Private tabs, windows, and cookies that won't go away

Hi Catalanky,

This article has some additional steps that can help when Safari isn't working as expected: If Safari doesn't open a page or work as expected on your Mac - Apple Support.

"If Safari doesn't load a webpage, stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or otherwise doesn't work as expected, these solutions might help.

These solutions are for issues that can affect Safari on Mac, including issues such as these:

• A webpage is blank, doesn't load all of its content, or otherwise doesn't work as expected.
• You can't sign in to a webpage, despite using the correct sign-in information.
• A webpage asks you to remove or reset cookies.
• Safari slows down, stops responding, or quits unexpectedly.

If you're using an iPhone or iPad, learn about solutions for Safari on iPhone and iPad.

Reload the page

From the menu bar in Safari, choose View > Reload Page. Or press Command-R.

If Safari doesn't reload the page, quit Safari, then try again. If Safari doesn't quit, you can press Option-Command-Esc to force Safari to quit.

If Safari automatically reopens unwanted pages, quit Safari, then press and hold the Shift key while opening Safari. Learn how to control which windows Safari automatically reopens.

Install software updates and restart

Update macOS, which can include updates for Safari. If your Mac didn't restart automatically, choose Apple menu  > Restart. Some important background updates take effect only after restarting.

Check Safari extensions

If you installed any Safari extensions, turn extensions off. From the menu bar in Safari, choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences). Click Extensions, then deselect each extension to turn it off. Learn more about Safari extensions.

If you find that an extension is causing the issue, make sure that the extension is up to date.

Check Safari settings

The webpage might not be compatible with one or more browser settings, which you can turn on or off as needed. From the menu bar in Safari, choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences). Then click Websites, Privacy, or Security to access these settings:

• Privacy settings. These settings apply to all websites. For example, a website might require that you allow cross-site tracking, show your IP address, or allow cookies.
• Security settings. These settings apply to all websites. For example, a website might require that you enable JavaScript.
• Websites settings. These settings can be configured for specific websites. For example, a website might require that you allow pop-up windows, allow downloads, allow access to your camera or microphone, or turn off content blockers.

Check iCloud Private Relay

If you subscribe to iCloud+ and are using its Private Relay feature, try reloading the page without Private Relay: From the menu bar in Safari, choose View > Reload and Show IP Address. This menu item appears only when Private Relay is turned on for your network. Learn more about iCloud Private Relay.

Check VPN or other security software

If you installed VPN or other software that monitors or interacts with your network connections, that software could affect your use of the website or the internet. Learn about network issues related to VPN and other software. 

Check network settings

Certain network settings, such as custom proxy settings or custom DNS settings, can affect access to content on the internet. Even if you haven't changed these or other network settings yourself, you might have installed software that changed them for you. 

To find out whether the issue is with the network settings on your Mac, try viewing the page from a different web browser or different device on the same network. Or reset your network settings by setting up a new network location on your Mac.

If the issue affects other devices and web browsers on the same network, the issue is probably with the website, and you should contact the website developer for help. 

Learn more

• If the issue continues to affect only a particular webpage, contact the website developer for help.
• Learn how to block pop-up ads and windows in Safari.
• Learn what to do if your iCloud or Safari bookmarks aren't syncing."

Take care.

Hello Catalanky,

Thank you for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

Are you always browsing provenly or only sometimes as outlined here:

"Browse privately one time

1. In the Safari app  on your Mac, choose File > New Private Window, or switch to a private window that’s already open. A private window has a dark Smart Search field with white text.
2. Browse as you normally would.

When you use a private window:

• Browsing initiated in one tab is isolated from browsing initiated in another tab, so websites you visit can’t track your browsing across multiple sessions.
• Webpages you visit and your AutoFill information aren’t saved.
• Your open webpages aren’t stored in iCloud, so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other Apple devices.
• Your recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.
• Items you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer.)
• If you use Handoff, private windows aren’t handed off to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or other Mac computers.
• Changes to your cookies and website data aren’t saved.

Websites can’t modify information stored on your Mac, so services normally available at such sites may work differently until you use a non-private window.

Note: None of the above applies in non-private Safari windows you may have open.

Always browse privately

1. In the Safari app  on your Mac, choose Safari > Settings, then click General.
2. Click the “Safari opens with” pop-up menu, then choose “A new private window.”

If you don’t see this option, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, click Desktop & Dock  in the sidebar, then turn on “Close windows when quitting an application” on the right. (You may need to scroll down.)"

Additional details can be found here: Browse privately in Safari on Mac

Does the issue persist if you restart your computer? When did you first notice this? Also, what is your exact macOS version?

Cheers!