How to Delete Safari in iPhone

Safari is a popular browser on iPhones, but there might be times when you want to remove it from your device. Whether you want to hide it or block it entirely, this guide will walk you through the steps in a friendly manner.

Removing Safari from the Home Screen

Safari is a default app on iPhones, which means it cannot be completely deleted like third-party apps. However, you can remove it from the Home Screen and hide it in the App Library. Here's how:

A. Long-press the Safari app icon

To begin, locate the Safari app icon on your Home Screen and long-press it. This will trigger the app icons to start shaking, indicating that you can now make changes to their arrangement.

B. Tap "Remove App"

You will notice an "x" symbol appears on the top left corner of the Safari app icon. Tap on it to bring up a confirmation prompt.

C. Choose "Remove from Home Screen" when prompted

A pop-up will appear, giving you two options: "Delete App" or "Remove from Home Screen." Select the latter option to remove Safari from your Home Screen.

D. Safari will disappear from your Home Screen and be hidden in the App Library

After confirming your choice, Safari will no longer be visible on your Home Screen. However, it will still be accessible through the App Library. To access it again, simply swipe left on your last Home Screen page and type "Safari" in the Search field. Locate and tap on the Safari app to re-use it.

Blocking Safari using Screen Time

If you want to go a step further and block Safari entirely, you can utilize the Screen Time feature on your iPhone. Screen Time allows you to set restrictions on app usage and content. Follow these steps to block Safari:

A. Close the Safari app if it's running

Before proceeding, make sure to close the Safari app if it's currently open. This will prevent any interruptions during the blocking process.

B. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to the "Screen Time" section. Tap on it to access the related settings. From there, select "Content & Privacy Restrictions."

C. Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions if not already enabled

If Content & Privacy Restrictions are not already enabled, toggle the switch to turn them on. You may be prompted to set a passcode for Screen Time restrictions if you haven't done so already.

D. Tap "Allowed Apps"

Once you have enabled Content & Privacy Restrictions, scroll down and tap on the "Allowed Apps" option.

E. Enter your Screen Time passcode (if prompted)

If you have set a passcode for Screen Time restrictions, enter it when prompted. This step ensures that only authorized users can make changes to the blocked apps.

F. Toggle off Safari in the list of apps

In the list of apps, locate Safari and toggle the switch next to it to turn it off. This action will block Safari entirely on your iPhone.

Resetting iPhone if you forgot Screen Time passcode

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode and want to unblock Safari or make changes to the Screen Time settings, you may need to reset your iPhone to factory settings. It's important to note that this step will erase all data on your device, so proceed with caution. Here's how you can factory reset your iPhone:

A) Factory reset your iPhone

To factory reset your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset. From there, select "Erase All Content and Settings." Confirm your choice and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. Once your iPhone restarts, you will have a fresh start without any data or settings, including the Screen Time passcode.

Accessing Safari after blocking it with Screen Time

If you have blocked Safari using Screen Time but later decide to unblock and re-enable it, follow these steps:

A) Repeat Steps III.C-F to toggle on Safari

To unblock Safari, go back to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted, navigate to "Allowed Apps," and toggle on Safari in the list of apps. This will re-enable Safari on your iPhone.

Using an alternative browser for redirected website links

In some cases, you may encounter an issue where website links are directed to an incorrect app after blocking Safari. To resolve this issue, you can download another privacy-focused smartphone browser and change your iPhone's default browser settings. Here's how:

A) Download another privacy-focused smartphone browser

There are several alternative browsers available in the App Store that offer privacy-focused features. Some popular options include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave. Download and install the browser of your choice from the App Store.

B) Change your iPhone's default browser settings

To make the newly installed browser your default option for opening links, go to Settings > [Browser Name] > Default Browser App. Tap on the option and select your preferred browser from the list. This will ensure that all website links are directed to your chosen browser instead of Safari.

Deleting Safari from your iPhone is possible, whether you want to temporarily hide it or block it completely. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can remove Safari from your Home Screen, block it using Screen Time, and even access it again if you change your mind. Additionally, if you encounter any issues with redirected website links, you can easily switch to an alternative browser and change your default settings. Remember, the choice is yours, and this guide has got you covered.