Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

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To stop Safari on Mac from sending partial search terms to a search engine as you type, open Safari > Settings > Search and turn off Include search engine suggestions. On iPhone or iPad, you can choose a separate search engine for Private Browsing in Settings > Apps > Safari. These controls affect different things: suggestions, search-engine choice, browsing history, and tracking protection are not interchangeable.

Stop search-engine suggestions on Mac

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Choose Safari > Settings, then select Search.
  3. Turn off Include search engine suggestions.

Apple says this stops Safari from sending partial search terms to the search engine as you type; the engine also stops returning suggestions for Safari to show below the search and address field. Apple notes that a search engine may record search terms. Apple Support: Customize searching in Safari on Mac.

Search-engine suggestions versus Safari Suggestions

Include search engine suggestions controls suggestions provided by the search engine and the transmission of partial terms. Include Safari Suggestions is a separate control for suggestions from Safari and Apple services. Turn off the latter too if you want to remove that separate suggestion source. Apple Support: Customize searching in Safari on Mac.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Other Mac search controls

The Search settings also let you choose the regular search engine and the Private Browsing search engine, turn off Quick Website Search, and disable Preload Top Hit in the background to prevent Safari from preloading the likely top result. These options address engine choice, site search, and preloading rather than the same partial-term suggestion setting. Apple Support: Customize searching in Safari on Mac.

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Ailun Privacy Screen Protector iPhone 17e/16e/14/13/13 Pro, 2 Pack
  • [2 Pack] This product includes 2 pack privacy screen protectors.WORKS FOR iPhone 17e/16e/14/iPhone 13/13 Pro 6.1 Inch tempered glass screen protector.Featuring maximum protection from scratches, scrapes, and bumps.[Not for iPhone 16 6.1 inch, iPhone 13 mini 5.4 inch, iPhone 13 Pro Max/iPhone 14 Pro Max/iPhone 14 Plus 6.7 inch, iPhone 14 Pro 6.1 inch]
  • Specialty: to enhance compatibility with most cases, the Tempered glass does not cover the entire screen. HD ultra-clear rounded glass for iPhone 17e/16e/14/iPhone 13/13 Pro is 99.99% touch-screen accurate.
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Choose a separate Private Browsing search engine on iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the device’s Settings app and tap Apps > Safari.
  2. Turn off Also Use in Private Browsing.
  3. Tap Private Search Engine and choose an engine.

This lets Private Browsing use a different search engine from regular browsing. Apple’s instructions: Change your search engine in Safari on iPhone.

Choose the setting that matches your privacy concern

Concern Relevant setting or feature What it addresses
Partial terms sent while typing Mac: turn off Include search engine suggestions Stops Safari from sending partial search terms to the search engine for suggestions.
Suggestions from Apple and Safari Mac: turn off Include Safari Suggestions Controls a suggestion source separate from search-engine suggestions.
Which engine handles Private Browsing searches Mac Search settings, or iPhone/iPad: turn off Also Use in Private Browsing and select Private Search Engine Sets the engine used for Private Browsing separately from the regular engine.
Browsing activity saved in ordinary history Private Browsing Limits local history and device-sharing of private activity as Apple describes; it does not itself replace search-suggestion controls.
Cross-site tracking or IP-address exposure Safari privacy settings; iCloud Private Relay is an additional iCloud+ feature Addresses tracking and IP privacy, not the suggestion setting.

Adjust tracking protections and review Safari’s Privacy Report

On iPhone and iPad, open Settings > Apps > Safari to find Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and Hide IP Address. On Mac, go to Safari > Settings > Privacy and find Prevent cross-site tracking. These controls address different privacy concerns from the search-suggestion options. Apple Support: Prevent cross-site tracking in Safari.

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Ailun Privacy Screen Protector for iPhone 16 / iPhone 15 / iPhone 15 Pro
  • [3 Pack] This product includes 3 pack privacy screen protectors.WORKS FOR iPhone 16/iPhone 15/iPhone 15 Pro 6.1 Inch tempered glass screen protector. Due to the rounded edge design of the iPhone 16/iPhone 15/iPhone 15 Pro and to enhance compatibility with most cases,the tempered glass screen protectors will be slightly smaller than the phone screen.[Not for iPhone 16e 6.1 inch, iPhone 15 Plus/iPhone 15 Pro Max/iPhone 16 Plus 6.7 inch,iPhone 16 Pro 6.3 inch,iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9 inch]
  • Specialty: HD rounded glass for iPhone 16/iPhone 15/iPhone 15 Pro 6.1 Inch is 99.99% touch-screen accurate.
  • 99.99% High-definition hydrophobic and oleophobic screen coating protects against sweat and oil residue from fingerprints. Featuring maximum protection from scratches, scrapes, and bumps.
  • High Privacy: Keeps your personal, private, and sensitive information hidden from strangers,screen is only visible to persons directly in front of screen.Good choose when you are in the bus,elevator,metro or other public occasions.(Note: Due to this privacy cover will darken the image to prevent the peeking eyes near you, you might need to turn your device display brightness up a bit when use it.)
  • Online video installation instruction: Easiest Installation - removing dust and aligning it properly before actual installation,enjoy your screen as if it wasn't there.

