Safari is the default browser for the Apple ecosystem. While it does its job quite decently and beholds a bunch of useful functionalities, it isn’t the only one out there. From the privacy-centric Firefox to the highly customizable Opera, the options are aplenty.
So if you are planning to make a switch to another browser, but don’t wish to completely uninstall Safari from your device, 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 aforementioned usage, this feature could also come in useful for the parents. They could use it if they wish to restrict the internet usage of their children.
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 hence 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, then you might get an information screen. - Read the instructions, and hit 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 to confirm it. Make sure you 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.
- 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 running 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 you could disable Safari on your iPhone or iPad. We have shared the steps for both the iOS/iPad 11 or lower and 12 and above versions.
If at any point in time, you wish to revert this decision and want to re-access Safari, then just 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 definitely help the adults in putting a stop to the online browsing activities of their children.
What do you think of this feature to restrict the Safari browser on your device? You can similarly block any app instead of safari.
FAQs: Disable Safari App on iPhone/iPad
Now, let us go through frequently asked questions regarding how to Disable Safari App on iPhone/iPad.
How to disable Safari on iOS 11 and earlier?
For iOS 11 and earlier, Launch the Settings menu on your device and head over to the General section, and select the Restrictions menu. Now, tap on the Enable Restrictions option and create a passcode, and re-enter to confirm. Finally, disable the toggle next to Safari app from ALLOW section.
How 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 and go to the Screen Time option menu. Now, tap to enable Turn on Screen Time and read the instructions, and hit the Continue command button. Next tap on Use Screen Time Password and g0 to the Content & Privacy Restriction menu. Enable the toggle for Content & Privacy Restrictions and select the Allowed Apps menu section. Finally, Scroll to the Safari app and turn off its toggle.
Is there the same way to disable the Safari app on iOS 12 and iOS 11?
Now, both iOS versions have separate processes and steps to disable the Safari app.
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