As of version 10, Safari no longer supports most web plug-ins. Safari is optimized for content that uses the HTML5 web standard, which doesn’t require a plug-in. To enhance and customize your browsing experience, Apple recommends you use Safari extensions instead of web plug-ins.
How to Find Your Installed Safari Plug-Ins
Safari is the default web browser for the iPhone, iPad, and macOS. Safari is fast and powerful, able to serve up even the most advanced and interactive websites. For older versions of Safari (version 9 and earlier), plug-ins add functionality, letting users personalize their browsing experience.
Here’s how to see what plug-ins you’ve installed on your Safari browser (version 9 and earlier).
Launch Safari. From the Help menu, select Installed Plug-ins. Safari will display a new web page that lists all of the Safari plug-ins currently on your system. Safari groups plug-ins by the file that contains the small programs. You may see various Java Applet plug-ins or a QuickTime plug-in.
How to Remove or Turn Off Plug-Ins
Plug-ins come with downsides. Poorly written ones can slow down Safari’s web rendering performance. They can also compete and cause stability issues or replace a program’s built-in functionality with less desirable methods that don’t work as well.
Here’s how to turn off plug-ins.
Launch Safari, and then select Safari > Preferences. Select the Security button. To turn off all plug-ins, remove the checkmark from the Allow Plug-ins box. To manage plug-ins by website, select the button labeled Plug-in Settings or Manage Website Settings, depending on the Safari version you’re using. Remove the checkmark next to a plug-in to disable it. Use the dropdown menu next to the website name to change the plug-in usage setting.
How to Delete a Plug-In From Your Computer
To completely delete a plug-in from your computer, remove its file from your hard drive.
Safari stores its plug-in files in /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/.
To remove a plug-in, drag the file to the Trash. Drag the file to another location on your Mac to disable it but save it for later. Create a folder called Disabled Plug-ins to hold these files. If you change your mind later and want to reinstall the plug-in, drag it back to its original location.
