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Safari is a popular web browser used by many Mac users. One of the features in Safari is the "Top Hits" section, which displays frequently visited websites. While this can be convenient for quickly accessing your favorite sites, it can also clutter your browsing experience. If you’re someone who prefers a clean and organized browser, you might find the "Top Hits" section to be a bit distracting. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to remove or disable the "Top Hits" feature in Safari on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Removing Top Hits from Safari
The challenge of removing top hits from Safari lies in the fact that it is a built-in feature of the browser. Unlike browser extensions or plugins, the "Top Hits" section cannot be simply turned off through the settings menu. This means that you’ll need to use alternative methods to achieve your desired result. However, with a little bit of effort and some troubleshooting, you can successfully eliminate the "Top Hits" section from Safari on your Mac.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods to remove top hits from Safari, there are a few things you should prepare for.
1. Backup your bookmarks: Whenever making changes to your browser settings or experimenting with different methods, it’s always a good idea to have a backup of your bookmarks. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important website links in the process.
2. Time and patience: Removing top hits from Safari may require some trial and error. It’s important to approach the process with patience and give each method a fair chance before moving on to the next one.
3. Basic computer knowledge: While the methods provided are beginner-friendly, having basic computer knowledge will make the process easier and help you navigate any technical issues that may arise.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s explore the different methods you can use to remove top hits from Safari on your Mac.
Method 1: Using Safari Preferences
Before diving into the more advanced methods, it’s worth checking if Safari itself provides an option to disable top hits. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open Safari on your Mac.
2. Click on "Safari" in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Select "Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Preferences window, navigate to the "Search" tab.
5. Uncheck the box next to "Include Top Hit in search suggestions."
6. Close the Preferences window.
Pros:
1. Simple and straightforward method provided by Safari itself.
2. No need for additional software or technical knowledge.
3. Reversible – you can enable top hits again at any time by rechecking the box.
Cons:
1. May not completely remove the top hits section, as it only disables it in search suggestions.
Method 2: Via Terminal
If the first method didn’t fully remove the top hits section, you can try using the Terminal application to disable it completely. Here’s how:
1. Open "Terminal" on your Mac. You can find it by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal.
2. In the Terminal window, type the following command: defaults write com.apple.Safari UniversalSearchEnabled -int 0
3. Press Enter to execute the command.
4. Quit Safari and relaunch it.
Pros:
1. Disables the top hits section completely.
2. Uses built-in system commands, making it a reliable method.
Cons:
1. Requires using the Terminal, which may be intimidating for some users.
2. The change is system-wide and affects all user accounts on the Mac.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Extensions
If the previous methods didn’t work for you, there are third-party extensions available that can help you remove the top hits section from Safari. Here’s how:
1. Open Safari on your Mac.
2. Click on "Safari" in the menu bar and select "Safari Extensions."
3. In the Safari Extensions Gallery, search for extensions related to managing or customizing Safari’s new tab page.
4. Install an extension that suits your needs and preferences. Some popular options include "New Tab Tools" and "Custom New Tab."
5. Follow the installation instructions provided by the extension.
6. Once the extension is installed and activated, customize the new tab page and remove the top hits section.
Pros:
1. Provides a customizable solution tailored to your preferences.
2. Allows for fine-tuning of Safari’s new tab page beyond just removing top hits.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party extensions, which may introduce security risks.
2. Not all extensions may be free or have the exact features you’re looking for.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps
If you prefer a more comprehensive solution that not only removes top hits but also provides additional features and customization options for Safari, third-party apps may be the way to go. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Research and choose a reputable third-party app for managing Safari’s new tab page.
2. Download and install the chosen app on your Mac.
3. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions for removing top hits.
4. Customize Safari’s new tab page according to your preferences using the app’s features.
Pros:
1. Offers a complete solution for managing Safari’s new tab page.
2. Provides additional features and customization options.
3. Often includes comprehensive user guides and customer support.
Cons:
1. May require purchasing the third-party app.
2. Adds an extra layer of complexity and potential compatibility issues.
Why Can’t I Remove Top Hits from Safari?
There are several reasons why you might encounter difficulties when trying to remove top hits from Safari. Here are a few possible reasons and their fixes:
1. Outdated Safari version: Make sure you have the latest version of Safari installed on your Mac. Updating the browser can sometimes address compatibility issues and provide new options for customization.
2. Browser cache and cookies: Clearing the cache and cookies in Safari can help resolve certain issues, including problems with removing top hits. To do this, go to Safari Preferences -> Privacy -> Manage Website Data, then click "Remove All" and confirm.
3. User profile issues: Occasionally, issues may be specific to your user profile on the Mac. Creating a new user account and trying the methods again can help determine if this is the case.
4. Conflicting extensions or apps: If you have other extensions or apps installed that modify Safari’s behavior, they may interfere with the removal of top hits. Try disabling or removing these extensions or apps one by one to identify any conflicts.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your Safari browsing experience:
1. Customize your bookmarks bar: The bookmarks bar in Safari provides quick access to your favorite websites. Personalize it by adding the websites you visit most often for easy navigation.
2. Use keyboard shortcuts: Safari offers a range of keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate the browser more efficiently. For example, use Command + D to bookmark a page or Command + Option + R to reload a page without cache.
3. Clear browsing history: Regularly clearing your browsing history can not only improve Safari’s performance but also protect your privacy. Go to Safari -> Clear History to remove your browsing history, cookies, and cached data.
5 FAQs about Removing Top Hits from Safari
Q1: How can I enable the top hits section again if I change my mind?
A: To enable the top hits section again, follow the same steps as in Method 1, but check the box next to "Include Top Hit in search suggestions."
Q2: Does removing top hits affect my browsing speed?
A: Removing top hits from Safari should not impact your browsing speed. However, if you’re experiencing performance issues, it’s recommended to clear your cache and browsing history.
Q3: Will removing top hits delete my browsing history?
A: No, removing top hits from Safari does not delete your browsing history. If you want to clear your history, you can use the "Clear History" option in Safari’s preferences.
Q4: Are there any other Safari features that can be customized?
A: Yes, Safari offers various customization options, including the ability to change the default search engine, adjust privacy settings, and manage extensions.
Q5: Can I remove top hits on Safari for iPhone or iPad?
A: Unfortunately, Safari on iPhone and iPad does not provide an option to remove or disable top hits. The methods mentioned in this blog post are specific to Safari on Mac.
In Conclusion
Removing the top hits section from Safari on your Mac can help create a cleaner and more focused browsing experience. While it may seem challenging at first, with the methods provided in this blog post, you have several options to achieve your goal. Whether you prefer the simplicity of using Safari’s preferences or the customization options offered by third-party extensions or apps, you can find a solution that suits your needs. Remember to always backup your bookmarks and approach the process with patience and curiosity. Happy browsing!