You can block Private Browsing through Screen Time settings, which prevents anyone from using Safari's private mode without a passcode
Apple's Private Browsing mode lets anyone using your iPhone browse without saving history, cookies, or autofill data. If you want to prevent this — whether for a child's device or a shared phone — you can restrict it through Screen Time, a built-in parental control feature. The restriction requires a Screen Time passcode, separate from your device passcode, so someone cannot simply turn it back on.
This method works on all iPhones running iOS 12 or later. It does not require any third-party apps, and the setting stays in place until you remove it yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Private Browsing is blocked through Screen Time settings under Content & Privacy Restrictions, not through Safari settings alone.
- You must set a Screen Time passcode first — this is different from your device passcode and prevents anyone from changing the restriction without it.
- Once blocked, Private Browsing tabs cannot be opened in Safari, and the private mode button disappears from the browser interface.
- The restriction applies to all users on that device, so anyone trying to use Safari will see the same limitation.
Setting up Screen Time and creating a passcode
Open Settings and tap Screen Time. If this is your first time using Screen Time, tap Continue and choose whether this is your device or a child's device. If you already use Screen Time, skip to the next section.
Tap Use Screen Time Passcode and enter a four-digit code twice. This passcode is what you will need to change or remove the Private Browsing restriction later, so write it down somewhere safe. Do not use your device passcode — Screen Time uses a separate code so you can share device access without giving someone the ability to change restrictions.
Blocking Private Browsing through Content & Privacy Restrictions
In Screen Time settings, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If you see a toggle that is off, turn it on first. You will be asked to enter your Screen Time passcode.
Scroll down and tap Apps. Look for Safari in the list. Tap Safari and select Don't Allow. This removes Private Browsing from Safari entirely — the private mode button will no longer appear when someone opens the browser.
If you do not see Safari listed under Apps, it means Private Browsing is already unrestricted. Scroll through the full list to confirm, then return to the main Content & Privacy Restrictions screen.
What happens when Private Browsing is blocked
Once the restriction is active, anyone opening Safari on that iPhone will see only the normal browsing tabs. The button to open a new private tab — usually located at the bottom right of Safari — will be gone. Attempting to use Siri to open a private tab will also fail, as the restriction applies across all methods of accessing Private Browsing.
The person using the phone can still browse normally and use all other Safari features. They simply cannot create a session that hides browsing history. If they try to access Private Browsing through any method, Safari will show a message saying the feature is restricted.
Removing or changing the Private Browsing restriction
To turn Private Browsing back on, return to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Apps > Safari. Tap Safari and select Allow. You will need to enter your Screen Time passcode to make this change.
If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you will need to erase the device and set it up again. There is no way to recover a lost Screen Time passcode without erasing, so keep yours in a secure place.
Other ways Private Browsing can be used despite restrictions
This restriction only affects Safari. If someone has access to other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge on the same device, they can still use private browsing modes within those apps. If you want to block private browsing across all browsers, you will need to restrict those apps individually through the same Content & Privacy Restrictions menu, or remove them from the device entirely.
Private Browsing is also different from clearing Safari history manually. Even with Private Browsing blocked, someone can still clear their browsing history through Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. If you want to prevent history deletion, that requires a separate restriction under Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
Using Screen Time for other content restrictions
While you are in Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can also limit access to other features. Tap Allowed Apps to turn off Mail, Messages, FaceTime, or other built-in apps. Tap Web Content to restrict adult websites or allow only specific sites. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases to require a passcode before downloading or updating apps.
These restrictions work independently, so blocking Private Browsing does not automatically restrict anything else. Set only what you need to restrict for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone turn off Private Browsing restrictions without the Screen Time passcode?
No. Any change to Content & Privacy Restrictions requires entering the Screen Time passcode. Without it, the restriction cannot be removed or modified. This is why keeping your Screen Time passcode separate and secure is important.
Does blocking Private Browsing prevent someone from deleting their browsing history?
No, these are separate features. Blocking Private Browsing only prevents the creation of private browsing sessions. Someone can still manually clear their history through Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. To prevent history deletion, you need to enable a different restriction under Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
Will this restriction affect other browsers like Chrome or Firefox?
No. This restriction only applies to Safari. Other browsers have their own private browsing modes that remain available unless you restrict those apps separately. If you want to block private browsing across all browsers, you will need to restrict each one individually through Content & Privacy Restrictions.
What if I set up Screen Time but do not want to restrict Private Browsing right now?
You can leave Screen Time active without enabling Content & Privacy Restrictions. Screen Time tracks app usage and downtime separately from content restrictions. You can turn on restrictions later whenever you need them, as long as you have your Screen Time passcode.
Can I block Private Browsing on someone else's iPhone remotely?
No. You must have physical access to the device to set up Screen Time and enable the restriction. However, if you set up Family Sharing, you can manage Screen Time for family members' devices from your own iPhone, as long as they are under 18 and you are the family organizer.