Safari Privacy Settings Guide for Mac

Configure Safari's powerful privacy features for maximum protection while browsing. This guide covers Intelligent Tracking Prevention, IP address hiding, and advanced security settings.

Safari 18+

macOS Sequoia

macOS Sonoma

macOS Ventura

Built-in Privacy Protection

Safari provides strong privacy protection by default. These settings enhance your privacy further while maintaining website compatibility.

Core Privacy Settings

Essential privacy controls in Safari Settings... → Privacy

Prevent cross-site tracking

Path: Safari → Settings... → Privacy | Default: Enabled (Keep enabled)

Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) uses on-device machine learning to identify and block trackers while preserving website functionality. This is Safari's most important privacy feature.

Hide IP address

Path: Safari → Settings... → Privacy

From Trackers (Default): Hides IP from known tracking domains

From Trackers and Websites (Requires iCloud+): Full IP protection via iCloud Private Relay

iCloud+ Required

"From Trackers and Websites" requires a paid iCloud+ subscription and may cause compatibility issues on some networks.

Require Touch ID to view locked tabs

Path: Safari → Settings... → Privacy | Recommended: Enabled

Private browsing windows automatically lock when Safari is inactive, requiring Touch ID or password to reopen. Protects against unauthorized access to private sessions.

iCloud Private Relay Configuration

System-level IP address protection (Requires iCloud+ subscription)

Master Control

Path: System Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Private Relay

This is the main on/off switch for iCloud Private Relay. When enabled, Safari traffic is routed through Apple's two-hop proxy system for maximum privacy.

Learn More

For detailed information about how Private Relay works, see our complete iCloud Private Relay guide.

Per-Network Control

Path: System Settings → Network → [Your Network] → Details → Limit IP address tracking

Allows you to disable Private Relay for specific networks (useful for corporate or school networks that require traffic inspection).

Location Precision

Path: System Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Private Relay

Maintain general location (Default): Shows approximate city/region for local content

Use country and time zone: Broader location for enhanced anonymity

macOS Version Differences

Important terminology and navigation differences across macOS versions

Feature	macOS 12 (Monterey)	macOS 13+ (Ventura/Sonoma/Sequoia)
Safari Settings	Safari → Preferences	Safari → Settings
System Settings	System Preferences	System Settings
Privacy Panel	Security & Privacy	Privacy & Security

Quick Setup Checklist

Enable "Prevent cross-site tracking" (should be on by default)
Configure "Hide IP address" based on your iCloud+ subscription
Enable "Require Touch ID to view locked tabs"
Set up iCloud Private Relay if you have iCloud+
Review Privacy Report to see blocked trackers

Test Your Privacy Setup

After configuring these settings, test your setup to ensure Safari is properly protecting your privacy. Check your IP address, verify tracker blocking, and test for DNS leaks.

Test Your Privacy Setup →