How to Remove Extensions that are Crashing Safari

Whether it's a bad extension that is causing problems or a bug in Safari that can't handle too many extensions, it is possible for Safari to get into a state where you cannot operate Safari well enough to clean up the extensions that are causing the issues.

For example, suddenly today I could not open the Safari preferences window without Safari crashing. I've been testing extensions and have probably 30 of them in there.

Where are the extensions saved?

All of your extensions are stored in the Library/Safari/Extensions directory in your home dir. (cd ~/Library/Safari/Extensions if you're the command-line type.)

Removing Extensions

When I want to clean stuff up, I create a backup folder right inside the Extensions folder and move some or all extensions into there.

Restart Safari and you've got a clean Extensions slate.

Keep in mind that you'll probably lose any custom settings you put in the extensions.

Getting them back

Putting the extensions back in isn't as simple as copying the files back into the Extensions folder.

In Finder, locate the extension you want to bring back and double click on it. This is the same as downloading and installing it in the first place.