safari refresh button iphone

We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions.

4 Ways to Refresh Webpages in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Ankita enjoys exploring and writing about technology. Starting as a script and copywriter, her keen interest in the digital world pulled her towards technology. With GT, she has found her calling in writing about and simplifying the world of tech for others. On any given day, you can catch her chained to her laptop, meeting deadlines, writing scripts, and watching shows (any language!).

Whenever you open a webpage on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it loads the latest information. But once the page finishes loading, all the information displayed usually remains static, even if it has changed or refreshed in the backend. To access the latest information, you can refresh all those web pages in Safari.

Refreshing webpages help update the current information on your screen. And while you can use the Cmd + Option + R shortcut to hard refresh (force reload) or clear all the cache in Safari separately, what if you want to reload the page? Is there an option or shortcut? Let’s find out.

How to Refresh Webpages in Safari on iPhone and iPad

When using Safari on your iPhone or iPad, use the Reload icon to reload a page. Or, if your device is updated, use the pull-to-refresh option. You can also use keyboard shortcuts, if available. Or, force the browser to close and restart. Thus, reloading the page in the process. Here’s a step-by-step look for clarity.

1. Using the Address Bar

Step 1: Depending on your device’s settings, go to the address bar at the top or bottom of the page in Safari.

Step 2: Here, tap on the Reload icon.

Wait for the page to finish reloading. If the address bar is not visible, use your finger to move the page up or down. Once you see it, tap on the Reload icon accordingly. This will reload the page in Safari.

2. Through the Pull-to-Refresh Feature

If your iPhone runs iOS 15 or higher, you can use the pull-to-refresh option. Using this, you can pull the webpage down and wait for it to refresh and reload.

Step 1: Go to the relevant tab in Safari.

Step 2: Now, hold and pull down from the top half of the page. Release the page once you see the reload icon appear.

Once you release the page, it should automatically refresh all the information. If this doesn’t work, check your device’s software version and try again.

3. Using a Keyboard Shortcut

As long as you have a compatible wireless keyboard , you can connect it to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth . This can not only aid in typing but also allow you to use keyboard shortcuts on your Apple device. Then, use the Cmd + R shortcut on the wireless keyboard and reload the page without touching the screen.

4. Force Close and Restart Safari

If you can’t use the abovementioned methods, force Safari to close altogether on your iPhone or iPad. This can help solve any glitches with the browser as well. Once the browser reopens, it should refresh the page as well. Here’s how.

Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the page to open background apps. Or, if your device has a Home button, double-press it.

Step 2: Once the background apps are visible, hold and swipe up on Safari.

Step 3: Now, tap on the Safari app icon to reopen the browser.

Once Safari opens, the page should also reopen in the designated tab. If that doesn’t happen, use the address bar or search history to reopen the page in Safari.

How to Refresh Safari Webpages on Your Mac

Like refreshing Safari webpages on your iPhone or iPad, you can also reload a page on your Mac. To do this, use the refresh button in Safari, menu options, or the keyboard shortcut. Or, if this doesn’t work, force Safari to close and reload. This will not only restart all browser functions but also reload the page. Here’s how to do it.

1. Through the Reload Icon

Step 1: Go to the Safari address bar and click on the Reload icon.

Once the page reloads, any related issue should be resolved as your browser fetches a fresh copy of the page.

2. Using Menu Options

Step 1: Once Safari is open, go to the menu bar and click on View.

Step 2: Here, click on Reload Page. Wait for the page to refresh.

3. Using Keyboard Shortcut

While you must connect a keyboard to your iPad or iPhone, your Mac already has one. Taking advantage of this, use the Cmd + R keys to reload the currently open page in Safari quickly. Or, if you want to reload the page without cache, hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and click the Reload icon in Safari.

4. Closing and Reopening Safari

Step 1: Go to the menu options and click on the Apple icon. Then, click on Force Quit.

Step 2: From the list of apps, select Safari.

Step 3: Then, click on Force Quit. Wait for Safari to close.

Step 4: Now, click on the Safari app icon to open the browser again.

If the webpage isn’t open, type the website address in the menu bar or open it from the device history. The web page information should be refreshed.

Reload a Page in Safari

Refreshing the webpages in Safari not only helps deliver the latest information but also aids in resolving certain site glitches and errors like media not loading in Safari . So, we hope this article helped you refresh a Safari webpage on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 21 February, 2024

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

DID YOU KNOW

Ankita Sharma

More in internet and social.

Top 9 Ways to Fix WhatsApp QR Code Not Loading or Working on Desktop

How to Automatically CC or BCC Yourself in Outlook and Gmail

Join the newsletter.

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

Apple Releases iOS 17.5 For Everyone – Download Now

How to tell if an iphone user has blocked you, gamma emulator let’s users play ps1 games on iphone and ipad, what are the newest airpods (2024 lineup explained).

• Accessories
• Zip-rar tool
• Zip browser

How To Refresh A Website In iOS 15 Safari

In iOS 15 Apple has given Safari a significant design overhaul and brought many new features to it. It won’t be wrong to say this is the biggest update to iPhone and iPad Safari ever since its initial launch.

One feature that is apparently missing from Safari is the ability to refresh a website by tapping on the dedicated ‘Refresh’ button. On iOS 15 Apple has essentially removed the dedicated Refresh button from the address bar.

However removal of the Refresh button does not mean the page refresh functionality has been taken away. In fact iOS 15 has made it easier and more fun to refresh web pages when using Safari on iPhone and iPad.

How to refresh a web page when using iOS 15 Safari

Perform these steps to refresh a web page in iPhone Safari.

• Load up a web page in Safari.
• Scroll all the way up by tapping on the Status Bar.
• Pull down to perform a page refresh.

There you go folks, this is how you can quickly perform website refreshes when using iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 on your device.

What do you think about new Safari Pull to Refresh gesture for refreshing websites? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

• iOS 15 beta
• iOS 15 features
• iPhone tips

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Move to ios will transfer more content from android to ios soon, 6 new features ios 15 brings to spotlight search.

How to refresh a webpage in Safari

Learn how to quickly refresh a webpage in Apple’s Safari browser, especially when using your iPhone with one hand and with the URL address bar displayed at the bottom.

How to quickly refresh a webpage in Safari for iPhone and iPad

To refresh a webpage in Safari on iPhone and iPad, hit a reload icon in the address bar, press a dedicated shortcut on the keyboard or perform a downward swipe on a webpage.

Address bar

Whether you’re using Safari with the address bar at the top or bottom, there’s a dedicated reload icon available at the right edge of the address bar. Conveniently, this shortcut is instantly reachable with the bottom address bar in one-handed mode.

Keyboard shortcut

If you use a wireless Bluetooth keyboard with your iPhone or iPad, you can press the dedicated Command (⌘) + R shortcut on the keyboard to reload the currently-viewed webpage. Extra tip: To display a cheat sheet of all the keyboard shortcuts an app supports, simply press and hold the Command (⌘) key. In fact, you can choose the Reload Page command (or any other shortcut for that matter) right from this cheat sheet.

Pull-to-refresh

And last but certainly not least, you can refresh any webpage by pulling it down from the top. If you’ve already scrolled, simply touch the iOS status bar to jump to the top of the page, then pull down to refresh.

This pull-to-refresh gesture is especially convenient when using your iPhone in one-handed mode, with one notable exception: large-screened devices. If your iPhone is too big for you to comfortably use with one hand, you won’t even be able to reach the status bar with your thumb. Read: How to switch between the old and new Safari design

In that case, you should switch to the address bar at the bottom by hitting the “aA” menu, then select the option labeled “Show Bottom Tab Bar.” And just like that, you can now hit a reload icon in the address bar to refresh the currently-viewed webpage.

How to quickly refresh a webpage in Safari for Mac

To refresh a webpage in Safari for Mac, click the reload icon within the address bar, press a keyboard shortcut, or choose an appropriate command from Safari’s menu.

Like with Safari for iOS, Safari for macOS also includes a reload icon within the address bar, at the rightmost side. Click it to reload the current page.

Alternatively, you can press the Command (⌘) + R shortcut on your Mac’s keyboard in Safari to reload the webpage that you’re currently viewing.

Menu command

You can also find the Reload Page  command in Safari’s View menu.

How to hard refresh a webpage in Safari for Mac

When you reload a webpage, Safari may fetch some of the assets like cookies from its temporary cache. If the webpage has since changed, you may not get an up-to-date version. Thankfully, you can tell Safari to perform a hard refresh which causes it also clear cache and cookies for a given webpage. To hard-refresh a Safari webpage, press the Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) + R combination on your keyboard.

Alternatively, press and hold the Option (⌥) key while clicking Safari’s View menu, then choose “Reload Page From Origin.” Lastly, you can also hold the Shift (⇧) key whilst clicking a reload icon within the address bar. All those methods will prompt Safari to loads the webpage along with any same-domain resources requested by the webpage without using the browser cache, presenting you with a newly downloaded view.

For further resources on Safari, check out Apple’s website .

