How to Update Safari on Mac (2025) – Fast & Easy Guide!

How to update Safari on Mac is one of the most searched questions by Mac users — and for good reason. Whether you’re browsing, banking, working, or watching Netflix, an outdated Safari browser can lead to slower speeds, security issues, or flat-out incompatibility with modern websites.

The good news? Updating Safari is simple — and we’ll walk you through every possible way to do it, even if you’re on an older Mac or don’t want to update the entire macOS.

We’re also covering:
✅ Updating Safari without full macOS upgrade
✅ Fixing common Safari update problems
✅ Best alternative browsers for older Macs
✅ What to do before updating Safari (hint: backup!)
✅ What happens to your extensions and settings after an update

Let’s dive in — your faster, safer Safari experience starts now.

What is Safari and Why You Should Keep It Updated?

Safari is Apple’s default browser for Mac, designed to be secure, energy-efficient, and lightning-fast. Unlike Chrome or Firefox, Safari is tied to macOS updates — which means you don’t update it through the App Store.

Why updating Safari matters:

🔐 Better security – Latest updates fix vulnerabilities hackers love.

⚡ Improved speed & performance

🌐 Compatibility with new web technologies

🧩 Extension support and syncing improvements

How to Check Safari Version on Your Mac

Before updating Safari, check your current version:

1. Open Safari.

2. Click Safari > About Safari from the top-left menu.

3. A window will show your current version (e.g., Safari 15.6.1).

Now that you know your version, you can determine whether an update for Safari compatibility with macOS is available based on your macOS version.

How to Update Safari on macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur & Newer

If you’re on macOS Mojave (10.14) or later, Safari is updated through System Preferences.

Steps:

1. Click the Apple logo > System Preferences

2. Open Software Update

3. If Safari (or a system update) is available, click Update Now

4. Restart your Mac after installation

That’s it — Safari is now upgraded along with macOS components.

How to Update Safari on macOS High Sierra or Earlier

If you’re on an older Mac running High Sierra or earlier, the process is slightly different.

Steps:

1. Click the Apple logo > App Store

2. Go to the Updates tab

3. If Safari appears in the list, click Update

4. Restart your Mac when done

⚠️ Heads up: If Safari doesn’t appear in your updates, your macOS may no longer support newer versions. Scroll down for alternatives.

Can You Update Safari Without Updating macOS?

Here’s the truth: Apple doesn’t offer Safari as a standalone app. That means you can’t download Safari separately unless it comes bundled with a macOS update.

But here’s what you can do:

• Watch for security patches from Apple — sometimes they include minor Safari updates without a full system upgrade.

• Use third-party tools like CleanMyMac to check app status and optimize browser performance.

• Consider switching to another browser if your Mac is too old for system upgrades (more below).

Alternative Browsers for Older macOS Versions

Still using El Capitan or Yosemite? We get it — not everyone wants to upgrade macOS.

Here are great Safari alternatives for older Macs:

• Google Chrome – Still supports older macOS and gets regular security updates.

• Mozilla Firefox – Lightweight, customizable, and privacy-focused.

• Microsoft Edge – Surprisingly fast and efficient, with modern web support.

• Brave Browser – Great for ad blocking and speed, even on legacy Macs.

🧠 Tip: Make sure any browser you install supports your exact macOS version before downloading.

Backup Before You Update Safari (Don’t Skip This!)

Before updating Safari (or macOS), back up your data — just in case.

Here’s how:

• Use Time Machine to create a full system backup.

• Or back up key files to iCloud, Google Drive, or an external hard drive.

Why it matters:

• Updates touch core system files — a power cut or failed install can cause issues.

• Having a backup ensures zero stress if something goes wrong.

Common Safari Update Problems & Easy Fixes

Sometimes, updates don’t go smoothly. Here are common issues and how to fix them:

🛑 Safari update not showing up?

• Make sure your Mac is connected to Wi-Fi

• Restart and recheck Software Update

• Your Mac may be on the last supported Safari version for your OS

❌ Safari update failed?

• Boot your Mac into Safe Mode and try again

• Free up disk space (updates need breathing room!)

• Turn off third-party antivirus apps temporarily

🔁 Safari still showing old version?

• Clear caches: Safari > Settings > Advanced > Show Develop menu > Empty Caches

• Try resetting NVRAM and SMC for system stability

Will Updating Safari Break My Extensions?

Good question — and an important one.

When you update Safari:

• Some older extensions may stop working if they’re not updated by the developer

• Your settings and bookmarks usually remain intact

• Saved passwords, tabs, and history stay if you’re using iCloud Keychain

After the update:

• Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions

• Re-enable any extensions or install newer versions if needed

Auto-Update Safari – Set It and Forget It

Don’t want to update Safari manually? Let your Mac do the heavy lifting.

How to enable automatic updates:

1. Go to System Preferences > Software Update

2. Check Automatically keep my Mac up to date

3. Click Advanced, and enable:

   • Install system data files

   • Install Safari & security updates

This way, your Safari stays current without you lifting a finger.

Bonus: Update Safari Using CleanMyMac

CleanMyMac X isn’t just for cleanup — it also helps manage app updates.

Steps:

1. Download and install CleanMyMac X

2. Open the Updater tab

3. Select Safari (if listed)

4. Click Update

It’s a clean, fast way to manage outdated apps and keep Safari running like new.

Read Also: How to Check Battery Cycles on MacBook

Case Study: Updating Safari on macOS Catalina 10.15.7

Problem:

A user running macOS Catalina 10.15.7 found that their online bank no longer supported their Safari version 15.6.1. However, no updates were available in Software Update or the App Store. Check here.

Solution:

Since macOS Catalina does not support Safari 16 or later, the best solutions were:

• Upgrading to macOS Big Sur (if compatible) to get the latest Safari for Mac.
• Switching to Google Chrome or Firefox to maintain online banking compatibility.

✅ Pro Tip: If your online banking requires a newer browser, always check the official support pages for browser compatibility.

Conclusion – Keep Your Safari Updated, Stay Secure & Browse Better

Keeping Safari update on Mac ensures security, performance, and access to the latest web features. If your Mac no longer supports Safari updates, upgrading macOS or switching to an alternative browser is the best solution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure safe and smooth web browsing on your Mac.

Still confused? No worries — we’ve got you.

Need Help Updating Safari on Mac?

Whether it’s Safari issues, macOS problems, or a slow Mac driving you nuts — we’re here.

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