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User profile for user: gymlife3
gymlife3 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

How to access history information on a current private safari browsing session?

I am trying to figure out the date that I first opened / went to the website of a private safari tab that is still open. I’m thinking there’s a way to access this since everything says that private safari browsing history isn't deleted until the "browsing session” has ended- and the tab is still open.

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on Jun 12, 2023 2:47 AM

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User profile for user: mirdi32
mirdi32
User level: Level 1
146 points

Posted on Jun 12, 2023 2:52 AM

Though Safari doesn't save your browsing history during a private session, your Mac logs this information in the Terminal archive. You can access your private browsing history through the Terminal archive, but it might be a bit tricky as the website names are translated into their IP addresses. Here's a step-by-step guide:


  1. Click Applications > Utilities.
  2. Click Console > Your Mac HD on the sidebar.
  3. Type any:mdnsresponder in the search box, then click the Play button.
  4. Open another Finder window and click Applications > Utilities.
  5. Click Terminal.
  6. Type the following at the command prompt: sudo killall -INFO mDNSResponder
  7. Provide your admin password and press Return.
  8. Go back to the Console to see your Private Browsing History.


Remember, the exact website names won't be visible, only their corresponding IP addresses. I found this guide on The Mac Observer that could be helpful to you.

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User profile for user: mirdi32
mirdi32
User level: Level 1
146 points

Jun 12, 2023 2:52 AM in response to gymlife3

Though Safari doesn't save your browsing history during a private session, your Mac logs this information in the Terminal archive. You can access your private browsing history through the Terminal archive, but it might be a bit tricky as the website names are translated into their IP addresses. Here's a step-by-step guide:


  1. Click Applications > Utilities.
  2. Click Console > Your Mac HD on the sidebar.
  3. Type any:mdnsresponder in the search box, then click the Play button.
  4. Open another Finder window and click Applications > Utilities.
  5. Click Terminal.
  6. Type the following at the command prompt: sudo killall -INFO mDNSResponder
  7. Provide your admin password and press Return.
  8. Go back to the Console to see your Private Browsing History.


Remember, the exact website names won't be visible, only their corresponding IP addresses. I found this guide on The Mac Observer that could be helpful to you.

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How to access history information on a current private safari browsing session?

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