Some users do it regularly, while others do it less frequently.

5. Can I customize the number of frequently visited sites displayed?

Safari’s default setting shows eight frequently visited sites. Unfortunately, you cannot customize this number within the browser’s settings.

 

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