The fastest way to remove a Safari extension
Open Safari and go to Safari > Settings (or Safari > Preferences on older Macs). Click the Extensions tab on the left. Find the extension you want to remove, click it once to select it, then click the Uninstall button. The extension is gone when ready — you do not need to restart Safari.
That is the complete process. Extensions do not leave behind files or settings that need cleaning up. Once you uninstall, Safari stops running that extension and removes it from your browser.
If you cannot find the Extensions tab, your Mac is running an older version of Safari. The steps below cover that situation.
Key Takeaways
- Open Safari Settings, click Extensions, select the extension, and click Uninstall — the extension is removed when ready with no restart needed.
- If you want to keep an extension but turn it off temporarily, uncheck the box next to its name instead of uninstalling it.
- Older versions of Safari use a different menu location: Safari > Preferences > Extensions, but the uninstall button works the same way.
- Some extensions installed from the Mac App Store must be removed through the App Store instead of through Safari Settings.
- Restarting Safari is not required after uninstalling an extension, but closing and reopening Safari makes sure the change takes effect.
How to disable an extension without removing it
If you want to keep an extension but stop it from running, you do not have to uninstall it. In Safari Settings under Extensions, find the extension and uncheck the box next to its name. The extension stays installed but turns off.
This is useful when you want to test whether an extension is causing a problem, or when you use an extension only sometimes. You can turn it back on by checking the box again.
You can also control which websites an extension runs on without removing it. In the Extensions tab, click the extension name, then choose Allow on these websites or Ask on these websites from the dropdown menu. This lets you keep the extension but prevent it from running on sites where you do not want it.
Removing extensions installed from the Mac App Store
Some Safari extensions come from the Mac App Store rather than from Safari's built-in extension gallery. These extensions must be removed through the App Store, not through Safari Settings.
To remove an App Store extension, open the App Store app on your Mac. Click your account icon in the bottom left corner, then click Manage. Find the extension in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove. The extension uninstalls from Safari at the same time.
If you are not sure whether an extension came from the App Store or from Safari's gallery, check Safari Settings first. If you do not see an Uninstall button next to the extension name, it came from the App Store and you need to remove it through the App Store instead.
What happens when you uninstall an extension
When you uninstall a Safari extension, it stops running when ready. Any data the extension stored — like settings, saved passwords, or browsing history within that extension — is deleted. You cannot recover this data after uninstalling.
If you reinstall the same extension later, it will start fresh with no memory of your previous settings. You will need to set it up again from the beginning.
Uninstalling an extension does not affect your Safari bookmarks, history, or passwords. Those are stored separately and remain untouched.
Troubleshooting when you cannot find the Uninstall button
If you open Safari Settings and do not see an Extensions tab at all, your Mac is running Safari 15 or older. In those versions, go to Safari > Preferences instead of Settings, then click the Extensions tab. The uninstall process is identical from there.
If you see the Extensions tab but an extension does not have an Uninstall button, that extension came from the Mac App Store. You must remove it through the App Store app instead, as described above.
If Safari Settings is not responding or the Uninstall button does not work, close Safari completely and open it again. Then return to Settings and try uninstalling the extension once more.
Removing extensions that came pre-installed with Safari
Safari includes a few built-in extensions like Dictionary and Stocks. These extensions can be uninstalled the same way as any other extension — through Safari Settings under Extensions. Click the extension and select Uninstall.
If you uninstall a built-in extension and change your mind later, you can reinstall it from Safari's extension gallery. Open Safari Settings, click the General tab, scroll down to Safari Extensions, and click Manage Extensions. Search for the extension by name and click Get to reinstall it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart Safari after uninstalling an extension?
No. Safari stops running the extension when ready when you click Uninstall. However, closing Safari completely and opening it again ensures the change takes effect, especially if you are troubleshooting a problem.
Will uninstalling an extension slow down Safari?
Yes, removing extensions that you do not use can make Safari faster. Each extension uses some memory and processing power, even if it is not actively doing anything. Uninstalling extensions you no longer need frees up those resources.
Can I uninstall an extension that came with my Mac?
Yes. Built-in extensions like Dictionary and Stocks can be uninstalled through Safari Settings just like any other extension. If you change your mind, you can reinstall them from the extension gallery later.
What if an extension will not uninstall?
Close Safari completely, wait a few seconds, and open it again. Then go back to Safari Settings and try uninstalling the extension once more. If it still does not work, the extension may have come from the Mac App Store and needs to be removed there instead.
Does uninstalling an extension delete my passwords or bookmarks?
No. Uninstalling only removes the extension itself and any data it stored internally. Your Safari bookmarks, history, saved passwords, and autofill information are stored separately and are not affected.