Fix: Safari Tabs not Syncing between Devices

When signed in with the same Account ID, the Safari browser can sync open tabs and data with all your devices. However, sometimes, you might need help with data syncing between devices.

In such a case, you can fix the tab sync problem by turning the sync feature on and off on all devices and under the iCloud settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 1: Force the Sync in Safari on Mac

To force sync Safari to iCloud, you must quit the Safari browser. Then, you can enable the iCloud sync history.

1. If Safari is running, then force quit the browser.
   You can use the Cmd + Q shortcut keys.
2. Launch the Applications folder and then open the Utilities.
3. Open the Terminal app from Utilities.
   
4. Please type the following command in the Terminal and press Enter to execute it.
   defaults write com.apple.Safari IncludeInternalDebugMenu 1
   It will terminate any Safari-related background process.
   
5. Relaunch the Apple Safari browser.
6. Open on Debug menu and select Sync iCloud History from the menu list.
   

After that, you can check on your other devices if Safari Tabs have synced properly between Apple iCloud signed-in devices.

Step 2: Restart the Safari app on iPhone or iPad

You will have to ensure that Safari is not running in the background. But first, close all the tabs that are opened on Safari app.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen on your iOS device and open up the App Switcher.
2. Swipe up the Safari Card from the app switcher to terminate the application.
3. Press hold on to Safari until it starts jiggling.
4. Hit on the X red icon.
5. Launch Safari on the device which you were having issues with.

After these steps, check if the Safari Tabs are in sync using other devices.

Note: If you cannot force restart the Safari app, you can reboot your device; this essentially means the same.

Step 3: Re-enable Safari Sync within iCloud Settings

Sometimes disabling iCloud syncing and re-enabling it again works to fix the issue of Safari Tabs not syncing between devices.

1. Open up the Settings app on the iPhone/iPad.
2. Tap on Signed-in Apple ID and select iCloud.
3. To disable the sync, toggle OFF the Safari option.
4. Toggle ON the Safari option again to enable iCloud sync.
   

For Mac users, you will have to go to System Preferences > iCloud, and then you will have to enable Safari.

Bottom Line

Besides the methods mentioned, you can also clear site data from the Safari browser. Lastly, you can also try rebooting your device. It would probably fix the Syncing issue.

Slow internet connectivity can cause an issue. If both devices have the same WiFi connection and Bluetooth enabled, then sync tabs between devices work great.