Wrap up: Thank God for pull-to-refresh

When I sit at my computer and browse the web in Safari, I never bother clicking the reload icon within the address bar or reaching for the menu option. Instead, I hit the Command (⌘) + R shortcut on my keyboard, it’s much faster this way. So go ahead and memorize this super handy shortcut if you haven’t already.

When I switch over to my mobile device, however, things are a bit different. I usually work without a keyboard connected to my iPad so the Command (⌘) + R keystroke is out of the question. Of course, I can hit that reload icon within the address bar.

The problem is, I can’t always find the address bar as I switch between the top and bottom address bar every so often. Meaning, the pull-to-refresh method wins out hands down as the most intuitive gesture to refresh a webpage in Safari—at least on iPhone.

Hands-on: Here’s how the all-new Safari in iOS 15 works

One of the major changes arriving with iOS 15 is a totally redesigned Safari. The all-new browser aims to make it easier to use with one hand as it shifts the search/tab bar to the bottom, introduces customizable Tab Groups, new start page, and more. Let’s dive into how the new Safari in iOS 15 works.

The new Safari is on iPhone, iPad , as well as Mac with macOS Monterey . Apple says two of its goals with the new Safari in iOS 15 were making “controls easier to reach with one hand” and putting “content front and center.”

There’s no doubt it will take some getting used to as there’s some muscle memory to rewrite. However, Apple added an option to revert back to the classic iOS Safari design.

• iOS 15 Safari: How to change the address/search bar design on iPhone

Table of contents

New layout and basic navigation, swipe between safari tabs, tabs, tab groups, and private browsing, bookmarks, history, reading list, and custom start page, how the all-new safari in ios 15 works.

• You’ll immediately notice the new URL/search/tab bar at the bottom of Safari (follow along here for how to revert to a top address/search bar )
• As you swipe on a webpage, the tab bar minimizes into the bottom of the app
• Swipe back up or tap at the bottom to make the tab bar reappear
• Tap the reload button or pull down from the top of many websites to refresh pages
• The same button bar from iOS 14 and earlier is present with either the new bottom bar or classic top bar design

• To navigate to a different website or start a new search, tap a website’s URL, swipe up on the Tab Bar > tap +, or swipe on the search bar of your last open tab from right to left
• If you only have one Safari page open and swipe from right to left on the Tab Bar, you’ll open a new Start Page, (also works on your last open tab)
• Seamlessly swipe between multiple Safari tabs by swiping left and right on the Tab Bar
• Access Safari Tabs by either tapping the double square icon or simply swiping up on the Tab Bar
• You can search Tabs at the top, press/hold + drag Tabs to rearrange them
• Add a new Tab in the bottom left with the + icon, or tab Tabs in the bottom middle to customize Tab Groups
• Tap a Tab or choose Done in the bottom right corner to leave the Tab view
• Another change here is the X to close out Tabs has moved from the top left to the top right
• To create a custom Tab Group, tap X Tabs in the bottom middle of the Tabs screen (this is also where Private browsing lives now)
• Choose New Empty Tab Group or New Tab Group from X Tabs
• Name your Tab Group, tap OK
• To access your Bookmarks, History, and Reading List tap the book icon in the bottom menu bar then tap between the three tabs
• Open an empty Safari page (tap the two square icon > tap the + icon in bottom corner)
• Swipe to the very bottom and tap Edit
• You can reorder the sections, turn them on/off
• And a fun option is the ability to set a Start Page background image with iOS 15 (first came with macOS Big Sur)

Another handy change coming to Safari for iOS 15/iPadOS 15 is support for extensions.

• Here are the best new Safari extensions to download for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

Read more 9to5Mac tutorials:

• Hands-on: Here’s how Background Sounds work in iOS 15
• iPhone: How to enable and disable iCloud Private Relay in iOS 15
• iOS 15 brings new Announce Notifications feature for Siri, here’s how it works

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

A collection of tutorials, tips, and tricks from…

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.

Michael Potuck's favorite gear

Satechi USB-C Charger (4 ports)

Really useful USB-C + USB-A charger for home/work and travel.

Apple Leather MagSafe Wallet

My slim wallet of choice for iPhone 12

Manage push notifications

How Do You Refresh Your Browser On IPhone

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

When it comes to browsing the web on your iPhone, ensuring that you have the most up-to-date information is crucial. Whether you're checking the latest news, browsing social media, or accessing important websites, it's essential to know how to refresh your browser to see the most current content. In this article, we'll explore various methods for refreshing your browser on an iPhone, ensuring that you stay connected and informed while on the go.

Refreshing your browser allows you to fetch the latest version of a web page, ensuring that you have access to the most recent content and updates. This can be particularly important when browsing news websites, social media platforms, or any site that frequently updates its content. By refreshing your browser, you can stay in the loop and access the latest information with ease.

In the following sections, we'll delve into three different methods for refreshing your browser on an iPhone. From using the refresh button to pulling down to refresh and clearing the browser cache , each method offers a unique approach to ensuring that you have the most current content at your fingertips. By familiarizing yourself with these methods, you can navigate the online world with confidence, knowing that you can easily refresh your browser whenever necessary.

Now, let's dive into the various methods for refreshing your browser on an iPhone, empowering you to stay informed and connected while browsing the web.

Method 1: Using the Refresh Button

When it comes to quickly updating the content of a web page on your iPhone's browser, using the refresh button is a straightforward and effective method. The refresh button, represented by a circular arrow icon, allows you to instantly reload the current web page, ensuring that you have access to the most recent content.

To utilize the refresh button, simply open your preferred browser on your iPhone, whether it's Safari, Chrome, or any other browser app. Once the web page is loaded, locate the refresh button, typically found in the address bar or toolbar of the browser. It's often depicted as a circular arrow icon, symbolizing the action of refreshing the page.

Tapping the refresh button triggers the browser to reload the current web page, fetching the latest version of the content from the website. This action is particularly useful when you want to ensure that you're viewing the most up-to-date information, such as news articles, social media feeds, or real-time updates on websites.

The refresh button is a convenient and efficient way to update the content of a web page without having to navigate away and revisit the site. It's a fundamental feature of mobile browsers that empowers users to stay connected and informed while browsing the web on their iPhones.

In addition to tapping the refresh button manually, some browsers offer the option to pull down on the web page to trigger a refresh. This intuitive gesture-based method provides an alternative way to update the content, offering a seamless and interactive experience for users.

By utilizing the refresh button, you can effortlessly ensure that you're accessing the most current content on the web, keeping you informed and up to date with just a simple tap or swipe. This method exemplifies the user-friendly nature of mobile browsing, allowing you to stay connected with the latest information at your fingertips.

In the next section, we'll explore another method for refreshing your browser on an iPhone, providing you with additional options for updating the content of web pages with ease.

Method 2: Pulling Down to Refresh

In addition to using the traditional refresh button, many mobile browsers, including Safari and Chrome, offer a convenient and intuitive method for refreshing web pages: pulling down to refresh. This gesture-based approach provides a seamless and interactive way to update the content of a web page, enhancing the user experience while browsing on an iPhone.

To employ the pulling down to refresh method, begin by opening your preferred browser on your iPhone and navigating to the web page you wish to update. Once the page is loaded, simply scroll to the top of the content. At this point, perform a downward swipe or pull gesture on the screen, initiating the refresh action.

As you pull down on the web page, a visual indicator often appears, such as a loading spinner or a refreshing animation, signaling that the content is being updated. This dynamic feedback provides a clear indication that the refresh process is underway, adding a touch of interactivity to the browsing experience.

The pulling down to refresh method is not only convenient but also offers a tactile and engaging way to update the content of a web page. This gesture-based approach aligns with the intuitive nature of mobile devices, allowing users to interact with the browser in a natural and seamless manner.

One of the notable advantages of pulling down to refresh is its user-friendly design, which caters to the tactile capabilities of touchscreens. By incorporating this gesture, mobile browsers enhance the overall usability and accessibility of the refresh function, making it easily accessible to users of all levels of technical proficiency.

Moreover, the pulling down to refresh method exemplifies the emphasis on user experience in mobile browsing, providing a visually engaging and responsive way to update web page content. This approach aligns with the evolving trends in user interface design, prioritizing intuitive interactions and dynamic feedback to enhance the overall browsing experience.

By incorporating the pulling down to refresh method into your browsing routine, you can seamlessly update the content of web pages with a simple and engaging gesture. This intuitive approach reflects the continuous innovation in mobile browser functionality, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of users in the digital age.

In the subsequent section, we will explore another method for refreshing your browser on an iPhone, further expanding your repertoire of techniques for staying connected and informed while browsing the web.

Method 3: Clearing Browser Cache

When it comes to refreshing your browser on an iPhone, clearing the browser cache offers a comprehensive approach to ensuring that you have access to the most current and updated content. The browser cache is a storage mechanism that retains copies of web pages, images, and other resources to expedite the loading of previously visited sites. While this can enhance browsing speed and performance, it may also lead to outdated content being displayed. Clearing the browser cache effectively removes these stored files, prompting the browser to fetch the latest versions of web page elements from the respective websites.

