Safari Profiles: Custom Extensions and Search Engines

This article explains how Safari Profiles handle the customization of browser extensions and default search engines. While Apple's web browser allows users to assign a distinct set of enabled extensions to each individual profile, it does not currently support setting a unique default search engine on a per-profile basis. Below is a straightforward breakdown of how these features work and how you can configure them for your workflow.

Managing Extensions Per Profile

Yes, each custom Profile in Safari can have its own distinct set of enabled extensions. When you create a new profile, all of your installed extensions are turned off by default for that specific profile. This allows you to activate work-related extensions in a "Work" profile while keeping shopping or entertainment extensions strictly in a "Personal" profile.

How to configure profile extensions on Mac:

  1. Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar.
  2. Select Settings (or Preferences).
  3. Click the Profiles tab.
  4. Select the profile you want to customize from the left sidebar.
  5. Click the Extensions tab on the right side of the window.
  6. Check the boxes next to the extensions you want to enable for this specific profile.

How to configure profile extensions on iPhone and iPad:

  1. Open the Settings app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
  3. Scroll down to the Profiles section and tap on the profile you want to edit.
  4. Tap Manage Extensions.
  5. Toggle on the specific extensions you wish to use in that profile.

Default Search Engine Limitations

No, you cannot assign a different default search engine to each custom Profile in Safari. The default search engine setting is global and applies to all of your custom profiles simultaneously. If you change your default search engine from Google to DuckGo in one profile, it will automatically change for all other profiles you have created.

Currently, Safari only allows you to set two different search engines: one for your standard browsing (which covers all of your custom profiles) and a separate one strictly for Private Browsing.

Workarounds for using different search engines in profiles: Because you cannot natively change the address bar's search engine per profile, you must use alternative methods to separate your search habits:

  • Custom Favorites Bar: Since each profile can have its own dedicated Favorites folder, you can bookmark your preferred search engine and place it on the Favorites bar of that specific profile for one-click access.
  • Profile Homepage: On a Mac, you can set new windows and tabs within a specific profile to open to a designated page. You can set this page to the URL of the search engine you prefer to use for that profile.
  • Quick Website Search: You can type the shortcut of a search engine directly into the address bar before your query (for example, typing "bing" or "ddg" followed by your search terms) if you have previously searched on those sites. Safari will remember the site and allow you to search it directly without changing your global default.