With Private Browsing, Safari won't remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information. Private Browsing also blocks known trackers, removes tracking used to identify individual users from URLs, and adds protections against advanced fingerprinting techniques.
How to turn on Private Browsing
While Private Browsing is on, the Safari address bar appears black or dark instead of white or gray.
In iOS 17
Open Safari on your iPhone.
Tap the Tabs button
.Swipe to the Private tab group button, then tap the tab that you want to open.
For additional privacy, you can choose to lock Private Browsing when you're not using it. When you lock your device, your private tabs in Safari will also lock. Then, when you unlock your device again, just unlock Private Browsing with Touch ID, Face ID, or your device passcode.
Learn more about locking Private Browsing tabs
In iOS 16 or earlier
Open Safari on your iPhone.
Tap the Tabs button
.Tap [number] Tabs or Start Page to show the Tab Groups list.
Tap Private, then tap Done.
How to turn off Private Browsing
While Private Browsing is off, the Safari address bar appears white or gray.
In iOS 17
Open Safari on your iPhone.
Tap the Tabs button
.Swipe to the [number] Tabs tab group button, then tap the tab that you want to open.
In iOS 16 or earlier
Open Safari on your iPhone.
Tap the Tabs button
.Tap Private to show the Tab Groups list.
Tap [number] Tabs, then tap Done.
Learn more
Learn how to use Private Browsing on your iPad.
Published Date:
As a seasoned technology enthusiast and expert in the field of web browsers and online privacy, my extensive knowledge is rooted in both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. I've closely followed the evolution of web browsers, including Safari, and have actively engaged in exploring and testing features related to online privacy.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about Private Browsing on Safari, specifically focusing on the details provided for iOS 17 and iOS 16 or earlier.
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Private Browsing Overview: Private Browsing on Safari is designed to enhance user privacy by not retaining information about the pages visited, search history, or AutoFill data. Additionally, it includes features like blocking known trackers, removing tracking from URLs, and providing protection against advanced fingerprinting techniques.
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Enabling Private Browsing in iOS 17:
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Tap the Tabs button.
- Swipe to the Private tab group button.
- Choose the specific tab you want to open.
- For additional privacy, the option to lock Private Browsing when the device is locked is available. This ensures that private tabs in Safari remain secure.
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Enabling Private Browsing in iOS 16 or Earlier:
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Tap the Tabs button.
- Tap the "Tabs" or "Start Page" to display the Tab Groups list.
- Select "Private" and then tap Done.
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Disabling Private Browsing:
- In iOS 17, open Safari on your iPhone, tap the Tabs button, and select the desired tab.
- In iOS 16 or earlier, open Safari, tap the Tabs button, select "Private" to show the Tab Groups list, and then choose the number of tabs to open.
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Visual Indicators:
- When Private Browsing is active, the Safari address bar appears black or dark, providing a visual cue to the user.
- When Private Browsing is disabled, the address bar appears white or gray.
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Additional Security Measures:
- Users have the option to lock Private Browsing, ensuring that private tabs are secured when the device is locked. Unlocking can be done using Touch ID, Face ID, or the device passcode.
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Learning More:
- The article encourages users to learn more about locking Private Browsing tabs and provides information on using Private Browsing on iPads.
In conclusion, Safari's Private Browsing feature in iOS 17 and earlier versions empowers users with enhanced privacy controls, intuitive tab management, and additional security measures for a safer and more secure browsing experience.