To clear the browser cache on your iPhone , you can follow these general steps:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll down to find the section for your browser, such as Safari or Chrome .

Within the browser settings, locate the option to clear browsing data or clear cache. The specific wording may vary depending on the browser and its version.

Select the option to clear the cache, and confirm the action if prompted. This process may also include clearing other browsing data, such as cookies and browsing history.

By clearing the browser cache, you effectively reset the stored data within the browser, prompting it to retrieve the most recent versions of web page elements from the respective websites. This ensures that you are viewing the latest content without any outdated or cached information affecting your browsing experience.

Clearing the browser cache on your iPhone can be particularly beneficial when you encounter issues such as outdated images, unresponsive page elements, or discrepancies in website content. By performing this action, you can effectively refresh the browser and access the most current information available on the web.

In addition to clearing the browser cache through the settings of your browser app, some browsers offer the option to perform this action directly within the app interface. This streamlined approach provides users with a convenient way to refresh the browser and ensure that they are viewing the most up-to-date content with ease.

By familiarizing yourself with the process of clearing the browser cache on your iPhone, you can effectively refresh your browser and access the latest web page content, empowering you to stay informed and connected while browsing the web on your mobile device.

In conclusion, staying connected and informed while browsing the web on your iPhone is essential, and knowing how to refresh your browser effectively ensures that you have access to the most current and updated content. In this article, we explored three distinct methods for refreshing your browser on an iPhone, each offering unique approaches to updating web page content with ease.

The first method, utilizing the refresh button, provides a straightforward and efficient way to reload the current web page, ensuring that you have access to the latest information with just a simple tap. This fundamental feature of mobile browsers exemplifies the user-friendly nature of mobile browsing, allowing you to stay connected with the latest information at your fingertips.

The second method, pulling down to refresh, introduces an intuitive and interactive gesture-based approach to updating web page content. This method aligns with the tactile capabilities of touchscreens, providing a seamless and engaging way to refresh the browser and stay informed while browsing on your iPhone.

Lastly, clearing the browser cache offers a comprehensive approach to ensuring that you have access to the most current and updated content. By resetting the stored data within the browser, you can effectively refresh the browser and access the latest web page content without any outdated or cached information affecting your browsing experience.

By familiarizing yourself with these methods, you can navigate the online world with confidence, knowing that you can easily refresh your browser whenever necessary. Whether you prefer the simplicity of tapping the refresh button, the interactive nature of pulling down to refresh, or the comprehensive approach of clearing the browser cache, each method empowers you to stay connected and informed while browsing the web on your iPhone.

In the dynamic landscape of mobile browsing, these methods reflect the continuous innovation in mobile browser functionality, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of users in the digital age. By incorporating these techniques into your browsing routine, you can seamlessly update the content of web pages with ease, ensuring that you are always accessing the most current and relevant information.

Ultimately, the ability to refresh your browser on your iPhone is a fundamental aspect of staying connected and informed in today's digital world. By leveraging these methods, you can enhance your browsing experience, access the latest content, and stay informed while on the go, empowering you to make the most of your online interactions and engagements.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Crowdfunding
• Cryptocurrency
• Digital Banking
• Digital Payments
• Investments
• Console Gaming
• Mobile Gaming
• VR/AR Gaming
• Gadget Usage
• Gaming Tips
• Online Safety
• Software Tutorials
• Tech Setup & Troubleshooting
• Buyer’s Guides
• Comparative Analysis
• Gadget Reviews
• Service Reviews
• Software Reviews
• Mobile Devices
• PCs & Laptops
• Smart Home Gadgets
• Content Creation Tools
• Digital Photography
• Video & Music Streaming
• Online Security
• Online Services
• Web Hosting
• WiFi & Ethernet
• Browsers & Extensions
• Communication Platforms
• Operating Systems
• Productivity Tools
• AI & Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity
• Emerging Tech
• IoT & Smart Devices
• Virtual & Augmented Reality
• Latest News
• AI Developments
• Fintech Updates
• Gaming News
• New Product Launches

How to Use Email Blasts Marketing To Take Control of Your Market

Learn to convert scanned documents into editable text with ocr, related post, how to make stairs planet coaster, how to rotate camera in planet coaster, how to make a good roller coaster in planet coaster, where is the minecraft folder, how to update minecraft windows, how to update minecraft education edition, related posts.

How To Force Quit Safari On IPhone

How To Clear Cache On Chrome IPhone

Speeding Up Hotspot On IPhone: Quick Guide

How To Check RAM On IPhone

How To Hard Reload Safari

How Do I Update My Browser On My iPhone

Why Is My IPhone Safari Not Working

Why Does My IPhone Say Safari Cannot Connect To The Internet

Recent stories.

Top Mini Split Air Conditioner For Summer

Comfortable and Luxurious Family Life | Zero Gravity Massage Chair

Fintechs and Traditional Banks: Navigating the Future of Financial Services

AI Writing: How It’s Changing the Way We Create Content

How to Find the Best Midjourney Alternative in 2024: A Guide to AI Anime Generators

How to Know When it’s the Right Time to Buy Bitcoin

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Download Free

How to Refresh Page on Safari

It's free and super easy to set up

For anyone who uses Safari on their Mac or iOS device, refreshing a webpage is a common task. Whether you're experiencing slow loading times, changes to the content, or simply need to clear your cache, there are several ways to refresh a page on Safari. In this article, we will explore why refreshing a page is important, show you the different ways to refresh a page, and troubleshoot any refreshing issues you may encounter.

Understanding the Need to Refresh a Page

Before we delve into the different ways to refresh a page, it's important to understand why refreshing a page is necessary. The internet is constantly changing, and web pages are no exception. Without refreshing a page, you may miss out on new content, updates, or changes to the website. Refreshing a page helps ensure that you are seeing the most recent and up-to-date content available.

Let's say you're browsing your favorite news website and you come across an article that catches your eye. You read the article and notice that it was published a few hours ago. However, you don't refresh the page and continue browsing the site. As you move on to other articles, you may miss out on breaking news or updates that were published after the article you read. By not refreshing the page, you're essentially limiting your access to the most current information available.

Why Refreshing a Page is Important

Auto-refreshing pages can help keep you updated on changes and news, but it can also be a burden on your internet speed and performance. When you regularly refresh pages, you have more control over when you receive up-to-date information and you can prioritize what pages you want to reload. In turn, you can optimize your browsing experience and save yourself frustration and wait time.

Refreshing a page can also be important for website owners and developers. By regularly refreshing their own pages, they can check for any errors or issues that may arise. This can help ensure that their website is running smoothly and efficiently for all users.

Common Reasons to Refresh a Page

It's important to know when and why you should refresh a page. Common reasons to refresh a page include:

To check for updated content or news articles.

To clear cache and cookies from your browser.

To fix errors caused by slow loading times or broken links.

To ensure that your browser is running smoothly and efficiently.

Refreshing a page can also be helpful when you're making changes to a website or working on a project. By regularly refreshing the page, you can see how your changes are affecting the website in real time. This can help you make adjustments and ensure that your website is functioning as intended.

In conclusion, refreshing a page is an important part of browsing the internet. By doing so, you can ensure that you're seeing the most up-to-date content available and optimize your browsing experience. Whether you're a website owner or a casual user, knowing when and why to refresh a page can help you get the most out of your internet experience.

Different Ways to Refresh a Page on Safari

Now that you understand why refreshing a page is important, let's explore the different methods available on Safari for refreshing a page:

Using the Refresh Button

The Refresh button is located in the address bar of Safari. Simply click on the button or press the Command and R keys on your keyboard, and the page will reload.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Refreshing

In addition to using the Refresh button, there are several keyboard shortcuts that you can use to refresh a page. These include:

Command + R: Reloads the current page.

Command + Shift + R: Reloads the current page and ignores cached data.

Refreshing via the Right-Click Context Menu

By right-clicking on a webpage, a context menu will appear with several options, including the option to refresh the page. This is a helpful shortcut that can save you time and effort.

Auto-Refresh Extensions for Safari

There are various extensions and add-ons available for Safari that offer auto-refresh options. These extensions allow you to set a timer and refresh the page automatically at set intervals. However, be aware that auto-refreshing can put a strain on your browser performance and internet speed. Use this option wisely and with discretion.

Troubleshooting Refresh Issues in Safari

While refreshing a page on Safari is usually a straightforward task, there may be times when you experience issues. Some common issues and their solutions include:

Clearing Cache and Cookies

Caching temporary files and cookies can improve browsing speed and performance, but it can also create problems. Clearing cache and cookies can often fix issues caused by outdated data. To do this, click on Safari in the menu bar, select Preferences, and choose the Privacy tab. From there, click Manage Website Data and select Remove All. This will clear all cache, cookies, and website data on your browser.

