To show the tab bar in Safari on an iPhone 7 running iOS 15, open Settings > Safari and, under Tabs, choose Tab Bar. The address bar and tabs move to the bottom of the screen, where you can swipe left or right on the bar to switch between open tabs. Choose Single Tab if you prefer the classic address bar at the top. You can also turn on Landscape Tab Bar to see a row of tabs across the top when you turn your phone sideways.
The iPhone 7 can update to iOS 15, which is where these options appeared. Here’s how each layout works and how to manage tabs quickly.
How to turn on the Safari tab bar
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Safari.
- Under Tabs, tap Tab Bar.
- Optional: turn on Landscape Tab Bar.
Tab Bar vs. Single Tab
| Tab Bar | Single Tab | |
|---|---|---|
| Address bar location | Bottom | Top |
| Switch tabs | Swipe left or right on the address bar | Tap the tabs button |
| Best for | One-handed use | Classic layout |
Handy tab tricks
- See all tabs: Tap the tabs button (two overlapping squares), or swipe up on the tab bar.
- Close all tabs: Touch and hold the tabs button, then tap Close All Tabs.
- Reopen a closed tab: In the tab overview, touch and hold the + button to see recently closed tabs.
- Close tabs automatically: Settings > Safari > Close Tabs and choose After One Day, Week, or Month.
- Tab Groups: In the tab overview, tap the down arrow at the bottom center to create groups of tabs, like “Work” or “Recipes.”
For more on closing tabs, see how to close all tabs on iPhone.
Using an older iOS version?
On iOS 14 and earlier, Safari always shows the address bar at the top. A tab bar appears only in landscape on larger iPhones (Plus and Max models) with Settings > Safari > Show Tab Bar turned on. Update to iOS 15 in Settings > General > Software Update to get the new layout on an iPhone 7.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my Safari address bar move to the bottom?
The Tab Bar layout is the default in iOS 15. Switch to Single Tab in Safari settings to move it back to the top.
Why can’t I see my tabs in landscape?
Turn on Landscape Tab Bar in Settings > Safari.
How many tabs can Safari keep open?
Up to 500 tabs per window or Tab Group, though keeping fewer open uses less memory.
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.