Clearing Safari website data does not delete everything - iPhone

One would expect "clear history & website data" from safari would do just that, but that's not always the case.


Often, in my case, there are persistent data that survive the "clear." Usually from Twitter or Facebook, but sometimes from random sites I've visited. I have the Twitter App installed, but not Facebook or other sites that keep showing up.


This doesn't clear them:

Settings>Safari>Clear History and Website Data


Neither does this:

Settings>Safari>Advanced>Website Data>Remove All Website Data


This does work:

Individually swiping left on the persisting data and selecting "delete"


This, IMO, is an unusual behavior since the first method SHOULD do this job.

Most people won't go to ...advanced>website data> to double check if the clearing worked.


I suspect these are similar to "databases" that remain in Desktop Safari and have to be manually removed from

user/library/safari/databases (I had to remove a homedepot.com data that would keep reappearing.)


So the Question: Is this a normal behavior? Does this happen to others?

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 10.2.1

Posted on Mar 25, 2017 12:18 AM

Reply
194 replies

Nov 3, 2017 7:53 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I am not worry about security. I'd like to have software that have its function work as expected, i.e., clearing all website data and history when the selection is made; and not having residual persistent data.


I do not want to install the ever increasing size (bloated) software that include added 'features' that I do not use.


Thanks for the security reminder.

Nov 4, 2017 4:39 PM in response to jjdnow

I HAVE conducted my own tests, and in 10 years I have never encountered an update that was slower on the phone than the previous version. My phones were an original iPhone, a 3GS, a 5S, a 6 and a 7 Plus. Every phone ran as well or better after the upgrade than before. As did my iPad 2 and my iPad Air 2.


I linked to a report from a reputable organization that did extensive tests. Apparently you did not bother to read the study I linked to. Unlike some of the population, I believe in science and the scientific method. Futuremark did extensive, repeatable, and documented testing. I consider 100,000 benchmark tests on 7 different iPhone models to be definitive.

Nov 4, 2017 4:57 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Wow little triggered there my fellow Apple friend. Just so you know, ive been a professional using Apple computers since 1985, supporting Apple for decades. Purchased tons of apple computers, phones and tablets. No I didnt read your paid for report, I based my conclusion on real life usage and experience unlike some of the population that follows others and cant think for them selves. As for tech and science, well, thats how ive made a living for more than 2 decades Lawrence. Nice try but dening someone of their experience with the product is down right juvenile and discriminatory right? See, I was giving an opinion based on fact from my usage fair right? Did you ever think everyones usage is different? Not everyone uses the same apps? Some of my My apps my require more processing power? Not everyone has the same configuration? So many factors can slow legacy hardware on a newer OS my friend agreed? Did you go get your $1200 iphone X

Nov 4, 2017 5:54 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Lawrence Finch wrote:


it is clear we have nothing in common. I have been an engineer for 50 years. I have the courtesy to read information provided to me before commenting on it or rejecting it. As we don't seem to have any overlap in experience or world view there is no point in continuing a conversation.

Ah, yes, it's another case of someone believing that "anecdotes equal data" while at the same time failing to take confirmation bias into account. Not to mention, "My mind is made up so don't confuse me with the facts".

Nov 30, 2017 4:08 PM in response to jjdnow

jjdnow, cant speak to finchs experience of "never"having an update slow down his device. I have experienced it on EVERY ipad and iphone I have owned. I am computer savvy and have done everything to restore these devices to prior performance to know avail. *** While the hardware life of Apple products is excellent, the software update cycle drive about a two year usability window. My advice is to avoid updating your ios beyond the version it initially ships with, security be ******. Now, if Apple allowed downgrading ios this problem could be rectified. Apple is now adopting this irreversable firmware concept with OSX. My advice is to NEVER install High Sierra on an older mac computer.

I tried to respond to your post regarding persistant cookies as well, but it says unauthorized access. Apparently, I have been redflagged. I used to be an Apple "fanboy" no more. I guess its time to switch to samsung products.


<Edited by Host>

Nov 30, 2017 2:07 PM in response to jphonak777

I don’t trust the incremental updates either. Usually the last few kill performance.


In the case on my old ATV 2nd, the last obe introduced a blatant bug that caused crashes. Downgrading would fix the issue, but device would automatically upgrade


In case on my older iPad, ios 8 slowed it down to the point of uselessness. I got apple to replace the device and showed them it was just as slow with new iOS. They just shrugged.


Dont update after 1-1.5 years.


My iphone 6 on ios 10 is was snappier than the one on iOS 11. But keeps getting the relentless update messages. This should stop.

Nov 30, 2017 2:08 PM in response to jphonak777

Thank you for the input, i agree with your personal experience. On another note Apple censored my post that you tried to reply to about persistent unremovable cookies I guess reaching out and speaking as a loyal Apple advocate and consumer for over 2 decades is frowned on. Lol. It speaks volumes about the truth. I love Apple products, and have invested thousands of $ in the brand for our corporation over the years. Privacy and security were 2 huge agendas for Steve Jobs back in the day. Not sure whats going on now. I will continue to use my Apple products due to my investment in them, but the future will dictate my next investments

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Clearing Safari website data does not delete everything - iPhone

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