Safari – the default built-in browser in macOS is pretty well rounded as it is. It has a great interface and is the most battery efficient browser on Mac. It also supports third-party extensions and plugins that can expand its capabilities. However, it’s possible that you’ll come across an extension that starts behaving erratically and causing problems from time to time. So, if you’re having trouble with a Safari extension on macOS Sierra, here’s how to uninstall Safari extensions and add-ons:
Remove Safari Extensions: Default Path
Probably the easiest and recommended method to remove Safari extensions is to use Safari’s extension manager. If you need to remove an extension using the extension manager, simply follow these steps:
1. On Safari “Safari -> Preferences“. Alternatively, you can press the “ key.command + ,“.
2. Go here “Extensions”. Select the extension you want to remove and “Remove” button.
This will remove the extension from Safari and if you are facing issues due to this extension, these should be resolved now.
Delete Safari Extensions: Finder Path
In some cases, the extension may be malfunctioning causing you to not be able to open the extension manager. If you are facing such a problem, don’t worry, there is an alternative way you can use.
1. In the Finder “Go -> Go To Folder“.
2. In the dialog that opens, type:~/Library/Safari/Extensions/“.
3. This is where all your installed extensions are located. simply choose extension you want to remove and to delete IT.
note: Don’t forget to remove the deleted extension from Trash as well. Just to avoid half measures.
If you’re running into issues with the extension, they should now be gone and you can use Safari normally. If you think the problem is with your copy of the extension, you can try reinstalling the extension in Safari.
Remove Safari Extensions
Plugins in Safari provide additional functionality. While Safari is optimized to use HTML5 content for better performance, some websites still use Java/Flash etc to display content like animations. uses. When you come across such a website, you will be prompted to either install or activate a plugin. The content is hidden and a placeholder is displayed like the one shown below.
However, plugins should only be used when absolutely necessary. I’m not the one saying this. Apple’s support page Specifies this for plugins. Anyway, if you want to remove an add-on you have installed in Safari, you can follow the steps below:
1. In the Finder “Go -> Go To Folder“.
2. In the dialog that opens, type:~/Library/Internet Add-ons/“. If you don’t see the add-on here, click “/Library/Internet Add-ons/“.
3. Once you detect the add-on you want to remove, just select it and delete it. Also, remove the add-on from the Trash.
This will remove the add-on from Safari and if you are having problems with the add-on or making your browser very slow, the issue should now be resolved. If you ever need the add-on again, you can reinstall it at any time, but you most likely won’t.
SEE ALSO: How to Reset and Clear DNS Cache on macOS Sierra
Uninstall Safari Extensions and Plugins to Fix Most Safari Issues on macOS Sierra
In fact, when you run into problems with Safari, the first step in troubleshooting should be to disable/remove extensions and plugins and see if that fixes anything. Most of the time, Safari problems are caused by third-party agents. So, whenever you encounter any problem with Safari, try to uninstall the extensions and add-ons you have installed on your system. As always, if you know of other methods to remove Safari extensions and add-ons, let us know in the comments section below.
