Using Safari Profiles with MacOS 12.7

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Level 1

45 points

Using Safari Profiles with MacOS 12.7

I currently use Firefox for all my desktop web browsing (synched with my 2023 Macbook Air) and Safari across my iPad and iPhone. I do this because my desktop browsing behaviors, favorites, etc. are very different than my mobile behaviors. The two browsers keep my desktop and mobile lives separated, and like Safari, Firefox is a more privacy-safe browsing experience. That said, I'd prefer to use Safari exclusively if I could.

With Safari's new profile capabilities, it sounds like I may be able to. I'd create two Safari profiles ... one for Desktop and one for Mobile.

Two questions:

Can I set the default profile for each device, so that I don't need to "switch" profiles as needed for desktop and mobile experiences? The Safari Desktop profile would be the default on my two desktop Macs, and the Mobile profile would be the default on my iPad and iPhone.
My 2017-era desktop iMac has maxed-out with iOS 12.7, whereas my laptop is a 2023 Macbook Air. Will profiles work across my two desktop Macs so that they will share the desktop profile? For clarity, what I mean is, will a version of Safari that supports profiles be available for MacOS Monterey desktops?

I'd appreciate feedback before making the switch away from Firefox.

Thank you.

iMac 27″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Oct 13, 2023 9:32 AM

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Answer 1

TammyW_03

Community Specialist

Oct 14, 2023 11:15 AM in response to David Kohl

Hey David Kohl,

Those are great questions! Using profiles in Safari became available with the Safari 17 update, which is available for macOS Monterey. You'll want to be sure you're fully updated to take advantage of this new feature: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

For more details on using profiles in Safari, check out these guides:

Use profiles in Safari on Mac - Apple Support

Change Profiles settings in Safari on Mac - Apple Support

Create multiple Safari profiles on iPhone - Apple Support

We hope this helps.

Take care!

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Answer 2

David Kohl Author

Level 1

45 points

Oct 14, 2023 11:19 AM in response to TammyW_03

I haven't been able to figure out how to set up different default profiles on each device. So when I open Safari on my iMac desktop, I want it to default to the "Desktop" profile, which will have its own set of desktop-friendly bookmarks. Similarly, when opening Safari on my iPhone, I'd like it to open to the "Mobile" profile.

So far, Safari seems to launch into the current default, and then I have to manually switch to a new profile.

Have I missed how to make profiles default per device so that when launching Safari, the browser will already be set to the appropriate profile per each device?

- David

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Answer 3

jdo_apple

Community Specialist

Oct 14, 2023 11:27 AM in response to David Kohl

Thanks for replying, David, and that additional info, it really helps! At this point, please contact Apple directly for further support with your situation:

Apple Support

Have a great day and thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!

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Using Safari Profiles with MacOS 12.7

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