Safari is one of those pre-installed Apple apps that can’t be permanently removed from your iPhone. However, you still have two options if you really wish to “delete” it.
You can remove the app from your Home Screen so it’s buried in the App Library or use Content and Privacy Restrictions to block the app. So, let’s look at how to “delete” Safari from your iPhone. If you’re an iPad user, feel free to follow the same steps.
How to Remove Safari From Your iPhone’s Home Screen
The first method will suit you best if you still want to use Safari occasionally but don’t like its app icon taking up space on your Home Screen. To remove Safari from your sight, follow these steps:
Safari will now disappear from your iPhone’s Home Screen. It’s now hidden in the App Library. So, if you do wish to use Safari again, simply swipe left on your lastHome Screenpage to reach theApp Library. TypeSafariin theSearchfield to bring it up.
To continue decluttering your Home Screen of stock iPhone apps, here’s alist of pre-installed iPhone apps you can and can’t delete.
How to Block Safari on Your iPhone Using Screen Time
The second method will fit your needs more if you don’t want to use Safari at all. This will remove Safari from both your iPhone’s Home Screen and App Library, as well as prevent your iPhone from opening Safari at any point in the future.
Follow these steps to disable Safari on your iPhone:
If you don’t know your Screen Time passcode, you may reset it inSettings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode. Enter your Apple ID, password, and a new Screen Time passcode. But if you didn’t set up your Apple ID with the Screen Time passcode, your only option is tofactory reset your iPhone, which will erase all data on your iPhone, including that passcode.
Once you’ve successfully blocked Safari using Screen Time, you won’t be able to find and use Safari until you repeat the settings above and toggle onSafariagain.
However, after you disable Safari using this method, you might notice that any website links you want to open are all redirected to a wrong, random app. For example, I found that my iPhone kept attempting to open article links in travel apps, which can’t load webpages at all.
To solve this, you need to download another browser app from the App Store. There are manyprivacy-focused smartphone browsersworth checking out if you aren’t satisfied with Safari’s offering. Once you install your desired browser,change your iPhone’s default browserto make sure web links open in it rather than a random app.
Getting Rid of Safari From Your iPhone
Although Safari is the default browser on Apple devices, there’s no reason not to opt for alternative browsers if you prefer a different browsing experience. But if you don’t use Safari, there’s no way to delete it even if you want to free up some space on your iPhone.
At the moment, the only two methods to “delete” Safari from your iPhone are removing it from your Home Screen so that it’s out of sight and in the App Library or disabling it using your Screen Time settings.
