In Safari you have the possibility to use the private mode. This allows you to use the internet more anonymously and since iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma you can secure this mode with Face ID or Touch ID.
This mainly ensures that those around you can’t just access your open tabs when you’re not around. We explain how to enable this option in Safari for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
What is private mode
When you use Private Browsing, Safari won’t remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information. Private Browsing also protects you from tracking by blocking known trackers from loading and removing tracking that’s used to identify individual users of URLs as you browse. The article below explains how to use Private Browsing in Safari.
Lock Safari Private Browsing
For added privacy, your private windows can be locked when not in use. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to ‘Safari’
- Scroll down to ‘Privacy and security’
- Then enable ‘Require Face ID/Touch ID to unlock Private Browsing’
On a Mac, you can enable this by opening Safari. Click on ‘Safari’ in the menu bar, followed by ‘Settings’. Click on ‘Privacy’ and next to ‘Private Browsing’ check the box for the option ‘Require Touch ID to view locked tabs’.
Once you enable this option, your private windows in Safari will be locked when your device is locked or asleep, or when you’re not actively using Safari. When you unlock or wake your device, or start using Safari again, simply unlock your private window with Touch ID, Face ID, or your device passcode or password.