Disabling Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can sometimes cause issues with refreshing pages in Safari. Disabling extensions one at a time can help you identify the extension causing the problem. From the Safari menu, select Preferences, click on Extensions, and disable the extensions one by one until you find the culprit.

Updating Safari to the Latest Version

Keeping your browser up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and resolving issues. To update Safari, click on the Apple menu and select App Store. From there, click the Updates tab and install any available updates for Safari.

Resetting Safari Settings

If none of the previous solutions work, resetting Safari to its default settings may help. From the Safari menu, select Reset Safari and choose the items you want to reset. This can include cache, history, autofill data, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions about Refreshing Pages in Safari

Can i refresh multiple tabs at once.

Yes. To refresh multiple tabs at once, hold down the Shift key and select each tab you want to reload. Then, either click the Refresh button or press Command and R on your keyboard.

How to Stop a Page from Auto-Refreshing?

When a page is set to auto-refresh, you may want to stop it from doing so. To do this, click on the Stop button located next to the Refresh button or press the Command and period (.) keys on your keyboard.

How to Refresh a Page without Losing Form Data?

It can be frustrating to lose form data or login information when refreshing a page. To avoid this, use the reload button in the browser's top bar. This will reload the page without clearing form data and login information. Alternatively, you can use a keyboard shortcut to reload the page, while holding down the Shift key.

Now that you know the benefits and methods of refreshing pages on Safari, you can improve your browsing experience and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter. By using the right methods and making use of all available resources, you can ensure that your browser is performing at its best. Remember to stay on top of updates and to clear your cache and cookies regularly to ensure that you are always receiving up-to-date information and content.

Let's set you up !

Working on the web!

Student Tips

Startup Tools

Browser Glossary

Browser Tips

• a. Send us an email
• b. Anonymous form
• Buyer's Guide
• Upcoming Products
• Tips / Contact Us
• Podcast Instagram Facebook Twitter Mastodon YouTube Notifications RSS Newsletter

iOS 15 Safari Guide: Tabs, Extensions, Search Bar, and Other Changes

Apple's Safari app has undergone a number of changes during the iOS 15 beta testing process. Apple started out with a radical new design that moved the address bar from the top of the app's interface and introduced a floating tab bar, but after a multitude of complaints, there were several redesigns that culminated in an option to undo the iOS 15 design entirely.

Design Changes

Safari started out with a new floating tab design that moved the address bar and tabs to the bottom of the iPhone interface, but now the design change is optional.

You can get to webpage settings by tapping on the Aa, or reload a page by tapping on the reload button. With this Tab Bar interface, when you scroll through a webpage, the entire Tab Bar collapses down so you can see more of the website. You can bring it back up with a tap.

If you choose "Single Tab" instead of "Tab Bar," the address bar and tabs will remain at the top of the Safari window, which is how iOS 14 works. The design of the Single Tab option is unchanged from iOS 14, with the same control bar available at the bottom of the interface. You can't swipe through tabs using the Single Tab interface and will instead need to use the Tab Switcher.

You can swap between the bottom Tab Bar and the Single Tab interface by tapping on the "Aa" button that's next to any URL.

• How to Move iOS 15 Safari's Address Search Bar Back to Top

Website Tinting

Available in the Settings app, Allow Website Tinting matches the collapsed Safari address bar interface to the website's colors to make it blend in better with the background.

• How to Turn Off Website Tinting in Safari

Landscape Tab Bar

With the new Landscape Tab Bar setting, when you use your ‌iPhone‌ in landscape mode with Safari, you'll see a Mac-style tab bar that shows all of your open tabs, and you can swipe through them.

Pull to Refresh

A downward swipe on any webpage in iOS 15 will refresh the page, and this is an alternative to having to tap on the reload icon.

• iOS 15: How to Quickly Refresh a Webpage in Safari

Tabs in iOS 15 can be saved into Tab Groups, which offers a way to preserve a set of tabs you have open without having to have those tabs active.

To make a Tab Group, just open up all of the websites that you want to include, tap on the Tabs button with the down arrow, and then tap New Tab Group from [#] Tabs. You can also use this option to create a New Empty Tab Group that tabs can be added to later. Long press on any open tab (or the main address bar if you have the single tab view enabled) to add it to a Tab Group.

To load up a Tab Group, tap on the Tabs button and then tap on the name of the group in the list. All of your Tab Groups sync across your devices so you can access them on iPhones and iPads running iOS and iPadOS 15 as well as on Macs running macOS Monterey.

• iOS 15: How to Use Tab Groups in Safari

Tab Overview Grid

In iOS 14, all of your open tabs are displayed in a card-like interface that you can swipe through, but in iOS 15, open tabs are displayed in a grid view.

Customizable Start Page

Safari is more customizable in iOS 15, and you can edit what's available on your start page. This is a feature that has been available on macOS, but is now also available on iOS devices.

You can choose to have the start page show Favorites, Frequently Visited sites, Shared With You content, Privacy Report info, Siri Suggestions, Reading List, and iCloud Tabs.

There's an option to use the same Start Page appearance across all devices, and a toggle to upload the background image of your choice.

• iOS 15: How to Customize Your Safari Start Page

Intelligent Tracking Prevention Improvements

With updates to Intelligent Tracking Prevention, the feature that keeps websites from tracking your web activity, trackers are now blocked from accessing your IP address to build a profile on you.

• iOS 15: How to Hide Your IP Address From Trackers in Safari

HTTPS Upgrade

Safari in iOS 15 automatically upgrades sites that are known to support HTTPS from HTTP, which is insecure.

iCloud Private Relay

‌iCloud‌ Private Relay is a privacy feature that makes sure all of your Safari traffic is encrypted.

As explained in our privacy guide , ‌iCloud‌ Private Relay protects your IP address and de-links it from the websites that you visit by utilizing two separate internet relays.

By having a two-step process that involves both an Apple server and a third-party server, ‌‌iCloud‌‌ Private Relay prevents anyone, including Apple, from determining a user's identity and linking it to the website the user is visiting.

With this system, Apple knows your IP address and the third-party partner knows the site you're visiting, and because the information is de-linked, neither Apple nor the partner company has a complete picture of the site you're visiting and your location, and neither does the website you're browsing. Normally websites have access to this data and combined with cookies, can use it to build a profile of your preferences.

Web Extensions

Safari in iOS 15 supports web extensions, with web extensions able to be downloaded and installed through the App Store . Available extensions include content blockers, VPNs, and more.

• iOS 15: How to Download and Install Safari Web Extensions

With iOS 15, iPhones and iPads are able to use a new Live Text feature to detect text in any image, and this includes images that you find in Safari.

• How to Copy and Paste Text From Photos
• How to Translate Text in Photos

Shared With You

Shared With You, a new option available on the Safari start page, aggregates all of the links that you've been sent in the Messages app and other social networking apps that support the Shared With You feature.

Guide Feedback

Have questions about the new Safari changes in iOS 15, know of a feature we left out, or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here .

Get weekly top MacRumors stories in your inbox.

Top Rated Comments

The landscape view in MacRumors looks amazing! Safari looks so modern now. Just brilliant!

Easier to refresh now.

Popular Stories

10 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 17

Apple Apologizes for 'Crush' iPad Pro Ad, Won't Put It on TV

Every Model of Apple's M1 iPad Air Drops to Record Low Prices on Amazon

iPad Pro's M4 Chip Outperforms M3 by Up to 25%

Sonos Said Rolling Out Widely Criticized App Redesign Took 'Courage'

Next article.

Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 17, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.

App Store changes for the EU, new emoji, Podcasts transcripts, and more.

Get the most out your iPhone 15 with our complete guide to all the new features.

A deep dive into new features in macOS Sonoma, big and small.

Revamped models with OLED displays, M4 chip, and redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory.

Updated 10.9-inch model and new 12.9-inch model, M2 chip.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference will kick off with a keynote on June 10.

Expected to see new AI-focused features and more. Preview coming at WWDC in June with public release in September.

Other Stories

5 hours ago by Tim Hardwick

5 days ago by Tim Hardwick

6 days ago by Tim Hardwick

1 week ago by Tim Hardwick

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Refresh button in Safari?

Does anyone know how to create or add a refresh button in Safari? Safari used to have this button but it strangely disappeared a few years ago. I know there are other discussions on this topic but I wanted to ask this question again just in cause there are any updates on the refresh button. I know that the small circular arrow in the address bar can refresh a web page. However, it is much smaller than a standard browser button and it's not always available (sometimes it is an "X"). Many websites do not refresh content automatically. So, the user has to manually refresh the web page to see the new content. Hence the importance of the refresh button.

I have already submitted feedback to Apple, but as I mentioned above, I was hoping there was a way to re-add the button.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

Posted on Sep 16, 2014 9:12 AM

Posted on Sep 18, 2014 10:43 AM

You can try to look for a safari extension that may be able to help or you can refresh by going to the drop down menu View > Refresh Page or the keyboard shortcut command +r .

