Safari not working on iPhone? 15 Ways to fix it!

Safari is the default browser on your iPhone or iPad, and it boasts some excellent features. But sometimes it might stop working or crash. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you. There are a few things worth trying, from tweaking the settings to updating iOS. So, in this article, I’ll take you through all the ways to fix Safari not working on iPhone in iOS 16.

1. Check Wi-Fi and cellular data

First, try to open Chrome or any social media app to check that you still have a strong internet connection. Also, check your Wi-Fi router. You may turn it off, unplug and again plug in the wall outlet. Wait for a few seconds, and turn it on to refresh the network. Alternatively, you may connect to other available Wi-Fi networks.

Additionally, I suggest enabling Airplane mode for a few seconds and turning it off. It will refresh your network. After that, if the other apps load and work and Safari doesn’t, proceed with the following fixes.

2. Turn off VPN

Sometimes VPN service providers suffer outages, or the region server may go down. It hampers the internet speed and the network connection. 

If you use VPN on your iPhone, disable it and launch Safari again.

3. Enable cellular data for Safari

On the iPhone, you can turn off cellular data for specific apps. So, you must check if Safari has access to cellular data. If Safari is working perfectly over Wi-Fi, then you need to make the following adjustment for cellular data:

1. Open the Settings app → tap Cellular.
2. Toggle on Mobile Data next to Safari. 
   
   

4. Force quit Safari

Multitaskers like me keep too many apps open at a time. Also, if your iPhone has storage issues, the apps may lag or crash. So, force quit the app and clear other background apps. After that, check if Safari is working correctly.

5. Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can resolve many iOS glitches. Safari may stop working because of internal software issues. So, you should try restarting to fix it.

6. Clear browsing data and history 

Another solution I would suggest you try out is cleaning 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. Safari may take a long to show website content or load images. 

A complete cleanup might resolve the issue. Once your device has restarted, launch Safari. It should be working perfectly.

7. Disable Safari suggestions

Sometimes, you may notice Safari crashing suddenly or freezing. Disabling the search engine suggestion can clear up the bug in this case. 

1. Go to Settings → Safari. 
2. Now toggle off Search Engine Suggestions and Safari Suggestions. 
   
    

8. Ensure screen time settings

Thanks to the Screen Time feature, you can restrict any app’s usage time. Therefore, if you’ve activated it for Safari, you can’t use it after reaching the predetermined limit. Also, check if Content Restrictions are enabled. 

1. Open Settings → tap Screen Time.
2. Select App Limits and check if Safari is added to the list.
   
   
3. If yes, then tap Safari → select Delete Limit twice.
   
   

9. Turn on Javascript

JavaScript makes a website interactive. So deactivating it will stop showing images, videos, or other media material on a website and cause Safari to not respond. 

1. Go to Settings → Safari → Advanced.
2. Toggle on JavaScript.
   
   

10. Turn off Experimental Features

Like Chrome, Safari also allows you to test features under development. But experimental features may not always work correctly and interrupt your web browsing. So, try turning them off and check if the problem is fixed. 

1. Go to Settings → Safari → Advanced.
   
   
2. Choose Experimental Features.
3. Now, turn off one toggle and try using Safari.
   Repeat this step until you find any faulty features. 
   
   

11. Disable Hide IP address from Trackers

Apple allows you to hide your IP address in Safari to save you from trackers. However, it may create problems and prevent Safari from functioning correctly. 

1. Open Settings → Safari.
2. Tap Hide IP Address.
3. Select Off.
   
   

12. Look for faulty Safari extensions  

Safari extensions assist in increasing functionality. But adding too many can overlap and interfere with your web browsing. Also, some may malfunction. So, try disabling the extensions and check whether Safari is working. 

1. Navigate to Settings → Safari → Extensions.
   
   
2. Now you will see a list of installed extensions. Tap on each extension name and toggle it off. Eventually, you will find which extension is problematic.
   
   

13. Reset Networks Settings

Safari needs a stable internet connection to work smoothly and cram websites quickly. Therefore, if your iPhone is facing any network issues, the best solution is to reset network settings. 

1. Go to Settings → General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset.
3. Now choose Reset.
4. Select Reset Network Settings.
5. Give your passcode and tap Reset Network Settings.
   
   

14. Perform a Factory reset

The best solution to resolve your iOS issues is to factory reset your iPhone. It will iron out all the incorrect settings and revert your iPhone to the default options. Once the reset is done, you will see all your custom settings erased. Now check if Safari is working correctly.

15. Update iOS

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. Ensure your iPhone has enough juice (at least 50%) and is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

1. Go to Settings → General.
2. Now, tap Software Update. 
   
   
3. Then, select Download and Install.

So, that’s all for today, folks!

Safari is an essential app for daily activities. So, you must fix it as soon as possible. I hope the troubleshooting tips helped you resolve the Safari’s not working on your iPhone. If nothing works, contact Apple Support.

Are you still facing any problems? Let me know in the comments below. I’d respond ASAP.

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