After a long time, I found Safari not working on my iPhone the other day. The web browser seemed to be plagued by too many issues. At times, it would immediately crash out when launched. On other times, it would get completely frozen and just didn’t seem to respond at all.
Having initially ignored the issues for a few days, I had to look for a solution to resolve the problem when it became increasingly difficult to continue. As I had encountered it before, I knew the sort of tricks that could rescue me. This time, the thing that saved my sinking boat was the software update. I wish you didn’t have to go that far in troubleshooting the issue!
Safari Not Working on iPhone or iPad Running iOS 12 or iOS 11? Possible Solutions
Ensure That You Have Allowed Safari to Use Cellular
When using cellular, be sure you have allowed the web browser to have access to the data. You may have disabled its data access and forgot. Open Settings app on your iOS device → Cellular → Scroll down and make sure the switch next to Safari is ON.
If this was the case, you have already fixed the hurdle.
Clear Safari History and Website Data
Another solution I would suggest you to try out is clean up Safari. Perhaps you haven’t cleared out the cached files for a long time, and the junkies have piled up to become problematic for the web browser. A complete cleanup might resolve the issue.
Step #1. Open Settings app → tap on Safari.
Step #3. Next, tap on Clear History and Website Data and confirm.
Step #4. Next up, force restart your device.
On your iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus: Press and quickly release volume up button, press and release volume down button. Then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo shows up on the screen.
On your iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the volume down button and side button at once.
On your iPhone 6s or earlier and iPad: Press and hold the ON/OFF button and home button simultaneously.
Once your device has restarted, launch Safari. It should be working perfectly.
Reset Your iOS Device to Factory Settings
If you are still struggling to fix Safari on your iOS device, try resetting your device to factory settings. Keep in mind, it will get rid of all the existing settings and website login details but your media and data will remain untouched.
Step #1. Open Settings app → General → Reset.
Step #2. Now, tap on Reset All Settings and confirm.
Once your device is reset to default settings, the problem should be resolved. If it’s the case, wonderful! However, if the issue is still there, move to the next solution.
Update Your Device
Software Update is almost always packed with numerous bug fixes and performance improvements. Therefore, it’s worth updating the device to the newest iOS version. Just ensure your iPhone has enough juice (at least 50%) and connected to Wi-Fi network.
Step #1. Open Settings app on your iOS device → General.
Step #2. Now, tap on Software Update. Then, tap on Download and Install.
In ten out of ten cases, the update can get rid of this issue. I hope it has stayed true to the reputation.
Restore Your Device
No solution as yet? Restore your device as new or from previous backup. Known to be a nuclear solution, hopefully, it gets the job done for you.
Downgrade from iOS 12 to iOS 11
If you have traveled this far, the problem could be due to an unfortunate bug. Therefore, it would be better to downgrade from iOS 12 to iOS 11, if you wish to get immediate respite from this problem.
That’s all, folks!
Wrapping up:
So, where are you standing now? Solved the issue or still struggling to overcome it? Do not forget to let us know your feedback down below in the comments.
You might want to take a peek at these posts as well:
- How to Delete Siri Data from iCloud on iPhone or iPad
- iPhone X Side Button Not Working: Tips to Fix the Issue
- How to Delete Multiple iMessage Attachments At Once from iPhone
- How to Delete Old iCloud Backups from Your iPhone or iPad
Found this guide helpful? Download our app and stay connected with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus to never miss such articles.