Lost Safari on your iPhone home screen with the new iOS 17 update? No worries, getting it back is a piece of cake. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps, and you’ll have your trusty web browser right back where it belongs. Let’s dive in!
You can also check out this video about how to get Safari back on the iPhone Home screen for more on this topic.
Step by Step Tutorial: Getting Safari Back on iPhone Home Screen
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let’s understand what we are trying to achieve. With the latest iOS update, your Safari app might have accidentally been removed or hidden from your home screen. The following steps will guide you through the process of restoring it.
Step 1: Check Your App Library
Firstly, swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library. This is where all your apps are stored.
The App Library is a new feature introduced in iOS 14 that organizes all of your apps into categories. If Safari isn’t on your home screen, it’s likely here.
Step 2: Search for Safari
Once you’re in the App Library, use the search bar at the top to type in “Safari.”
The search function is a quick way to find any app in the App Library without having to scroll through different categories.
Step 3: Add Safari to Your Home Screen
After locating Safari in the search results, press and hold the Safari icon until a menu pops up, then select “Add to Home Screen.”
The “Add to Home Screen” option will instantly place the Safari icon back onto your home screen, making it easily accessible again.
After you’ve completed these steps, Safari will reappear on your iPhone home screen, just like it used to be.
Tips for Managing Safari on iPhone Home Screen
- Organize your apps by grouping similar ones together in folders on your home screen for easy access.
- Use the Spotlight search by swiping down on the home screen to quickly find Safari if it’s not immediately visible.
- Regularly update your iOS to the latest version to avoid glitches that might remove apps from your home screen.
- If you accidentally delete Safari, you can re-download it from the App Store.
- Customize your home screen layout by going to Settings > Home Screen to choose how new apps are sorted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I can’t find Safari in the App Library?
If Safari isn’t in the App Library, go to the App Store, search for Safari, and download it again.
Can I change the default browser back to Safari on my iPhone?
Yes, go to Settings > Safari and select “Default Browser App” to set Safari as your default web browser.
Why did Safari disappear from my home screen after the iOS update?
It might be due to a bug or a setting change during the update process. It’s easy to restore using the steps above.
How do I prevent apps from disappearing from my home screen in the future?
Keep your apps organized, avoid dragging them into other folders inadvertently, and check your settings regularly.
Can I customize the Safari icon on my home screen?
Yes, with iOS 14 and later, you can use the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon for Safari.
Summary
- Check Your App Library
- Search for Safari
- Add Safari to Your Home Screen
Conclusion
Getting Safari back on your iPhone home screen with iOS 17 is a straightforward process that only requires a few taps. By following the step-by-step tutorial above, you should now have your favorite browser back in its rightful place. Remember, the new App Library is a helpful tool for organizing your apps, but sometimes it can lead to accidental removals from the home screen. Keep an eye on your app placements, and always ensure your iOS is up to date to avoid these little hiccups.
With our tips, managing Safari and keeping it accessible should be a breeze. And if you ever find yourself in a bind with similar issues, the frequently asked questions section is a great resource. So, go ahead, bring Safari back to your home screen, and continue browsing with ease and convenience right at your fingertips. Happy surfing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.