Many iPad users wonder if they can stop Safari from working on their device. You can block Safari on your iPad using the Screen Time feature in your device settings, which lets you restrict or completely disable the browser.
This built-in tool gives you control over web access without requiring you to download additional apps.
Parents often want to block Safari to keep kids safe online. Others block it to stay focused while working or studying.
Safari comes pre-installed on every iPad and cannot be deleted like other apps, but Apple's Screen Time controls make it easy to restrict access.
This guide shows you exactly how to block Safari step by step. You'll also learn about other ways to control web access and manage screen time on your iPad.
Quick Insights 💡:
- Open Settings > Screen Time
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Enter your passcode
- Go to Allowed Apps > Toggle Safari Off
- Safari disappears from the Home Screen instantly
Check Out Related Products
Why Would You Want to Block Safari on an iPad?
People block Safari on iPads for three main reasons: to keep children safe from harmful content, to remove distractions during work or study time, and to control how devices are used in business settings.
For Parents: Creating a Safe Digital Environment
Parents use Safari blocking as a key part of parental controls to protect their children online. The internet contains content that isn't suitable for young users.
Safety concerns include:
- Adult content and violent material
- Inappropriate websites and images
- Contact with strangers through web-based chat
- Access to social media without supervision
Children can also make accidental purchases through Safari. Many websites have one-click buying options that kids don't understand. This can lead to unexpected charges on your Apple account.
Safari blocking also helps control screen time. Kids often browse endlessly without realizing how much time passes.
By removing Safari, you turn the iPad into a tool for specific apps like educational games or reading programs.
For Focus: Eliminating Distractions at Work or School
Safari can become a major distraction when you need to focus. Work and school tasks require attention that web browsing can easily break.
Common distractions through Safari:
- Social media websites
- News sites and entertainment content
- Online shopping
- Video streaming platforms
Students often start research projects but end up browsing unrelated sites. This wastes time and reduces learning quality. Teachers and parents block Safari to keep iPads focused on school apps.
Workers face similar challenges. Company iPads work better when limited to business tools like email, documents, and work-specific apps. Safari removal creates a dedicated work device.
For Businesses: Controlling Device Usage
Companies need strict control over their iPad devices. Business security requires limiting what employees can access on company equipment.
Business reasons for blocking Safari:
- Preventing data leaks through personal browsing
- Stopping downloads of unauthorized software
- Keeping workers focused on approved apps
- Meeting industry security requirements
Many businesses use iPads for specific tasks like inventory management or customer service. Safari access isn't needed for these jobs. Removing it reduces security risks and keeps devices running smoothly.
Company-owned iPads often contain sensitive information. Unrestricted web access creates security holes that could expose business data. Blocking Safari is part of a complete device management strategy.
How to Block Safari on iPad – Step by Step
You can block Safari using Screen Time settings built into iPadOS. This process lets you completely disable Safari or limit which websites can be accessed.
Step 1 – Open Screen Time Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPad. Look for the settings icon on your home screen.
Scroll down and tap Screen Time. This option appears in the main settings menu.
If Screen Time is not already turned on, tap Turn On Screen Time. Follow the setup prompts to enable this feature.
Choose whether this iPad belongs to you or your child. Select This is My iPad if you're setting it up for yourself. Select 'This is My Child's iPad' if you're restricting a child's device.
Step 2 – Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions in the Screen Time menu. You'll find this option near the bottom of the screen.
Turn on the toggle switch next to Content & Privacy Restrictions. The switch should turn green when active.
The system will ask you to create a Screen Time passcode. Choose a four-digit code that's different from your device unlock code.
Enter the passcode twice to confirm it. Write down this code somewhere safe. You'll need it to make future changes.
Step 3 – Disable Safari from Allowed Apps
Tap Allowed Apps under the Content & Privacy Restrictions section. This shows all the apps you can control.
Find Safari in the list of apps. It should be near the bottom of the allowed apps list.
Turn off the toggle switch next to Safari. The switch will turn gray when disabled.
Safari will disappear from your home screen immediately. The app icon will no longer be visible anywhere on the iPad.
Step 4 – Restrict Specific Websites Instead
Return to Content & Privacy Restrictions if you prefer partial blocking instead. Tap Content Restrictions this time.
Select Web Content from the menu options. You'll see three different restriction levels.
Choose Limit Adult Websites to block inappropriate content but keep Safari working. This option filters websites automatically.
Pick Allowed Websites Only for the strictest control. You can add specific websites that are safe to visit.
Add websites by tapping Add Website under the allowed list. Type in the exact web address you want to permit.
Step 5 – Lock Changes with Passcode
Your Screen Time passcode protects all these settings. No one can change Safari restrictions without entering this code.
Test the passcode protection by trying to access Screen Time settings again. The system should ask for your four-digit code.
If someone tries to download a new browser app, Screen Time can block that too. Go to iTunes & App Store Purchases in Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Set Installing Apps to Don't Allow to prevent new browser downloads. This stops people from getting around the Safari block.
Keep your Screen Time passcode private and different from other device codes. Change it regularly if other people might have seen you enter it.
Also Read: Quick Fix: How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad Perfectly
Alternative Methods for Blocking Web Access
You can use Guided Access to temporarily lock your iPad to one app. You can also switch to a restricted browser instead of blocking Safari completely.
Using Guided Access for Temporary Lockdown
Guided Access works well when you want to lend your iPad temporarily. It locks your device into just one app and blocks access to everything else.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access to turn it on. You will need to create a passcode for this feature.
Once it's enabled, open any app you want to keep running. