Want to keep your Safari favorites on your iPhone 15 private? It’s easier than you might think. In less than a minute, you can hide your favorites from prying eyes, and I’m here to guide you through it. After all, who doesn’t need a little privacy now and then?
How to Hide Favorites in Safari on iPhone 15 Tutorial
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming to do here. By following the instructions below, you’ll learn how to hide the list of websites you’ve marked as favorites in Safari. This means they won’t appear when you open a new tab or the Safari app, keeping them out of sight from anyone who might use your phone.
Step 1: Open Safari Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll down to find Safari.
In the settings menu, Safari is usually located after the apps that come pre-installed on your iPhone. Tap on it to access the Safari settings.
Step 2: Access Safari’s General Settings
Within Safari settings, locate the ‘General’ section.
The ‘General’ section is where you can adjust various options related to Safari’s functionality, such as the search engine, autofill information, and more.
Step 3: Toggle Off ‘Frequently Visited Sites’
Find the switch next to ‘Frequently Visited Sites’ and toggle it off.
By turning off ‘Frequently Visited Sites,’ you’re ensuring that your most visited websites, which might include your favorites, won’t be displayed on the Safari start page.
Step 4: Go to the ‘New Tab’ Settings
Scroll down further in the Safari settings until you see ‘New Tab’ and select it.
The ‘New Tab’ settings control what is displayed when you open a new tab in Safari, which is the key to hiding your favorites.
Step 5: Disable ‘Favorites’
Under the ‘New Tab’ settings, find ‘Favorites’ and toggle off the switch next to it.
Disabling ‘Favorites’ here means that when you open a new tab, your favorites list will not show up, effectively hiding it from view.
After completing these steps, your favorites will no longer be visible when you open Safari or a new tab. This doesn’t delete your favorites; it simply hides them from the main view, allowing you to maintain some privacy while browsing.
Tips for Hiding Favorites in Safari on iPhone 15
- Remember that hiding favorites does not delete them; you can still access them via the bookmarks menu in Safari.
- If you share your iPhone with others, consider using the Screen Time feature to restrict access to your Safari settings.
- Periodically check to make sure your favorites are still hidden, especially after an iOS update.
- Use Private Browsing mode in Safari for an additional layer of privacy.
- Combine hiding favorites with clearing your browsing history for maximum privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view my favorites after I hide them?
You can find your favorites by tapping the bookmarks icon (it looks like an open book) in Safari and then navigating to the Favorites folder.
Does hiding favorites affect my bookmarks?
No, hiding favorites only affects how they’re displayed on the Safari start page. Your bookmarks and favorites are still saved and accessible.
Can I hide individual favorites instead of the whole list?
As of now, Safari doesn’t offer an option to hide individual favorites. You can either hide the entire list or none at all.
Will hiding favorites sync across all my Apple devices?
If you’re using Safari’s iCloud sync feature, changes you make on one device will affect all devices signed into your iCloud account.
Can I still use the ‘Frequently Visited Sites’ feature if I hide my favorites?
Yes, ‘Frequently Visited Sites’ and ‘Favorites’ are two separate features. You can choose to have one, both, or neither displayed on your Safari start page.
Summary
- Open Safari Settings
- Access Safari’s General Settings
- Toggle Off ‘Frequently Visited Sites’
- Go to the ‘New Tab’ Settings
- Disable ‘Favorites’
Conclusion
Hiding your favorites in Safari on your iPhone 15 is a great way to keep your browsing habits to yourself. Whether it’s for privacy from family and friends, or just for a cleaner browsing experience, the steps provided here make it a simple and quick task. With options like Screen Time and Private Browsing also available, you’re fully equipped to take control of your digital privacy. And remember, even if your favorites are hidden, they’re still right there when you need them – tucked away safely in your bookmarks. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy your newly secured Safari browser. Happy (private) browsing!