To view Safari’s summary of trackers encountered and prevented on a page on iPhone or iPad, open Safari’s Page Menu and choose Privacy Report. Apple Support: Browse the web with Safari on iPhone.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What Private Browsing does—and does not do

Private Browsing keeps activity out of ordinary browsing history and protects private tabs from being shared across devices in the ways Apple describes. It does not guarantee that a search is invisible to the selected search engine, nor does it disable the separate setting that controls whether Safari sends partial terms for search suggestions. To address that transmission on Mac, change Include search engine suggestions. Apple Support: Browse privately in Safari on Mac.

Rank #3
SMARTDEVIL 2 Pack Privacy Screen Protector for iPhone 17 Pro Max, Anti-Spy
  • Perfect Fit for iPhone 17 Pro Max:Engineered exclusively for iPhone 17 Pro Max with seamless edge-to-edge coverage, ensuring precise alignment and reliable full-screen protection.
  • Advanced Privacy Protection:Features a 28° privacy filter with smooth 2.5D curved edges, preventing side glances in public. Your screen remains visible only to you—ideal for commuting, traveling, and crowded environments.
  • Effortless Installation:Equipped with an auto dust-elimination tool that delivers a fast, accurate, and bubble-free application, keeping your screen perfectly clear with minimal effort.
  • Military-Grade Protection:Made of nano-reinforced 9H tempered glass, SGS certified. Provides 5X stronger scratch resistance and proven durability, withstanding thousands of pressure and impact tests.
  • Smudge & Fingerprint Resistant:Hydrophobic and oleophobic coating repels fingerprints, sweat, and oil—ensuring your screen stays clean, clear, and smooth to the touch.

iCloud Private Relay is an additional iCloud+ feature, not another name for Private Browsing or cross-site tracking prevention. Apple says it is not available in all regions. Apple Support: Set up iCloud Private Relay.

Best Value
EZ-GLAZ-4 Pack for iPhone 16 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector (6.9")
  • 【Innovative 1-Step Installation! 】Simplify the application process! Featuring automatic alignment functionality, enjoy a quick and easy installation,swiftly eliminate air bubbles, providing you a hassle-free installation experience for the iPhone 16 Pro Max privacy screen protector.Friendly Reminder: Please watch the installation video before you begin.
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  • 【Ultra-Clear and Ultra-Sensitive】This protective film covers the iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9-inch, ensuring you feel as if there's nothing on your iPhone screen.The high-quality anti-fingerprint surface keeps your screen clean, bubble-free, delivering the most natural viewing and sensitive touch for videos and gaming.
  • 【26° Anti-Spy Privacy Protection】Featuring upgraded micro-louver optical technology, this iPhone 16 Pro Max privacy screen protector delivers a precise 26° privacy viewing angle. It maintains ultra HD clarity from the front view, while instantly darkening the screen for anyone viewing from the sides or behind.
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UltraGlass TOP 9H+ Armor for iPhone 17 Pro Privacy Screen Protector, 2 Pack
  • 【Industry-Leading 100% Anti-Spy Privacy Protection】Designed for iPhone 17 Pro. Larger iPhone screens are easier for others to glance at, so UltraGlass uses patented, SEGI-certified 25° Blackout-3 optical technology to help block side views and keep emails, banking apps, and private content visible only to you—while keeping the front view HD-clear and comfortable through hours of scrolling and streaming.
  • 【Unbreakable TOP 9H+ Glass, the Excellent 2nd Screen for Your iPhone】Boasting unparalleled shatter resistance and durability. And the core excellence is the top 9H+ tempered glass material, which is widely applied in aerospace and military fields for its ① Shatter-proof ② Scratch & Wear Resistance ③ Durability that is 7-8 times higher than other materials. Thus, UltraGlass builds a second tough screen for your iPhone 17 Pro.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.