Safari is the default browser on all iOS devices, including iPhones. Unlike other apps, Safari cannot be deleted.
If you can’t find it on your home screen, you might have accidentally removed it, moved it to a hidden page, or blocked it from appearing on the home screen.
If you’re having trouble finding Safari, this guide will show you how to get it back on your home screen. There are several methods you can use.
Using the Search Feature
- When you’re on the home screen, swipe down from anywhere on the screen (except the top as that will open the notification center) to find the search bar. Type “Safari.”
Search for Safari using the search feature. - Tap and hold the Safari browser and drop it anywhere on the home screen.
Drag and drop Safari anywhere on the home screen. - Tap Done.
Tap Done after you’ve placed Safari on the home screen.
Using the App Library
This method will only work on iOS 14 and above since iOS versions below it don’t have the App Library.
- Swipe to the right to go to the App Library.
Swipe right to open the App Library. - You’ll find Safari in the “Utilities” folder. Tap any icon in the folder to open it.
Tap any app in the Utilities folder to open it. - Tap and hold the Safari browser and then drag and drop it anywhere on the home screen.
Drag and drop Safari anywhere on the home screen. - Tap Done.
Tap Done.
Enabling Safari Using Parental Controls
Disabling an app through Parental Controls temporarily removes it from the home screen. To get it back, you have to re-enable it. Here’s how you can do that:
- Tap Settings.
Tap Settings. - Scroll down a little and tap Screen Time.
Tap Screen Time. - Tap Content and Privacy Restrictions.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions Settings. - Tap Allowed Apps.
Tap Allowed Apps. - Tap Safari to turn on the toggle. This will unhide the app, and you’ll be able to see it on your home screen.
Tap Safari to enable it.
- Tap and hold the dots at the bottom of the screen until all of the pages appear.
Tap the dots at the bottom. - If you moved Safari to a hidden page, you’d see it in a greyed-out page with an empty bubble beneath it. Tap the bubble, and a checkmark will appear in its place.
Tap the empty bubble beneath the hidden page. - Tap Done.
Tap Done. - You can now access the page on the home screen where you moved the Safari browser.
Safari will now appear on your home screen.
Resetting Home Screen Layout
This method will reset your home screen to what it was when you first got your iPhone.
Note: This method should be a last resort as it will rearrange apps on the home screen and remove widgets.
- Tap Settings.
Tap Settings. - Go to General.
Tap General. - Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone. - Tap Reset.
Tap Reset. - Tap Reset Home Screen Layout.
Tap Reset Home Screen Layout. - A confirmation menu will notify you that this option will reset your home screen layout to factory defaults. Tap Reset Home Screen.
Tap Reset Home Screen. You’ll now be able to see Safari on your home screen.