Maximizing Browser Performance on MacOS

If you own a MacBook, you know that maintaining proper performance comes down to doing the most basic things. For example, regularly deleting unused files, clearing browser cache, and checking for viruses are all actions that keep your device in its optimal state to serve you better.

The browser you use is also a good candidate for optimizing if you want your Mac to work better and meet your needs. When your browser runs smoothly, your entire macOS experience feels better. But if your browser starts lagging, every click feels like a chore.

There are several ways to maximize your browser on macOS and enhance its speed and efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips for maximizing browser performance so you can breeze through your online tasks without frustration.

Why Your Browser Might Be Slowing Down

The three most popular macOS browsers, Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox, are necessary but demanding tools. Each tab, extension, and cached file requires processing power, which can add up over time and result in slow performance.

But don’t worry—small changes can have a big effect, depending on your browser. Here are a few tips for improving Safari, Chrome, and Firefox performance on macOS Sonoma.

1. Keep Your Browser Updated

Browsers are constantly improving. Updates add features, fix bugs, and optimize performance. Whether you use Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, ensure you’re running the latest version.

How to Update Safari Browser

Safari is a macOS default browser that generally provides the most efficient browsing experience for Mac users. To enjoy the best browsing experience from your Safari browser, you need to update it with Apple’s regularly released patches and updates.

Safari’s newest updates are included with other macOS updates, and you’ll be easily reminded when an update is pending.

Follow these steps to update the Safari browser on macOS:

1. Open Apple Menu.
2. Go to System Settings.
3. Click General and select Upgrade Now to check for updates.

How to Update Chrome Browser on MacOS

Like Safari, your Chrome browser requires regular updates to perform at its best. Sometimes, sluggish performance and unresponsiveness may be due to unpatched vulnerabilities.

Here is how to update the Chrome browser on macOS:

1. Launch Chrome on Mac.
2. Click the menu button to open the browser menu.
3. Navigate to Settings at the bottom of the browser menu.
4. Open settings and click About. Let it check for updates automatically.
5. If an update is available, click Relaunch.

How to Update Firefox Browser on Mac

If you haven’t updated Firefox, it may run slowly because of old bugs and vulnerabilities. Before trying other steps, check for updates and update your browser with these simple steps:

1. Launch Firefox and click the menu button at the right side of the Firefox toolbar.
2. Go to Help.
3. Select About Firefox. 

The About Mozilla Firefox window will open. Firefox will check for updates automatically. If an update is available, Firefox will download it and ask you to restart to install it.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Pre-loaded images, on-page content, cookies, and other storage on Mac gather in temporary memory when you surf the internet. They are all stored in the cache, allowing pages you frequently visit to load more quickly.

But there’s a catch: they slow down your browser performance in the long run. You can lighten the load on your browser by clearing the cache and cookies through the following ways:

A. How to Clear Cache on Chrome

1. Launch Chrome on Mac > Open the browser menu and click on delete browsing data.
2. Proceed to choose the time range and tick the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and the section marked “Cached images and files.”
3. Click Delete data.

B. How to Clear Cache on Safari

1. Open Safari and go to Settings
2. Navigate to the advanced tab of the menu that pops up and select Show features for web developers‘ box at the bottom
3. Close the Settings menu and Tap the Develop tab from the Safari menu
4. You’ll see a dropdown menu. Proceed to click Empty Caches .

C. How to Clear Cache on Firefox

1. Open the Firefox menu panel and click History
2. Select Clear Recent History.
3. Hover to the section marked Time range. From here, choose Everything from the dropdown menu and select Temporary Cached files and page in the items list.
4. Click on Clear button.

3. Manage Your Tabs Wisely

Opening more browser tabs is convenient, but it also comes as a resource hog. Each tab you open uses memory; having too many simultaneously can slow down your browser performance.

Tips to Keep Tabs Under Control on Your Mac Browsers

• Close any unused tabs: Start by closing any open tabs, especially the ones you’re not using. This can instantly free up resources and maximize your browser performance.
• Use tab management tools: Use Extensions like OneTab to group your tabs into a single list, reducing memory usage.
• Make good use of bookmarks: Use the bookmark manager, available from any web browser, to bookmark the websites rather than having a lot of tabs open.
• Try Safari’s Tab Groups: If you’re a Safari user, organize tabs by category and switch between groups as needed.

4. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Even Macs aren’t immune to malware and many users have been a target of cyber-attacks. You might have unwanted software if the browser is slow and you see strange ads or pop-ups. Some viruses add their extensions to browsers, competing for the same resources.

Malware and other viruses also consume many resources as they run in the background. Therefore, one possible fix to maximize browser performance on macOS is to check if any malware has sneaked onto your Mac.

Some of the easiest ways to check for malware on Mac include:

• Check browser settings and remove unknown extensions
• Look out for any unusual applications
• Use the Activity Monitor to check for malware

5. Optimize MacOS Settings

Your Mac’s settings can also affect browser performance. To maximize your Mac’s overall performance, you’ll need to identify a few weak spots. 

Here are a few tweaks:

• Free Up Memory: Close resource-intensive apps while browsing.
• Update macOS: System updates often improve overall performance, including browser speed.
• Use Apple’s built-in optimization tool. The tool provides basic recommendations for optimizing your storage for increased Mac performance.

Final Thoughts

A slow browser doesn’t have to ruin your workflow. These tips allow you to speed up your browser, reduce frustration, and enjoy a smoother macOS experience. Regular maintenance is key—keeping your browser and system clean and updated. Found these tips helpful? Share them with a friend who might need a faster browsing experience on macOS!