Audit Safari extensions without losing useful settings

A Safari extension can alter pages or see activity on sites where it has access. The risk is not only a fake extension: an old, legitimate one may have broader permissions than you now need. Audit the installed list before a suspicious browser session becomes a habit.

Before you start​

Make a note of extensions you actually use, such as a password manager or accessibility tool. Know how to sign in to those services before temporarily disabling anything.

Do it step by step​

1. Open Safari → Settings → Extensions and inspect the entire list, including items you have forgotten. Compare each name with its developer and the app that installed it.
2. For an extension you need, open its website settings. Change broad access to a narrower choice where Safari offers one, especially for banking, email and work sites.
3. Check whether the extension is allowed in Private Browsing. Safari disables extensions requiring website access there by default on supported macOS versions; keep that separation unless you have a clear reason.
4. Untick a doubtful extension first and use the affected site normally. If the site works and you do not recognize the extension, choose Uninstall; follow Safari's prompt if removal must happen through its parent app.
5. Reopen a sensitive site and confirm login, autofill and any needed extension controls still work. Keep the extension list short and repeat the review after major app installs.

Check the result​

The Extensions list should contain only software you can identify. Test one banking or email page and one ordinary page so you notice both broken features and unwanted changes.

If something goes wrong​

If an extension is reinstalled, inspect its containing application and sync settings. Do not download a replacement from an unsolicited search advertisement merely because a site says an extension is required.

Know the limit​

App Store review and automatic updates lower some risk but do not make every extension necessary or its requested site access harmless. Safari's official extension guide explains website permission and removal controls. Apple's Safari extension instructions