com.apple.Safari.History CPU Usage

Hello jeffrva,

If I'm understanding you right, the process called "com.apple.Safari.History" is using a high percentage of your Mac CPU capability and you would like to know how to prevent it from doing so.

It sounds like you've done a great job in narrowing this down to being related to Safari syncing with iCloud. I have some steps I'd like you to try that may help resolve what you're experiencing. I recommend checking to see what difference each step takes on that specific process in Activity Monitor.

1. Install any available updates for macOS Catalina, and install all software updates available in the Mac App Store. Also install all third-party software and plug-in updates.
2. Clear Safari history: Safari > Clear History.
3. Empty safari cashes: Safari > Develop > Empty Caches. If you don't the Develop option, you can enable it with these steps: Safari > Preferences, click Advanced, then select “Show Develop menu in menu bar.”
4. Quit the Safari application and restart your Mac.
5. Boot into safe mode and check Activity Monitor there. Restart your Mac like normal to leave safe mode afterwards.

Respond back if you continue to experience the same issue. Let me know if you saw the same high usage for that Activity Monitor process while booted in safe mode. Also, let me know what percentages you see for System and User for CPU. If you're unsure where to get that information, this support article should help: How to use Activity Monitor on your Mac.

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care.

Hello jeffrva,

If I'm understanding you right, the process called "com.apple.Safari.History" is using a high percentage of your Mac CPU capability and you would like to know how to prevent it from doing so.

It sounds like you've done a great job in narrowing this down to being related to Safari syncing with iCloud. I have some steps I'd like you to try that may help resolve what you're experiencing. I recommend checking to see what difference each step takes on that specific process in Activity Monitor.

1. Install any available updates for macOS Catalina, and install all software updates available in the Mac App Store. Also install all third-party software and plug-in updates.
2. Clear Safari history: Safari > Clear History.
3. Empty safari cashes: Safari > Develop > Empty Caches. If you don't the Develop option, you can enable it with these steps: Safari > Preferences, click Advanced, then select “Show Develop menu in menu bar.”
4. Quit the Safari application and restart your Mac.
5. Boot into safe mode and check Activity Monitor there. Restart your Mac like normal to leave safe mode afterwards.

Respond back if you continue to experience the same issue. Let me know if you saw the same high usage for that Activity Monitor process while booted in safe mode. Also, let me know what percentages you see for System and User for CPU. If you're unsure where to get that information, this support article should help: How to use Activity Monitor on your Mac.

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care.

Hi,

I had the same problem and it disappeared when I deleted some of my bookmarks and favorites in safari (it dropped to 5% of usage, and it remained like this for a while now). I'm not sure how is this related or if it will work for you, but I believe it's worth trying.

Hi,

today after the umpteenth time where I found the problem I installed version 10.5.5 Beta and I confirm that the problem is gone.

Vincenzo

It's not much of a solution, but I have a keyboard shortcut for com.apple.safari.history which I pop into Activity Monitor every time in runs above 100%. Then I force quit it and all is calm for a few minutes.

The problem really became noticeable for me when I updated to Catalina.

I look forward to any workable ways to have this not happen.

I am having the same issue. My MacBook ran all night once. The battery got hot and expanded enough to pop the bottom cover off my Laptop. I had to replace the battery.

Since then, I use activity monitor to kill com.apple.Safari.History

when I walk away from my machine.

Try closing sync of Safari on iCloud.

I have not had the issue since I closed sync of Safari on iCloud.

Hi,

I have your same situation.

Unfortunately, a few days ago I also started having problems with that process: "com.apple.Safari.History".

For the moment I have disabled the synchronization of Safari on iCloud ... it interests me up to a certain point.

Are you sure that installing the Beta version will solve the problem?

Hey Jeffvra and all concerned,

I've updated to 10.15.5 and - unhappily - the problem of com.apple.safari.history blazing away at the top of CPU usage is still going on.

Darn it. I'm still open to ideas and thanks for bringing this thread up in the first place.

I'm having the same problem with my MacBook Air 2018 when I updated to the newest iOS. Activity monitor shows that "com.apple.Safari.History" is using a high percentage of my Mac CPU capability and requires the internal fan to jump to high gear to cool down the MacBook. Any suggestions other than clearing out the Safari cache and history?

Thanks!

Following your advice, I deleted all my bookmarks / favorites - unfortunately, it's still happening - though I will say, it does seem to be happening less. Isn't there a script we could use?

Anyway, thanks so much for the advice - my eyes are still peeled for a solution.

Hey, thank you!

I'm on it! If it works for me, that'll be a real blessing as the combo of summer heat and this CPU issue isn't something to look forward to.