Safari on iPad doesn't reset my fingerprints

Privacy Questions
1

Hi, I’m using iPad Pro 11 4th Gen (M2). I have latest iPadOS installed(17.6.1) and have been using Safari browser.
However, I found out that no matter what settings I apply, I can’t reset my fingerprint (tested at fingerprint.com using private mode). My fingerprint ID remains the same even after closing all the tabs and deleting browser data. According to PG, I thought Safari had a strong fingerprinting resistance and expected to behave like Mullvad browser on PC which generates a unique fingerprint every time I reconnect. Is it normal for Safari to generate identical fingerprints without any extensions?

+I applied the recommended settings in privacyguides.

2

Both Safari and Mullvad don’t generate anything, the fingerprint should stay the same and it’s normal.

3

But my friend (actually not, just an acquaintance) said that his fingerprint changes every time he reconnects.

4

I’ve tested it with Safari and the fingerprint is the same every time

5

oh ok thanks for the info…

6

Did you change your IP address? My ID changes as long as I change the VPN server

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7

I didn’t change my IP address since when using Mullvad, my ID changed without using VPNs.

8

Your fingerprint staying the same isn’t necessarily a bad thing, ideally you’d have another identical iPad to test and see if it can distinguish between the two. If they both have the same fingerprint then you have nothing to worry about.

Testing on my iPad, it shows 1 visit every time even when I turn off private relay. Wondering if you maybe have an extension installed? Or did you ever go through the advanced settings and change stuff?

9

I do not use any type of VPNs including private realy on my iPad.
In Safari’s advanced settings, it is as follows: advanced tracking/fingerprinting protection(always), disable all cookies(off), privacy preserving ad(off), check apple pay(off), javascript(on), web inspector(off), remote auto(off), no changes on function flags.

I only have 1 iPad, and it is the only apple device I own :frowning: maybe I should go to the store and try out there

10

Ah ok, not sure then. I can’t reproduce it. Would be interesting to see if the store one is the same haha sounds like a fun experiment.

11

Thanks for the reply. I was quite frustrated when I heard that someone else on the internet(also a community about privacy) said that his fingerprint got reset each and every time he connects.

12

I ran the test again and it is now reset.
Basically it takes into account the IP address which is the same and after a while it changes (with the private relay active)

13

Oh glad to know that! So the reason my fingerprint persists may be due to the IP address. Gotta retry using mullvad VPN this time.

14

Well for me it doesn’t persist even if I turn off private relay, so not sure what’s causing it for you.

15

May I know what model you’re using? Mine is ipad pro 11 inch 4th gen(M2).

16

iPad Air 5th gen 11 inch. Actually never mind, I forgot you have to show up address every time and it does identify me, so I think your IP address is the issue here yes.

17

hmm… I thought the release date of the models might be the cause. I don’t use any extensions, etc. Just the vanilla Safari that comes along.
For some people, their fingerprint remains the same, for others, it changes every time. My mind is about to explode lol.
Although as you explained that the fingerprint not changing itself is not a problem(when testing the mullvad browser on PC through https://noscriptfingerprint.com/ the ID didn’t change), I still do want mine to reset each time. At least that’s what the Mullvad browser does on fingerprint.com