How to Update Safari? Step-by-Step Guide

Safari, Apple’s native web browser, has been an essential part of the macOS and iOS ecosystem for years. It’s fast, efficient, and integrates seamlessly with Apple devices.

However, like any software, it requires to be updated regularly to stay secure, improve performance, and offer new features.

This article will show you how to update the Safari browser on both macOS and iOS devices. We’ll also address common issues users might face during the update process, so you can solve any problems effectively.

Why Should You Update Safari?

You may need to update Safari for the following reasons.

Security: Updates often contain important security patches that protect your device from malware, phishing attacks, and other vulnerabilities.

New features: Apple frequently adds new features and improvements to Safari, which enhances the user experience. Regular updates ensure that you won’t miss the important enhancements.

Bug fixes: If you encounter glitches or performance issues in Safari, updates often resolve these problems by fixing bugs.

Compatibility: As websites evolve, so must browsers. Keeping Safari updated ensures that it works well with the latest web technologies and standards.

Note: Back your account information before updating Safari in case of unexpected data loss. In addition, you can consider using LightningX VPN to enhance your online security while browsing with Safari. It provides an additional layer of protection against various online threats.

How to Update Safari on macOS?

Safari updates are tied to macOS updates. In other words, updating your macOS system will also update Safari to the latest version. Here’s how to update Safari on your Mac:

Step 1: Check Your macOS Version

• Open the Apple menu: Click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of your screen.
• Select “About this Mac“: This will open a window displaying your Mac’s details, including the macOS version.
• Check the macOS version: The version number will appear under the “macOS” heading. For example, macOS Monterey 12.4.

Step 2: Open the System Settings (or System Preferences)

• Click on the Apple menu: Again, click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner.
• Select “System Settings” (macOS Ventura and later) or “System Preferences” (older macOS versions).

Step 3: Look for Software Updates

• In System Settings or System Preferences, find and click on Software Update.
• If an update is available, you’ll see the option to Update Now or Upgrade Now.

Step 4: Install the Update

• Click Update Now to start downloading and installing the latest macOS update.
• Depending on the update size, it may take a few minutes or longer. Your Mac may restart during this process.
• Once the update is complete, Safari will automatically be updated to the latest version.

Step 5: Confirm Safari Update

• After your Mac has restarted, open Safari.
• To confirm that Safari has been updated, go to Safari in the top menu bar and click About Safari.
• You’ll see the current version number of Safari. Compare it with the version available on Apple’s website to ensure it’s the latest one.

How to Update Safari on iPhone or iPad?

Just like on macOS, Safari updates on iOS devices are bundled with iOS updates. Here’s how to update Safari on your iPhone or iPad:

Step 1: Check Your iOS Version

• Open Settings: Tap the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Go to General: Scroll down and tap General.
• Select About: Here, you’ll see your current iOS version.

Step 2: Look for Software Updates

• Go to Software Update: From the General menu, tap Software Update.
• If an update is available, it will show up here with the option to Update Now.

Step 3: Install the Update

• Tap Update Now to begin the update process.
• If your device is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power, the update will download and install automatically. The device may restart during the process.

Step 4: Confirm Safari Update

• After the update is installed, open Safari and go to the Settings app.
• Scroll down to Safari in the Settings menu and check for any new settings or features.
• If you notice new features or changes, your Safari browser is up to date.

What to Do if Safari Isn’t Updating?

Even though updating Safari is usually a seamless process, sometimes issues can arise. Here are a few common problems users face when updating Safari, and how to solve them.

Problem 1: No Software Update Available

If you’re not seeing a software update, it might be due to one of these reasons:

• Your macOS/iOS is up to date: Sometimes, Safari updates are released as part of major system updates, so if you’re already on the latest version of macOS or iOS, Safari will already be up to date.
• Outdated hardware: If your Mac or iPhone is too old and no longer supports the latest macOS or iOS versions, you won’t be able to update Safari. In this case, you may need to upgrade your hardware to continue receiving Safari updates.

The latest version of iOS is iOS 18. Should You Update to iOS 18? Read our blog for more information.

Solution:

1. Check the compatibility of your device with the latest macOS or iOS version. Apple maintains a list of compatible devices for each version of macOS and iOS. Check iOS 18 compatibility.
2. If you can’t update your device, consider upgrading to a newer model to continue receiving updates.

Problem 2: Safari Update Fails to Install

If the update process starts but then fails, it could be due to issues with your internet connection, storage space, or system preferences.

Solution:

Check your internet connection: Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

1. Free up storage space: Sometimes, updates fail due to insufficient storage. Go to System Settings or Settings and check how much free space is available on your device. If it’s too low, delete unnecessary files to make room for the update.
2. Restart your device: Sometimes a simple restart can fix minor software issues and allow the update to proceed.
3. Update through Recovery Mode: If nothing else works, you can try reinstalling macOS through Recovery Mode or downloading the update from the Apple website.

Problem 3: Safari is Still Slow After the Update

It’s possible that even after updating, Safari feels slower than usual. This could be due to cache buildup or other browser-related issues.

Solution:

1. Clear Safari cache: Clearing your browser cache can help improve performance. On macOS, go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data and click Remove All. On iOS, go to Settings > Safari and tap Clear History and Website Data. Related: How to Clear Cache on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide
2. Disable extensions: If you have browser extensions enabled, try disabling them temporarily to see if they are slowing Safari down.
3. Reset Safari: As a last resort, you can reset Safari settings to their defaults. This can help if you suspect a configuration issue is slowing down the browser.

Final Thoughts

Updating Safari is an essential part of maintaining a secure, fast, and enjoyable browsing experience on your Mac or iPhone. This article will show you how to update Safari on both macOS and iOS devices. Also, some common update issues have been addressed. Always remember to back up your data before performing any system updates, as a precaution.