Safari is the default browser on macOS. It is fast, secure, reliable, and deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, which makes it a perfect choice if you use other Apple devices signed into the same Apple Account. However, like most software, in order to keep it running correctly and have access to all of the latest features, you must update it whenever there is an update available. In this article, we’ll show you how to do that.

Why do you need to update Safari?

There are a few reasons why it’s important to keep Safari up to date:

  • Security — Apple regularly patches macOS to deal with known security threats, and some of those patches include Safari updates.
  • Stability — as macOS evolves, Safari needs to evolve with it. If you don’t update it, it might start to slow down or crash.
  • New features — while most additions to Safari come along with significant macOS updates, keeping it up to date will help you always have access to the latest features. 
Did you know?

There’s an application that can update all the apps on your Mac together in just a few seconds. That makes it easy to ensure you are always running the latest version of your favorite apps. That application is CleanMyMac, and it has a whole host of features to help you clear out junk files, keep your Mac running smoothly, and deal with malware threats.

How to update Safari

Safari is updated automatically alongside macOS. When there’s a macOS update, there’s usually a Safari update. So to update Safari, you need to upgrade to the latest version of macOS. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Click General > Software Update.
  3. If any updates are available, click Update Now to install them.
  4. Your Mac will now update and may restart several times. Once it has updated, Safari will be up to date.
  5. If you want to keep Safari up to date, turn on the “Automatic updates” option in Software Update.
Fun fact

According to a recent set of experiments conducted by Quora users, Safari was 20% faster than Chrome in non-graphical tests. In graphical tests, the result was even more spectacular — Safari was 250% faster. Good to know if you considered switching to Chrome for some reason.

How to update apps with CleanMyMac

Remember we said that it is really easy to update all apps with CleanMyMac? It comes with a handy Applications feature that can install updates with a click. Not only does it allow you to batch update your apps, but it also lets you upgrade your macOS (including Safari). 

Here’s how to use CleanMyMac and save yourself from updating your apps manually:

  1. Get your free CleanMyMac trial — enjoy unlimited app functionality for 7 days.
  2. Choose Applications and run a scan.
  3. Wait a few seconds while CleanMyMac checks for updates.
  4. Click Update to update all your apps at once. If you want to review available updates, click Manage My Applications. 

Now, all your applications are up-to-date. If you see macOS among updates, select it, and it will install the latest macOS version, along with the newest version of Safari.

Safari is Apple’s web browser for macOS and is widely used by all macOS users. Keeping it up to date is essential for a smooth browsing experience. Besides, new updates often come with new features. When the latest macOS version is available, Safari is usually updated along with the OS itself, so you won’t need to check for Safari updates.

If you want to update all apps at once, CleanMyMac can help. Make sure you use the latest versions of all your applications to eliminate bugs and enjoy the latest features. 

Frequently asked questions

How to update Safari without updating macOS?

In some macOS versions, you can still see the option to update Safari without updating your macOS. To check if you have it, go to System Settings > General > Software and click More Info under the following message if you see it, “macOS [X] and [X] more…” You can then deselect the checkbox next to “macOS [version name]” and keep only Safari selected. If it is not there, updating macOS is the only way to update Safari.

Can I update Safari automatically?

Yes. To do it, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and click an i next to Automatic Updates. Enable all options to have the latest updates installed without your involvement. Your Mac will ask for your password before installing any macOS updates.

Can I downgrade Safari?

Yes and no. If you downgrade your macOS, it will also downgrade Safari. If you want to use an older version of Safari without downgrading your macOS, check this webpage from Apple Support (enter Safari into the search bar and set filter for Documentation). You will need to know which version of Safari you are exactly looking for. Note, though, that not all Safari versions available there will install and run properly.