Safari 7 (Mavericks): If Safari doesn’t display webpage images

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH17159

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Sep 18, 2014 10:43 AM in response to JPL007

Sep 18, 2014 10:57 AM in response to JPL007

There is a Safari extension to add the older style reload button:

https://extensions.apple.com/details/?id=org.siracusafamily.reloadbutton-6STWMHA ZC2

I've used it with no issues in Safari 7.0.6.

Sep 18, 2014 5:21 PM in response to norm123

Thanks for the tips for refreshing a web page.

Sep 18, 2014 5:24 PM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks, I'll have a look at that extension. However, I don't trust most extensions because I don't have a way to view or verify the code behind them. That's why I prefer a native refresh button. But thanks for the info and I'll check out the refresh extension.

Sep 18, 2014 6:05 PM in response to JPL007

I agree that it is wise to view any add-ons with all the caution of an amorous porcupine approaching his mate. However. I've used that one under first 10.6.8 and now Mavericks and it shows no ill effects on Safari. I feel that one is safe.

If you don't want to run extensions, command r has been a universal refresh command since Safari v1.

Sep 18, 2014 6:18 PM in response to Allan Jones

Ok, thanks for the info, I'll give the refresh extension a try and/or start using Command-R to refresh a web page.

Jan 29, 2016 2:06 PM in response to JPL007

In Safari go to Customize Toolbar. Then drag the default toolbar (shown at the bottom of the page) up to the toolbar. The reload icon should appear.

• Editor's Choice: Tech Gifts for Mom
• Amazon Prime Tech Deals!

How to Refresh iPhone

Give your phone a fresh start, fast

• Ithaca College

• Switching from Android

What to Know

• Hold the Side button until the power down prompt appears. Next, press and hold the Home button until the home screen reappears.
• If your iPhone has no Home button, add a virtual one with AssistiveTouch . Then go to Settings > General > Shut Down .
• Tap and hold the virtual Home button until you return to your home screen.

This article explains what it means to refresh an iPhone 4 or later and how to do it on all models that support refreshing.

Where Is the Refresh Button on iPhone?

When your iPhone or apps are running slow or not responding, you have a few options to speed them up again. Maybe the quickest—and least well-known—way to do this is to refresh your iPhone.

Refreshing an iPhone is a hidden trick. There's no physical button on the iPhone to refresh its memory. There's also no menu or onscreen option you'll find in the Settings app or anywhere else. So to get the benefits of refreshing an iPhone's memory, you need to know these steps.

How Do I Refresh My iPhone X and Newer?

To refresh an iPhone, you need a Home button. Unfortunately, there's no physical Home button on the iPhone X and newer (the iPhone 8 has a Home button, but it's different from previous models, so these tips apply to it, too). Luckily, you can enable a virtual on-screen Home button. Here's everything you need to do:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch .

Tap AssistiveTouch > move the AssistiveTouch slider to on/green.

An onscreen Home button is added to your screen. Tap it to reveal the options. The Home option is the one we need here.

Go to Settings > General > Shut Down .

On the shut-down screen, tap the onscreen Home button.

In the pop-up, tap and hold Home .

When your iPhone returns to the home screen, let go of the screen. If you use a passcode on your iPhone , you'll go to the passcode-entry screen. Your iPhone is now refreshed.

How Do I Refresh My iPhone 7 and Earlier Models?

Refreshing an iPhone 7 and earlier is more straightforward than the latest models. That's because these models have a physical Home button you can use. These steps apply to the iPhone 4 through 7:

Press and hold the sleep/wake/Side button until the shut-down screen appears.

Let go of the sleep/wake/Side button.

Press and hold the Home button.

When you return to your home screen or passcode screen, let go of the Home button. Your iPhone has been refreshed.

What Happens When You Refresh Your iPhone?

Refreshing your memory clears the active memory that your iPhone is using to run apps and the OS. It's a lighter version of what happens when you restart your iPhone. It gives your apps and critical parts of the OS a chance to restart themselves and hopefully correct whatever was causing them to run slowly. Because only the active memory is refreshed, you don't have to worry about losing data. Everything that's stored on your iPhone is untouched.

Refreshed your iPhone, and things still running slowly? A complete restart is always an excellent next step. However, if even that doesn't work, try updating the sluggish apps or even updating your iPhone's version of the iOS.

On iPhones with iOS 13 and later, open the app > select  Calendars  > and swipe down from the top of the screen to refresh and sync your calendar information. If nothing updates, ensure you have iCloud turned on for your calendars from  Settings  >  your name  >  iCloud . You can also adjust your calendar update settings from  Settings  >  Calendar  >  Sync  and refresh the Calendar app again.

To  clear your iPhone cache  in Safari, go to  Settings  >  Safari  >  Clear History and Website Data . To clear the cache in other apps, select the app from your iPhone's Settings and move the tab to the on position next to  Reset cached content .

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• How to Fix An iPhone That Won't Turn Off
• How to Turn on an iPhone XR
• How to Restart an iPhone (All Models)
• How to Turn Off the Samsung Note 10
• How to Fix the 'No SIM Card Installed' Error on iPhone
• How to Hard Reset or Restart an iPad (All Models)
• How to Restart a Samsung Galaxy Watch
• How to Easily Fix the iPhone White Screen of Death
• How to Restart a Samsung Galaxy S20
• How to Use AssistiveTouch on Your iPhone
• How to Refresh on Mac
• How to Get Into and Out of iPhone Recovery Mode
• How to Restart an iPhone 13
• How to Fix a Samsung Tablet That’s Running Slow
• iPhone X Home Button Basics
• How to Reset iPhone 12 (Restart & Hard Reset)

