Let’s talk about Safari – that little compass icon you probably tap without thinking. Most of us just use it to Google stuff and call it a day. But after years of iPhone obsession, I’ve discovered Safari has some sneaky tricks that’ll make you wonder why Apple didn’t brag about them.
1. Pull Down to Refresh (Like a Normal Human)
You know how every other app lets you yank the screen down to refresh? Safari does it too – just tug any webpage downward until you feel that little buzz. No more hunting for that microscopic reload button.
Why it’s gold: When your flight status won’t update or a news site’s being stubborn.
2. The Hidden Reader Mode That Fixes the Internet
See that little “AA” in the address bar? Tap it and hit “Show Reader” to:
- Nuke all ads
- Dump those annoying pop-ups
- Make text actually readable
Bonus: Change fonts and background colors too. I use the dark mode for late-night recipe hunting.
3. Swipe to Go Back Like It’s 2015
Opened a link and immediately regret it? Swipe right from the edge to go back. Works for forward too if you swipe left.
Real talk: This is 10x faster than hunting for the back button.
4. Search Any Page for Specific Words
Tap the share button (the box with an arrow) and choose “Find on Page.” Type a word to jump straight to it.
Life uses:
- Finding your name in long documents
- Digging through Wikipedia rabbit holes
- Spotting where you left off in an article
5. Turn Any Website Into an App Icon
Found a site you use daily (like your favorite news site or web tool)? Tap share > “Add to Home Screen.” Boom – it gets its own icon that opens straight to the site.
Pro move: I did this with my banking login. Looks legit and skips the app store.
6. The Nuclear Option for Annoying Sites
If a page won’t stop redirecting or playing videos:
- Hold the refresh button in the address bar
- Tap “Request Desktop Site”
Why it works: Many mobile sites are coded poorly. Desktop versions often behave better.
7. Secret Tab Groups (For Your 100 Open Tabs)
If you’re the type who never closes tabs (guilty):
- Long-press the tabs button (two squares)
- Make a “Work” or “Vacation” group
- Swipe between them like separate browsers
Confession: I have one called “Recipes I’ll Never Actually Cook.”
8. Private Browsing That Actually Works
The private tab (the mask icon) doesn’t just hide your history – it:
- Blocks some trackers
- Stops sites from seeing your usual cookies
- Won’t autofill passwords
Key detail: Close all private tabs to really wipe the slate clean.
9. Download Files Like a Computer
Found a PDF or image you need to save? Just hold your finger on it and choose “Download.” Find everything later in the Files app under Downloads.
Game changer: No more screenshotting documents like a caveman.
10. The Backdoor to Force-Close All Tabs
Safari won’t let you mass-close tabs? Try this:
- Hold the tabs button
- Tap “Close All [X] Tabs”
Therapeutic: Like digital spring cleaning.
Safari’s been hiding these tricks in plain sight. The best part? They work right now – no updates or settings to tweak.
Which one blew your mind? I’m still finding new ones myself.
P.S. Share this with that friend who has 473 open tabs. 😏
