OS X 10.12.6, Safari 11.1, Typing Letter/s in Address Bar opens up App that begins with similar Letter/s in its Name e.g. F = FaceTime

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OS X 10.12.6, Safari 11.1, Typing Letter/s in Address Bar opens up App that begins with similar Letter/s in its Name e.g. F = FaceTime

Hi, there!

I am searching for a solution to my problem since long.

But, I am not able to get anything on this.

I am not sure, if others face the same problem, too.

I use Safari as my default browser.

The problem occurs only after whenever I receive a software update for Mac OS and/or Safari.

So, when I type a letter or couple of letters in Safari's address bar to type a website's address, my Mac automatically opens an App that is most used and shares similar first one or two letters in its name.

As expected, the most visited website address with the first letter that you type, automatically appears on Safari address bar when you type a letter or two. But, in my case the app with the same letters in its name also starts loading on the same window, and it pushes the Safari in the background.

Below are few examples of the apps that open up on typing something on Safari address bar.

F or Face = FaceTime instead of Facebook.com

Y or You = YouTube.com but it opens up Chrome and in Chrome youtube.com opens up. (this is so strange)

M = Messages

I = iTunes

T = QuickTime instead of Twitter.com

TV = TeamViewer

A = App Store

N = Notes

C = Contacts

P = Photos

Again, all of the above occurs when I type said letter/s in Safari Address bar. It just does't list those apps in dropdown menu, but opens up those apps even without hitting Enter/Return button.

It is really annoying at times.

It goes off after 3-4 times it happens for each letter. So, after 3-4 times in new tabs/new windows, when I type F in the address bar, it opens up FaceTime (if not already open) or brings back FaceTime to the front if it was running in the same desktop window (of multiple desktops), or takes me to another desktop window (of multiple desktop window) where FaceTime is already running . But, after 4th or 5th time it will not happen and will go back to normal. This is to be done with every frequently used web address/app. Again it will start happening when Mac OS or Safari is updated.

This has been happening since more than a year now.I think, only after I upgraded to Mac OS Sierra, it is happening.

Please share some insight on how to get rid of this problem.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.6), Safari V 11.1 (12605.1.33.1.3)

Posted on Apr 20, 2018 2:08 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Eric Root

Level 10

685,251 points

Apr 20, 2018 7:36 AM in response to MirrorNeuronz

If the above doesn't work, try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. Also try the Safe Mode.

Isolating an issue by using another user account

Safe Mode - About

Safe Mode Startup – El Capitan. also Sierra

If it works in the Safe Mode, try running this program when booted normally and then copy and paste the output in a reply. The program was created by Etresoft, a frequent contributor. Please use copy and paste as screen shots can be hard to read. Click “Share Report” button in the toolbar, select “Copy to Clipboard” and then paste into a reply. This will show what is running on your computer. No personal information is shown.

Etrecheck – System Information

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Answer 2

dominic23

Level 10

84,018 points

Apr 26, 2018 1:58 AM in response to MirrorNeuronz

Safari 11

Empty caches

1. Delete Caches.db

Close all windows and quit all applications.

Hold "option" key down and click "Go" menu in the Finder menu bar.

Select "Library" from the dropdown.

Library > Caches > com.apple.Safari > Caches.db

Right click the Caches.db file and select "Move To Trash”.

Close windows.

Restart and relaunch Safari.

2. Delete com.apple.Safari.plist file and test.

Empty the Trash.

Quit all applications.

Hold the option key down and click the "Go" menu in the Finder menu bar.

Select "Library" from the drop down.

Library > Preferences > com.apple.Safari.plist

Right click on it and select "Move it to Trash".

Restart and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.

If this doesn’t help, “Put Back” the com.apple.Safari.plist

Right click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Open”.

Right click on the com.apple.Safari.plist and select “Put Back”.

Select ”Replace” from the dialog when it appears.

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Answer 3

Apr 26, 2018 2:04 AM in response to dominic23

I'm sorry for posting a late reply.

I had to wait till I see a new update for either Safari or OS X.

And yesterday, I got an update for Safari making the current version 11.1 (12605.1.33.1.4) as oppose to 11.1 (12605.1.33.1.3).

I had only performed STEP 1 of your solution, and it worked.

After the Safari update, I have not run into the same problem again.

Thanks for the help.

I would try to put up a post once again after an OS X update.

I am planning to upgrade to High Sierra, once I get a new backup drive.

But, in any case, I would try to post an update whether or not I will run into the problem.

Thank you so much for your quick reply.

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Answer 4

Apr 26, 2018 2:07 AM in response to Eric Root

Thanks for posting your suggestion, Eric.

STEP 1 of domnic23's reply seemed to have done the trick for the problem I was facing.

So, I haven't tried the steps suggested by you.

Anyways, I will be saving this page's content for my future reference.

Again, thanks for your reply.

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Answer 5

Eric Root

Level 10

685,251 points

Apr 26, 2018 7:32 AM in response to MirrorNeuronz

You are welcome.

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OS X 10.12.6, Safari 11.1, Typing Letter/s in Address Bar opens up App that begins with similar Letter/s in its Name e.g. F = FaceTime

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