iPhone User Guide

• iPhone models compatible with iOS 17
• R ' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' id='toc-item-IPH017302841' data-tocid='IPH017302841' > iPhone X R
• S ' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' id='toc-item-IPHC00446242' data-tocid='IPHC00446242' > iPhone X S
• S Max' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' id='toc-item-IPHCD2066870' data-tocid='IPHCD2066870' > iPhone X S Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Setup basics
• Make your iPhone your own
• Take great photos and videos
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Share features with your family
• Use iPhone for your daily routines
• Expert advice from Apple Support
• What’s new in iOS 17
• Turn on and set up iPhone
• Wake and unlock
• Set up cellular service
• Use Dual SIM
• Connect to the internet
• Sign in with Apple ID
• Subscribe to iCloud+
• Find settings
• Set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts
• Learn the meaning of the status icons
• Charge the battery
• Charge with cleaner energy sources
• Show the battery percentage
• Check battery health and usage
• Use Low Power Mode
• Read and bookmark the user guide
• Learn basic gestures
• Learn gestures for iPhone models with Face ID
• Adjust the volume
• Find your apps in App Library
• Switch between open apps
• Quit and reopen an app
• Multitask with Picture in Picture
• Access features from the Lock Screen
• View Live Activities in the Dynamic Island
• Perform quick actions
• Search on iPhone
• Get information about your iPhone
• View or change cellular data settings
• Travel with iPhone
• Change sounds and vibrations
• Use the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Create a custom Lock Screen
• Change the wallpaper
• Adjust the screen brightness and color balance
• Keep the iPhone display on longer
• Use StandBy
• Customize the text size and zoom setting
• Change the name of your iPhone
• Change the date and time
• Change the language and region
• Organize your apps in folders
• Add, edit, and remove widgets
• Move apps and widgets on the Home Screen
• Remove apps
• Use and customize Control Center
• Change or lock the screen orientation
• View and respond to notifications
• Change notification settings
• Set up a Focus
• Allow or silence notifications for a Focus
• Turn a Focus on or off
• Stay focused while driving
• Customize sharing options
• Type with the onscreen keyboard
• Dictate text
• Select and edit text
• Use predictive text
• Use text replacements
• Add or change keyboards
• Add emoji and stickers
• Take a screenshot
• Take a screen recording
• Draw in documents
• Add text, shapes, signatures, and more
• Fill out forms and sign documents
• Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video
• Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos and videos
• Lift a subject from the photo background
• Subscribe to Apple Arcade
• Play with friends in Game Center
• Connect a game controller
• Use App Clips
• Update apps
• View or cancel subscriptions
• Manage purchases, settings, and restrictions
• Install and manage fonts
• Buy books and audiobooks
• Annotate books
• Access books on other Apple devices
• Listen to audiobooks
• Set reading goals
• Organize books
• Create and edit events in Calendar
• Send invitations
• Reply to invitations
• Change how you view events
• Search for events
• Change calendar and event settings
• Schedule or display events in a different time zone
• Keep track of events
• Use multiple calendars
• Use the Holidays calendar
• Share iCloud calendars
• Camera basics
• Set up your shot
• Apply Photographic Styles
• Take Live Photos
• Take Burst mode shots
• Take a selfie
• Take panoramic photos
• Take macro photos and videos
• Take portraits
• Take Night mode photos
• Take Apple ProRAW photos
• Adjust the shutter volume
• Adjust HDR camera settings
• Record videos
• Record spatial videos for Apple Vision Pro
• Record ProRes videos
• Record videos in Cinematic mode
• Change video recording settings
• Save camera settings
• Customize the Main camera lens
• Change advanced camera settings
• View, share, and print photos
• Use Live Text
• Scan a QR code
• See the world clock
• Set an alarm
• Change the next wake up alarm
• Use the stopwatch
• Use multiple timers
• Add and use contact information
• Edit contacts
• Add your contact info
• Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact info
• Use other contact accounts
• Use Contacts from the Phone app
• Merge or hide duplicate contacts
• Export contacts
• Get started with FaceTime
• Make FaceTime calls
• Receive FaceTime calls
• Create a FaceTime link
• Take a Live Photo
• Turn on Live Captions in a FaceTime call
• Use other apps during a call
• Make a Group FaceTime call
• View participants in a grid
• Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together
• Share your screen in a FaceTime call
• Collaborate on a document in FaceTime
• Use video conferencing features
• Hand off a FaceTime call to another Apple device
• Change the FaceTime video settings
• Change the FaceTime audio settings
• Change your appearance
• Leave a call or switch to Messages
• Block unwanted callers
• Report a call as spam
• Connect external devices or servers
• Modify files, folders, and downloads
• Search for files and folders
• Organize files and folders
• Set up iCloud Drive
• Share files and folders in iCloud Drive
• Share your location
• Meet up with a friend
• Send your location via satellite
• Add or remove a friend
• Locate a friend
• Get notified when friends change their location
• Notify a friend when your location changes
• Add your iPhone
• Add your iPhone Wallet with MagSafe
• Get notified if you leave a device behind
• Locate a device
• Mark a device as lost
• Erase a device
• Remove a device
• Add an AirTag
• Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone
• Add a third-party item
• Get notified if you leave an item behind
• Locate an item
• Mark an item as lost
• Remove an item
• Adjust map settings
• Get started with Fitness
• Track daily activity and change your move goal
• See your activity summary
• Sync a third-party workout app
• Change fitness notifications
• Share your activity
• Subscribe to Apple Fitness+
• Find Apple Fitness+ workouts and meditations
• Start an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Create a Custom Plan in Apple Fitness+
• Work out together using SharePlay
• Change what’s on the screen during an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Download an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Get started with Freeform
• Create a Freeform board
• Draw or handwrite
• Apply consistent styles
• Position items on a board
• Search Freeform boards
• Share and collaborate
• Delete and recover boards
• Get started with Health
• Fill out your Health Details
• Intro to Health data
• View your health data
• Share your health data
• View health data shared by others
• Download health records
• View health records
• Monitor your walking steadiness
• Log menstrual cycle information
• View menstrual cycle predictions and history
• Track your medications
• Learn more about your medications
• Log your state of mind
• Take a mental health assessment
• Set up a schedule for a Sleep Focus
• Turn off alarms and delete sleep schedules
• Add or change sleep schedules
• Turn Sleep Focus on or off
• Change your wind down period, sleep goal, and more
• View your sleep history
• Check your headphone levels
• Use audiogram data
• Register as an organ donor
• Back up your Health data
• Intro to Home
• Upgrade to the new Home architecture
• Set up accessories
• Control accessories
• Control your home using Siri
• Use Grid Forecast to plan your energy usage
• Set up HomePod
• Control your home remotely
• Create and use scenes
• Use automations
• Set up security cameras
• Use Face Recognition
• Unlock your door with a home key
• Configure a router
• Invite others to control accessories
• Add more homes
• Get music, movies, and TV shows
• Get ringtones
• Manage purchases and settings
• Get started with Journal
• Write in your journal
• Review your past journal entries
• Change Journal settings
• Magnify nearby objects
• Change settings
• Detect people around you
• Detect doors around you
• Receive image descriptions of your surroundings
• Read aloud text and labels around you
• Set up shortcuts for Detection Mode
• Add and remove email accounts
• Set up a custom email domain
• Check your email
• Unsend email with Undo Send
• Reply to and forward emails
• Save an email draft
• Add email attachments
• Download email attachments
• Annotate email attachments
• Set email notifications
• Search for email
• Organize email in mailboxes
• Flag or block emails
• Filter emails
• Use Hide My Email
• Use Mail Privacy Protection
• Change email settings
• Delete and recover emails
• Add a Mail widget to your Home Screen
• Print emails
• Get travel directions
• Select other route options
• Find stops along your route
• View a route overview or a list of turns
• Change settings for spoken directions
• Get driving directions
• Get directions to your parked car
• Set up electric vehicle routing
• Report traffic incidents
• Get cycling directions
• Get walking directions
• Get transit directions
• Delete recent directions
• Get traffic and weather info
• Estimate travel time and ETA
• Download offline maps
• Search for places
• Find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services
• Get information about places
• Mark places
• Share places
• Rate places
• Save favorite places
• Explore new places with Guides
• Organize places in My Guides
• Delete significant locations
• Look around places
• Take Flyover tours
• Find your Maps settings
• Measure dimensions
• View and save measurements
• Measure a person’s height
• Use the level
• Set up Messages
• About iMessage
• Send and reply to messages
• Unsend and edit messages
• Keep track of messages
• Forward and share messages
• Group conversations
• Watch, listen, or play together using SharePlay
• Collaborate on projects
• Use iMessage apps
• Take and edit photos or videos
• Share photos, links, and more
• Send stickers
• Request, send, and receive payments
• Send and receive audio messages
• Animate messages
• Change notifications
• Block, filter, and report messages
• Delete messages and attachments
• Recover deleted messages
• View albums, playlists, and more
• Show song credits and lyrics
• Queue up your music
• Listen to broadcast radio
• Subscribe to Apple Music
• Play music together in the car with iPhone
• Listen to lossless music
• Listen to Dolby Atmos music
• Apple Music Sing
• Find new music
• Add music and listen offline
• Get personalized recommendations
• Listen to radio
• Search for music
• Create playlists
• See what your friends are listening to
• Use Siri to play music
• Change the way music sounds
• Get started with News
• Use News widgets
• See news stories chosen just for you
• Read stories
• Follow your favorite teams with My Sports
• Listen to Apple News Today
• Subscribe to Apple News+
• Browse and read Apple News+ stories and issues
• Download Apple News+ issues
• Listen to audio stories
• Solve crossword puzzles
• Search for news stories
• Save stories in News for later
• Subscribe to individual news channels
• Get started with Notes
• Add or remove accounts
• Create and format notes
• Draw or write
• Add photos, videos, and more
• Scan text and documents
• Work with PDFs
• Create Quick Notes
• Search notes
• Organize in folders
• Organize with tags
• Use Smart Folders
• Export or print notes
• Change Notes settings
• Make a call
• Answer or decline incoming calls
• While on a call
• Set up voicemail
• Check voicemail
• Change voicemail greeting and settings
• Select ringtones and vibrations
• Make calls using Wi-Fi
• Set up call forwarding and call waiting
• Avoid unwanted calls
• View photos and videos
• Play videos and slideshows
• Delete or hide photos and videos
• Edit photos and videos
• Trim video length and adjust slow motion
• Edit Cinematic mode videos
• Edit Live Photos
• Edit portraits
• Use photo albums
• Edit, share, and organize albums
• Filter and sort photos and videos in albums
• Make stickers from your photos
• Duplicate and copy photos and videos
• Merge duplicate photos and videos
• Search for photos
• Identify people and pets
• Browse photos by location
• Share photos and videos
• Share long videos
• View photos and videos shared with you
• Watch memories
• Personalize your memories
• Manage memories and featured photos
• Use iCloud Photos
• Create shared albums
• Add and remove people in a shared album
• Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
• Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Import and export photos and videos
• Print photos
• Find podcasts
• Listen to podcasts
• Follow your favorite podcasts
• Use the Podcasts widget
• Organize your podcast library
• Download, save, or share podcasts
• Subscribe to podcasts
• Listen to subscriber-only content
• Change download settings
• Make a grocery list
• Add items to a list
• Edit and manage a list
• Search and organize lists
• Work with templates
• Use Smart Lists
• Print reminders
• Use the Reminders widget
• Change Reminders settings
• Browse the web
• Search for websites
• Customize your Safari settings
• Change the layout
• Use Safari profiles
• Open and close tabs
• Organize your tabs
• View your Safari tabs from another Apple device
• Share Tab Groups
• Use Siri to listen to a webpage
• Bookmark favorite webpages
• Save pages to a Reading List
• Find links shared with you
• Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
• Automatically fill in forms
• Get extensions
• Hide ads and distractions
• Clear your cache
• Browse the web privately
• Use passkeys in Safari
• Check stocks
• Manage multiple watchlists
• Read business news
• Add earnings reports to your calendar
• Use a Stocks widget
• Translate text, voice, and conversations
• Translate text in apps
• Translate with the camera view
• Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
• Add your TV provider
• Get shows, movies, and more
• Watch sports
• Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
• Control playback
• Manage your library
• Change the settings
• Make a recording
• Play it back
• Edit or delete a recording
• Keep recordings up to date
• Organize recordings
• Search for or rename a recording
• Share a recording
• Duplicate a recording
• Keep cards and passes in Wallet
• Set up Apple Pay
• Use Apple Pay for contactless payments
• Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
• Track your orders
• Use Apple Cash
• Use Apple Card
• Use Savings
• Pay for transit
• Access your home, hotel room, and vehicle
• Add identity cards
• Use COVID-19 vaccination cards
• Check your Apple Account balance
• Use Express Mode
• Organize your Wallet
• Remove cards or passes
• Check the weather
• Check the weather in other locations
• View weather maps
• Manage weather notifications
• Use Weather widgets
• Learn the weather icons
• Find out what Siri can do
• Tell Siri about yourself
• Have Siri announce calls and notifications
• Add Siri Shortcuts
• About Siri Suggestions
• Use Siri in your car
• Change Siri settings
• Contact emergency services
• Use Emergency SOS via satellite
• Request Roadside Assistance via satellite
• Set up and view your Medical ID
• Use Check In
• Manage Crash Detection
• Reset privacy and security settings in an emergency
• Set up Family Sharing
• Add Family Sharing members
• Remove Family Sharing members
• Share subscriptions
• Share purchases
• Share locations with family and locate lost devices
• Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
• Set up parental controls
• Set up a child’s device
• Get started with Screen Time
• Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
• Set up Screen Time
• Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
• Charging cable
• Power adapters
• MagSafe chargers and battery packs
• MagSafe cases and sleeves
• Qi-certified wireless chargers
• Use AirPods
• Use EarPods
• Apple Watch
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
• Connect to a display with a cable
• HomePod and other wireless speakers
• Pair Magic Keyboard
• Enter characters with diacritical marks
• Switch between keyboards
• Use shortcuts
• Choose an alternative keyboard layout
• Change typing assistance options
• External storage devices
• Bluetooth accessories
• Share your internet connection
• Allow phone calls on your iPad and Mac
• Use iPhone as a webcam
• Hand off tasks between devices
• Cut, copy, and paste between iPhone and other devices
• Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone
• Start SharePlay instantly
• Use AirDrop to send items
• Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable
• Transfer files between devices
• Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
• Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
• Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
• Use an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service
• Intro to CarPlay
• Connect to CarPlay
• Use your vehicle’s built-in controls
• Get turn-by-turn directions
• Change the map view
• Make phone calls
• View your calendar
• Send and receive text messages
• Announce incoming text messages
• Play podcasts
• Play audiobooks
• Listen to news stories
• Control your home
• Use other apps with CarPlay
• Rearrange icons on CarPlay Home
• Change settings in CarPlay
• Get started with accessibility features
• Turn on accessibility features for setup
• Change Siri accessibility settings
• Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
• Change color and brightness
• Make text easier to read
• Reduce onscreen motion
• Customize per-app visual settings
• Hear what’s on the screen or typed
• Hear audio descriptions
• Turn on and practice VoiceOver
• Change your VoiceOver settings
• Use VoiceOver gestures
• Operate iPhone when VoiceOver is on
• Control VoiceOver using the rotor
• Use the onscreen keyboard
• Write with your finger
• Use VoiceOver with an Apple external keyboard
• Use a braille display
• Type braille on the screen
• Customize gestures and keyboard shortcuts
• Use VoiceOver with a pointer device
• Use VoiceOver for images and videos
• Use VoiceOver in apps
• Use AssistiveTouch
• Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch
• Use Reachability
• Auto-answer calls
• Turn off vibration
• Change Face ID and attention settings
• Use Voice Control
• Adjust the side or Home button
• Use Apple TV Remote buttons
• Adjust pointer settings
• Adjust keyboard settings
• Adjust AirPods settings
• Turn on Apple Watch Mirroring
• Control a nearby Apple device
• Intro to Switch Control
• Set up and turn on Switch Control
• Select items, perform actions, and more
• Control several devices with one switch
• Use hearing devices
• Use Live Listen
• Use sound recognition
• Set up and use RTT and TTY
• Flash the LED for alerts
• Adjust audio settings
• Play background sounds
• Display subtitles and captions
• Show transcriptions for Intercom messages
• Get Live Captions (beta)
• Type to speak
• Record a Personal Voice
• Use Guided Access
• Use built-in privacy and security protections
• Set a passcode
• Set up Face ID
• Set up Touch ID
• Control access to information on the Lock Screen
• Keep your Apple ID secure
• Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites
• Sign in with Apple
• Share passwords
• Automatically fill in strong passwords
• Change weak or compromised passwords
• View your passwords and related information
• Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop
• Make your passkeys and passwords available on all your devices
• Automatically fill in verification codes
• Automatically fill in SMS passcodes
• Sign in with fewer CAPTCHA challenges
• Use two-factor authentication
• Use security keys
• Manage information sharing with Safety Check
• Control app tracking permissions
• Control the location information you share
• Control access to information in apps
• Control how Apple delivers advertising to you
• Control access to hardware features
• Create and manage Hide My Email addresses
• Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay
• Use a private network address
• Use Advanced Data Protection
• Use Lockdown Mode
• Use Stolen Device Protection
• Receive warnings about sensitive content
• Use Contact Key Verification
• Turn iPhone on or off
• Force restart iPhone
• Back up iPhone
• Return iPhone settings to their defaults
• Restore all content from a backup
• Restore purchased and deleted items
• Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
• Erase iPhone
• Install or remove configuration profiles
• Important safety information
• Important handling information
• Find more resources for software and service
• FCC compliance statement
• ISED Canada compliance statement
• Ultra Wideband information
• Class 1 Laser information
• Apple and the environment
• Disposal and recycling information
• Unauthorized modification of iOS

