You can block Safari using Screen Time, but you cannot remove it completely

Apple does not let you delete Safari from an iPhone, but you can prevent it from opening by turning on Screen Time and restricting the app. This works whether you want to block Safari for yourself or for a child using a shared device. The restriction hides Safari from the home screen and prevents it from launching, though a determined user with the Screen Time passcode can still turn the restriction off.

If you want to block Safari for a child, you will also need to turn off the ability to install apps and change settings, which requires a separate Screen Time passcode that only you know. If you are blocking it for yourself, the same method works but is easier to bypass — you can always turn Screen Time off if you remember your own passcode.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Screen Time, and turn it on if you have not already, then set a passcode that only you know.
  • Go to App Limits or Restrictions (depending on your iOS version) and find Safari in the list, then toggle it off to block the app.
  • Safari will disappear from your home screen and will not open if you try to launch it from Siri or search.
  • To prevent someone from turning the restriction off, also disable "Allow Changes" for app restrictions in Screen Time settings.
  • This method does not prevent web browsing through other apps like Chrome or Gmail, which can still open links.

How to block Safari using Screen Time

Start by opening the Settings app and scrolling down to find Screen Time. Tap it, then tap "Turn On Screen Time" if it is not already active. You will be asked whether this is your iPhone or a child's device — choose the option that matches your situation. If you choose "This is My iPhone", you will set a passcode for yourself. If you choose "This is My Child's iPhone", you will set a separate passcode that the child cannot change.

Once Screen Time is on, tap "App Limits" (on newer iOS versions) or "Restrictions" (on older versions). Scroll down until you see Safari in the list of apps. Tap Safari, then toggle the switch to the off position. This blocks the app from opening. You should now see Safari removed from your home screen, and any attempt to open it will fail.

If you set this up for a child or want to make sure no one can undo this restriction, go back to the main Screen Time screen and tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions". Turn this on and set the same passcode. Then tap "Apps" and make sure "Don't Allow Apps" is selected. This prevents anyone from changing the app restrictions without the passcode.

What happens when Safari is blocked

When Safari is restricted, the app icon disappears from your home screen and the app library. If someone tries to open Safari through Siri by saying "Open Safari", Siri will say the app is not available. Searching for Safari in Spotlight (by swiping down from the home screen) will not show it either.

However, blocking Safari does not prevent web browsing through other means. Apps like Chrome, Firefox, Gmail, and even the Maps app can still open web links. If you want to block all web browsing, you would need to restrict each of these apps individually, which is not practical. Screen Time's app blocking is designed to prevent access to a specific app, not to block the internet entirely.

How to unblock Safari if you change your mind

To turn the restriction off, open Settings and go back to Screen Time. Tap "App Limits" or "Restrictions" depending on your iOS version. Find Safari in the list and toggle the switch back on. The app will reappear on your home screen within a few seconds.

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode, you will need to reset it through your Apple ID. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Screen Time Passcode > Change Screen Time Passcode, then choose "Forgot Passcode?" and follow the prompts to verify your Apple ID. This process takes a few minutes but will let you regain access to the settings.

Why you might want to block Safari

Parents often block Safari to prevent children from accessing websites without supervision. Removing the app from the home screen makes it less tempting and adds a small barrier to browsing, though it is not a complete content filter. If you want more control over what websites a child can visit, you should also turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions and set a content filter, which blocks certain categories of sites at the network level.

Some adults block Safari on their own devices as a way to reduce distractions or break a browsing habit. Because the restriction is tied to a passcode you set, you can make it harder to undo on impulse, though you can always reset it if you really need to.

Other ways to limit Safari use without blocking it completely

If you do not want to block Safari entirely, you can set a time limit instead. Open Screen Time, tap "App Limits", and tap "Add Limit". Select Safari and set a daily time allowance — for example, 30 minutes per day. Once the time runs out, Safari will stop working until the next day, but you can ask for more time by tapping "Ask for More Screen Time".

You can also use Downtime to block Safari during certain hours. Go to Screen Time, tap "Downtime", and set a schedule — for example, 9 PM to 7 AM. During downtime, only calls and messages from your favorites will work, and all other apps (including Safari) will be blocked. This is useful if you want to prevent late-night browsing without permanently removing the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone unblock Safari if they know my passcode?

Yes. If someone knows your Screen Time passcode, they can go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits and toggle Safari back on. To prevent this, you should use a passcode that only you know and not share it with anyone. If you set up Screen Time for a child, use a different passcode than your device unlock code.

Will blocking Safari stop my child from using other browsers?

No. Blocking Safari only removes that specific app. Your child can still use Chrome, Firefox, or other third-party browsers if they are installed. If you want to prevent web browsing across all apps, you need to restrict each browser individually, or use a content filter through your internet provider or a third-party parental control app.

Does blocking Safari use up my Screen Time app limit?

No. Blocking an app and setting an app limit are two different features. If you block Safari, it will not open at all. If you set an app limit instead, Safari will work for the time you allow each day, then stop working until the next day. You can use both features together if you want.

What if I block Safari but still want to use iCloud Keychain or saved passwords?

Blocking Safari does not affect your iCloud Keychain or saved passwords — those are stored in your Apple ID and will work in any other browser you use. If you open Chrome or Firefox, you can still access your saved passwords through your Apple ID settings.

Can I block Safari on someone else's iPhone without their knowledge?

Only if you have access to their device and know their Screen Time passcode, or if you set up their device as a child account linked to your Apple ID. If it is an adult's device and you do not have their permission, you should not attempt to restrict their apps. If you are concerned about a child's device use, talk to them about it first before using Screen Time restrictions.