Hiding Safari on your iPad is a straightforward process that can help you maintain your privacy or keep the browser out of sight for any other reason. By following a few simple steps, you can make Safari disappear from your home screen and App Library, making it inaccessible to anyone who doesn’t know how to find it.
Step by Step Tutorial to Hide Safari on iPad
Before diving into the steps, understand that you’re about to use the Screen Time feature on your iPad to hide Safari. This feature is initially intended for monitoring usage, but it can also restrict access to apps.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
In Settings, you’ll find a variety of options that allow you to customize your iPad’s functionality. For this task, you’ll be focusing on the Screen Time option.
Step 2: Tap on Screen Time
Select the Screen Time option from the list.
If you haven’t already set up Screen Time, you’ll be prompted to do so. It’s a simple process that involves creating a passcode to prevent others from changing your settings.
Step 3: Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
Once in Screen Time, find and tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Content & Privacy Restrictions are where you control what content can be accessed on your iPad. It’s also where you can hide certain apps, like Safari.
Step 4: Enter your Screen Time Passcode
If prompted, enter your Screen Time Passcode.
This passcode ensures that only you can make changes to your Screen Time settings, keeping your restrictions secure.
Step 5: Tap on Allowed Apps
Inside Content & Privacy Restrictions, locate and tap on Allowed Apps.
Allowed Apps is the section that lets you choose which apps are visible on your iPad. By toggling off Safari here, you’ll effectively hide it.
Step 6: Toggle off Safari
Find Safari in the list of apps and toggle the switch to the off position.
Once you toggle off Safari, it will disappear from your home screen and App Library. It’s that easy!
After completing these steps, Safari will be hidden from your iPad’s home screen and App Library. To access it again, you’ll have to reverse the process by toggling Safari back on in the Allowed Apps section.
Tips for Hiding Safari on iPad
- Before hiding Safari, ensure you have an alternative browser installed if you still need internet access.
- Remember your Screen Time passcode. Without it, you won’t be able to unhide Safari later.
- Consider hiding other apps that you don’t use often to declutter your home screen.
- Use Screen Time to set limits on other apps if you’re looking to reduce your screen time overall.
- If you’re hiding Safari for parental control purposes, explore other Screen Time features like content restrictions and privacy settings for additional control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unhide Safari later?
Yes, you can easily unhide Safari by following the same steps and toggling Safari back on in the Allowed Apps section.
Will hiding Safari delete my bookmarks and browsing history?
No, hiding Safari does not delete any data. Your bookmarks and browsing history will remain intact when you choose to unhide the app.
Is it possible to hide other apps using the same method?
Yes, you can hide almost any app on your iPad by toggling it off in the Allowed Apps section of Screen Time.
Can I still receive Safari updates if the app is hidden?
Yes, your iPad will continue to receive app updates for Safari, even if the app is hidden.
What happens if I forget my Screen Time passcode?
If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you may need to reset your iPad to factory settings, which will erase all data. It’s important to remember or safely store your passcode.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on Screen Time
- Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Enter your Screen Time Passcode
- Tap on Allowed Apps
- Toggle off Safari
Conclusion
Hiding Safari on your iPad is a useful trick for keeping the browser out of sight, whether for personal preference, privacy, or parental control. The process is simple, secure, and reversible, providing flexibility for iPad users. By utilizing the Screen Time feature, not only can you hide Safari, but you can also control and monitor the usage of other apps, making the most out of your iPad experience. If you ever find yourself in need of the Safari app again, just remember the steps mentioned above, and it will be back at your fingertips in no time. So, go ahead and hide Safari on your iPad without any second thoughts—you now have the know-how to manage it like a pro!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.