Customize your Safari settings on iPhone

Customize your start page

When you open a new tab, you begin on your start page. You can customize your start page with new background images and options.

Scroll to the bottom of the page, then tap Edit.

Choose the options you want to appear on your start page:

Favorites: Display shortcuts to your favorite bookmarked websites. See Bookmark a favorite website .

Frequently Visited: Go straight to the websites you visit most.

Shared with You: See links shared with you in Messages, Mail, and more. See Find links shared with you .

Privacy Report: Stay updated on how many trackers and websites Safari blocked from tracking you. See View the Privacy Report .

Siri Suggestions: As you search, allow websites shared in Calendar and other apps to appear.

Reading List: Show webpages currently in your Reading List. See Add the current webpage to your Reading List .

Recently Closed Tabs: Go back to tabs you previously closed.

iCloud Tabs: Show open tabs from other Apple devices where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID and Safari is turned on in iCloud settings or preferences. See Organize your tabs with Tab Groups .

Note: Your custom start page settings are updated on all your Apple devices where you have Use Start Page on All Devices turned on, and you’re signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication .

Change the text size for a website on Safari

Use the Page Settings button to increase or decrease the text size.

Tap the large A to increase the font size or the small A to decrease it.

Change the display controls for a website on Safari

You can hide the search field, switch to Reader, and more.

Hide the search field: Tap Hide Toolbar (tap the bottom of the screen to get it back).

See a streamlined view of the webpage: Tap Show Reader (if available).

To return to the normal view, tap Hide Reader.

See what the webpage looks like on a desktop computer: Tap Request Desktop Website (if available).

You can also adjust Safari settings in Accessibility settings. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Per-App Settings. Tap Add App, choose Safari, then tap Safari to adjust the settings.

Choose where to save downloads

When you download a file in Safari, you can choose whether to save it to iCloud or on your iPhone.

iCloud Drive: Select this option to save downloads to the Downloads folder in iCloud Drive. This allows you to access the downloaded file on any iPhone, iPad, or Mac where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID .

On My iPhone: Select this option to save downloads to the Downloads folder on your iPhone.

Share website passwords with a group

You can create a group of trusted contacts and share a set of passwords. Passwords stay up to date for everyone in the group, and you can remove someone at any time.

See Create shared password groups .

Adjust privacy settings for Safari

You can choose what privacy settings you want across Safari, and create individual exceptions for websites. See Browse privately .

How to reset the Safari browser on your iPhone in 2 different ways

• You can reset Safari on an iPhone by clearing cookies and erasing your browsing history.
• There are two ways to reset your Safari data: through the Safari app itself, and through the Settings app.
• Both methods will let your clear both your browsing history and cookies.

If you're looking to clear your Safari data, simply removing your Frequently Visited sites isn't going to address privacy concerns if you have cookies stored, for instance.

Fortunately, it's easy to reset all your browsing history and settings. Here are two ways to do it, one directly through Safari, and the other through your iPhone's Settings.

How to reset Safari on iPhone through the browser

1. At the bottom of an open Safari page, tap the book icon .

2. At the top of the menu that opens, tap the clock icon to open your history.

3. Tap Clear at the bottom of the page. A prompt menu will open to warn that you'll clear your history, cookies, and other data over a selected time period. Tap All time to reset your browser.

How to reset Safari on iPhone through the Settings app

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Search for or scroll down to Safari and open it.

