How to Delete Safari from Mac
Safari is the default OS X browser used by Mac owners everywhere. But what if you decide you want to use another browser and delete Safari from your iMac or MacBook Pro? First of all, keep in mind that Apple doesn’t recommend uninstalling built-in apps like Safari since it may affect how other applications work. That’s why it’s impossible to remove Safari from a Mac by simply dragging its icon to the Trash as you would with a third-party app – OS X will prevent you from doing so. If you really want to get rid of the app, you can do it manually or by using an application remover. We recommend you use Movavi Mac Cleaner – a multifunctional program that, among other things, knows how to uninstall Safari quickly and safely. Read on to learn how to delete Safari.
Removing Safari Manually
Please be aware that, if you run OS X 10.11 El Capitan or later, you won’t be able to completely uninstall Safari due to Apple’s System Integrity Protection. This security feature won’t let you remove the app’s binary file. It’s possible, however, to manually delete the program on earlier OS X versions. To do this, you have to locate and remove all the following files with Safari in their names:
- Binaries in /Applications/
- Dock icon in /Applications/
- Library in /Library/
- Caches in /Library/Caches/
- Preferences in /Library/Preferences/
- Plugins in /Library/Address Book Plug-Ins/
- Saved States in /Library/Saved Application State/
- Application Support Files in /Library/Application Support/
- Crashes in /Library/Application Support/CrashReporter/
However, we don’t recommend this approach because it can compromise system integrity. Try Movavi Mac Cleaner instead to easily and safely uninstall all Safari files.
Deleting Safari via the Terminal
First, create a full backup because any mistake made in a Terminal command line will result in system damage. Then, proceed carefully as follows:
- Quit the Safari app.
- Launch the Terminal.
- In the command line, type
cd /Applications/. - Type
sudo rm -rf Safari.app/.
This will permanently delete all the program files, except for temporary files and settings – which is a considerable drawback. If you want to safely remove everything Safari-related, use Movavi Mac Cleaner.
Using Movavi Mac Cleaner
The easiest way to delete Safari is by using a special app removal tool like Movavi Mac Cleaner. Just download the program and follow the steps below.
1. Install the Movavi Software
Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install the program.
2. Review the System Status
On launch, Movavi Mac Cleaner will quickly check your system’s hard drive and show junk files that can be safely removed. Click Start Cleaning to delete those and free up disk space, if you wish. Proceed to the next step.
3. Completely Uninstall Safari
Open the Uninstaller menu and wait for the software to identify all the apps on your Mac. After a short while, you’ll see three submenus: User Apps, OS X Apps, and Leftovers.
To uninstall Safari, open the OS X Apps submenu. Check the box next to the Safari icon on the list and click Remove. That’s all there is to it!
Movavi Mac Cleaner can help you quickly and safely delete not only Safari but also other pre-installed Mac applications without difficulty. Download the program and see for yourself!
Movavi Mac Cleaner
The best cleanup tool for every Mac user!
- Delete junk files to free up hard drive space
- Completely uninstall unnecessary apps
- Protect your Mac against cyberthreats
- Speed up system performance
Do the Following Using Movavi Mac Cleaner
Have Questions?
Visit Our Support Center
Watch Our Video Guides
You May Also Like
Movavi Video Editor for Mac
A comprehensive, streamlined video editing program that has everything you need to create amazing home movies with custom soundtracks, special effects, cool titles, and transitions.
Movavi Video Converter for Mac
А versatile and powerful media converter that lets you enjoy your videos, photos and music in the format of your choice on any device; plus, it's extremely easy to use.
