Mac Help Desk
Quick fixes for common Mac problems

What to do if Safari AutoFill is not working

Safari can automatically fill in usernames, passwords, and forms for you. It's a handy feature that saves time. But it has been known to stop working suddenly. If Safari autofill is not working, try these suggestions.

1. Turn AutoFill on

Are you wondering, how do I turn on AutoFill in Safari? Well, here's how:

How to turn on autofill in Safari

  • Open the browser and select Safari from the top menu and then Preferences.

  • Now select the AutoFill tab and make sure that you have checked the options you want, like Usernames and passwords.

If Safari is still not remembering passwords, the website may not allow it.

2. Private browsing

If you're using the Safari private browsing mode, Safari password AutoFill will not work. So try opening a standard window.

Private browsing in Safari

How do you know if you're using a private browsing window? A Private Browsing window will have a dark Smart Search field and white text.

To open a standard browsing window, select the Safari icon in your Dock and press. New Window.

How to open a standard window in Safari

3. Delete system junk

Outdated system files and broken items can cause many problems on a MacBook. This type of unnecessary data is termed ‘system junk.’ What’s worse, it may take up many gigabytes of storage space. But you can clear it all up with an app. Probably, the most convenient app that works specifically with the macOS ecosystem is CleanMyMac X by MacPaw — and it's free to download.

Using this System Junk cleaner should positively affect your Safari behaviour.

  • Launch the App, and select System Junk from the left sidebar.
  • Review the items you’d like to delete and press Clean.

4. Reset Safari

If the above tips haven't worked, it's time to Reset Safari and remove its related files. Do this quickly and safely with CleanMyMac X.

All apps selected in the Uninstaller module of CMMX

Here's how to reset Safari:

  1. Open CleanMyMac X and select Uninstaller from the left sidebar.

  2. Find Safai in the list and press show; this will open a dropdown list.

  3. Select all the items in the list, then select Reset from the dropdown menu next to Safari.

  4. Press Reset at the bottom.

That’s it. Your Safari browser is again in a top shape.


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