Safari is the default browser for the Apple ecosystem. While it does its job decently and beholds many valuable functionalities, it isn’t the only one out there. The options are aplenty, from the privacy-centric Firefox to the highly customizable Opera.
So if you plan to switch to another browser but don’t wish to uninstall Safari completely, then there’s a handy way out. You could easily hide this app so that it (or any of its processes) doesn’t cause any hindrance.
All this is made possible thanks to the iPhone’s Content & Privacy Restriction. Moreover, apart from the usage above, this feature could also be helpful for parents. They could use it if they wish to restrict their children’s internet usage.
These are just some of the benefits where it could prove to be a handy utility; there could be many more. So without any further ado, let’s now check out the steps to use this feature and disable Safari on iPhone and iPad devices.
Disable Safari on iPhone/iPad (iOS 12+)
The Safari browser is a system app that doesn’t get uninstalled, just like Google Chrome for Android. However, we can disable the app and stop all the running processes using the Content & Privacy Restriction option in iOS.
Here are the steps to disable the Safari browser on iPhone or iPad running on iOS/iPadOS 12 and above:
- Head over to the Settings app on your device.
- Go to the Screen Time option menu.
- Tap to enable Turn on Screen Time.
If this is the first time you have enabled it, you might get an information screen. - Read the instructions, and hit the command button.
- Now tap on Use Screen Time Password.
It will now ask for a four-digit passcode. Create a strong one and then retype it to confirm it. Remember it, as it could come in handy later on. - Go to the Content & Privacy Restriction menu.
- Now enable the toggle for Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Select the Allowed Apps menu section.
- Please scroll to the Safari app and turn off its toggle.
That’s it. Safari will now be hidden from your device. You can check your iPhone or iPad for the Safari app.
Disable Safari on iOS 11 and earlier
If you are using an older phone that runs on iOS 11 and earlier versions, then you can follow these steps to disable Safari.
- Launch the Settings menu on your device.
- Head over to the General section, and select the Restrictions menu.
- Tap on the Enable Restrictions option.
- Create a passcode, and re-enter to confirm.
- Disable the toggle next to Safari app from ALLOW section.
This will restrict the Safari browser and allow other apps that are enabled. You can check if the Safari app has been disabled from your iOS device.
Bottom Line: Disable Safari App on iOS
So this was all from this guide on how to disable Safari on your iPhone or iPad. We have shared the iOS/iPad 11 or lower steps and the 12 and above versions.
If you wish to revert this decision and re-access Safari at any point, head over to the Content & Privacy Restriction, verify your identity via the Passcode and enable the toggle next to Safari.
Unrestricted access to the online world is never a safe option, especially for children. In this regard, this feature will help adults put a stop to their children’s online browsing activities.
What do you think of this feature to restrict the Safari browser on your device? You can similarly block any app instead of safari.
I would say this, I think the iPad and Safari don’t work as a desktop browser all the time. I liked it better when Safari on the iPad was much like Safari on my iPhone. Full desktop sites don’t always display or work correctly. Mobile sites are better designed for touch screens and seem to function better. Apple of course wants Safari on an iPad to act more like Safari on a Mac. But in my experience, it just isn’t a great experience on the iPad.
This guide exceeded my expectations, very clear and easy to follow. Thank you.
Need to
To disable this appl from iPad
Need to disable safari as it is confusing my great grandson
I have disabled Safari, as much as I can and still I get this message
“Safari cannot open the page because your iPhone is not connected to the Internet.” I have plenty of Data left