3. Tap Clear History and Website Data in blue about halfway down the page.

4. A prompt menu will pop up. Tap Clear History and Data and wait a few moments while the iPhone processes your request. Once it does, all your data will have been cleared.

• Main content

How to view and clear your web browsing history in Safari on iPhone or iPad

Manage your history for greater privacy

Tools and requirements

• Quick steps
• Step-by-step guide

Final thoughts

Knowing how to view and clear your web browsing history in Safari on an iPhone or iPad is fundamental for privacy. After all, browsing history comes bundled with web navigation unless you're on Private browsing.  

Safari is Apple ’s proprietary web browser, and it offers a simple method to review and delete specific websites from your web history, or all of it. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to access and clear your Safari browsing history on iPhone and iPad. 

Additionally, for an incredibly secure browsing experience on iPad, we recommend checking out the best iPad VPN .  

• An iPhone or iPad

Steps for how to view and clear your web browsing history in Safari on iPhone or iPad

• Launch Safari. 
• On an iPhone, tap the Book icon at the bottom. On an iPad, tap the 'Show Sidebar' button at the top left.
• Select the History tab (Clock icon). 
• Tap 'Clear' and select the timeframe.  
• Tap 'Clear History'. 

Step-by-step guide to view and clear your web browsing history in Safari on iPhone or iPad

We’ve demonstrated the steps below on an iPhone. But the process is nearly the same on the iPad, and we’ve pointed out the differences where relevant. 

1. Launch Safari and access History

Open Safari on your iPhone and tap the 'Bookmarks' button at the bottom (beside the tab switcher button). 

On iPad, tap the 'Show Sidebar' button at the top left corner.

2. Clear History

Select the History tab (clock icon) to view all your browsing history. 

Tap 'Clear' at the bottom right corner to bring up the menu and choose a duration under the 'Clear Timeframe : Last hour , Today , Today and yesterday' , and 'All history' . 

To close tabs along with clearing history, toggle on 'Close All Tabs' . 

Finally, tap 'Clear History' at the bottom to erase your browsing history. 

To delete only specific websites from history, go to the History tab , tap 'Edit' (in the bottom left corner), select the websites you wish to delete, and then tap 'Delete' (bottom right corner).

Clearing your web browsing history in Safari is a straightforward and effective way to boost privacy. But remember that deleting your history removes data that you could easily use to access previously visited websites. If you’d prefer not to save your browsing data, try the Private Browsing Mode on Safari. 

For more iPad and iPhone tips, check out our tutorials on how to use and configure a VPN on your iPhone or iPad , how to change your iPhone password or reset it , and how to save, view and manage passwords in Safari .

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.

Nikshep Myle is a freelance writer covering tech, health, and wellbeing. He has written for popular tech blogs like Tom's Guide, GadgetReview, SlashGear, and Creative Bloq, and has extensively reviewed consumer gadgets. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him meditating, gaming, discovering new music, and indulging in adventurous and creative pursuits.

You can get an iPhone 15 Pro for $5/mo at Verizon right now - and that's with no trade

Siri in iOS 18 rumored to be 'more conversational and versatile' thanks to AI

Nvidia might already be working on a future generation of AI-focused GPUs, codenamed Rubin

Most Popular

• 2 I tested Samsung's glare-free OLED TV vs a conventional OLED TV – here's what I learned
• 3 Dell cracks down on hybrid working again — computing giant is going to start color-coding employees to show who is coming back to the office
• 4 Majority MP3 Player review: one of the best cheap music players to consider
• 5 Best Buy's having a huge sale ahead of Memorial Day - 17 deals I'd buy now
• 2 10 things Apple forgot to tell us about the new iPad Pro and iPad Air
• 3 4 reasons why most free VPNs are scams
• 4 Microsoft is bringing passkeys to all users
• 5 I tested Samsung's glare-free OLED TV vs a conventional OLED TV – here's what I learned

How to make your iPhone go faster

I t’s hard to be patient with a slow iPhone , especially when using it for everything, from the calculator to getting directions on Maps. No one likes dealing with lag, buffering, or app freezing. Fortunately, there are a few ways you could speed up your iPhone.

Restart your iPhone

Let’s start with the classic “Did you try turning it off and on again?” It’s a classic for a reason, not just another tech myth. On a technical level, it helps refresh your iPhone’s RAM or working memory, which optimizes its overall performance. Since it’s probably the most straightforward hack, I’d recommend starting with this one.

There are slightly different ways to restart an iPhone based on its model. If you can’t get yours to restart, you might want to do a quick “how to restart [your iPhone model]” search. In case you’re unsure about your iPhone’s model, we have a guide for that , too.

Clear Safari Data

I’m sure we have encountered an ‘Accept Cookies’ popup. Even if you have no idea what that does, you’ve probably accepted tons of cookies by now. Refer to this helpful guide for a detailed and easy lesson on internet cookies. For the scope of this piece, all you need to know is that every time you click on ‘Accept Cookies’ on your browser, you’re putting a bunch of files on your device. These files pile up over time and end up slowing your phone.

If you frequently use Safari on your iPhone, you probably have a lot of passwords, cookies, tabs, and other login info in your Safari cache. It’s a good habit to clear that from time to time. Note that this will require re-entering login credentials or other personal info on some sites since clearing your cache will make your Safari brand new again.

To clear all Safari data, go to Settings on your iPhone and look up ‘Safari.’ Once in the Safari menu, scroll down until you see ‘Clear History and Website Data.’ It will ask you to pick a timeframe. Select ‘All history’ and then hit the red button at the bottom that says ‘Clear History.’

Free Up Space

Full storage is one of the leading causes of a sluggish iPhone. Go to Settings , scroll to General , and click on iPhone Storage from the menu. Doing so will present you with a stacked bar chart and an ordered list of your iPhone’s storage situation, clearly labeling how much space is occupied by which app.

It will also provide you with recommendations on how to free up space. Under Recommendations , click on Review Large Attachments to see the photos, videos, and attachments that are taking up the most space. When you see something you want to delete, swipe left and hit Delete .

There are other ways to free up space on your iPhone, but it ultimately depends on your priorities and your phone use. If you don’t always need all your photos and videos on your phone, you can back them up on iCloud and delete them from your iPhone. However, this would mean you would no longer be able to access them without the internet.

Similarly, if you don’t need all your iMessages, you can mass-delete them. I’ll review all the ways to clear storage on your iPhone in a separate, dedicated guide.

iOS updates often bring bug fixes that help improve your iPhone’s efficiency, so it’s a good idea to always be on the latest software update. You can do that by turning automatic updates on. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn on the toggle switch for all three options on the page. This will automatically download and install iOS software updates when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked.

You can also manually update your iOS. A ‘Software Update Available’ notice on your Settings app under your Apple ID will tell you there’s a newer version you haven’t yet updated to. If you see that, scroll down to General > Software Update and click Download and Install to begin the update. If you don’t see that notice, you’re on the latest version.

Replace Battery

Another possible reason for a slow phone is a battery overused to the point of dysfunction. If your iPhone is old, its battery’s health may not be ideal. To see if that’s the case, go to Settings, look up Battery Health, and click on Battery Health & Charging from the open menu. Anything 80% and above is good, but Apple recommends replacing your battery when its health falls below that mark.

Turn Off Automatic Downloads and Background App Refresh

Apps on your iPhone tend to auto-update. While this is helpful, it could become overwhelming for your phone, especially if you have many apps on it. Multiple background app refreshes also take place without you knowing. Again, this is a helpful feature, but it could lead to a considerable drop in your phone’s efficiency if you have many apps that constantly refresh and update.

Go to Settings > App Store and turn off all three toggle switches under ‘Automatic Downloads.’ These are App Downloads, App Updates, and In-App Content. Then, go to General > Background App Refresh > Background App Refresh (again) and choose Off . Doing both will ensure no power-hungry apps are running in the background. If you’d like an app updated, you can constantly manually update it in the App Store.

No, closing your background apps won’t help.

I know; I felt as deceived as you did when Gizmodo Maxwell Zeff told us that closing background apps doesn’t do anything and that I have been making my poor little thumb do all that labor for years for nothing. It’s just a tech myth that originated years ago on Apple’s community forum and Stack Overflow and has been perpetuated ever since (because it sounds like it should work!). But yeah, doing that won’t affect either performance or battery.

Are some of your apps still running slow?

Are you sure it’s your phone and not your network? People often mistake a slow connection for a slow phone. Especially if you’re experiencing lag on apps that require an internet connection, it might just be your internet that needs fixing.

To quickly check this, look up ‘speed test’ on your browser. You’ll see an ‘Internet speed test’ pop-up. Hit the blue button that says ‘run speed test.’ In around 30 seconds, you’ll get precise stats on your download and upload speeds and a comment on your internet performance.

I just ran mine, and it said, “Your Internet connection is very fast. It should be able to handle multiple devices streaming HD videos, video conferencing, and gaming at the same time.” So, if my iPhone starts acting up, I’d know it’s not my internet.

A version of this article originally appeared on Gizmodo .

For the latest news, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .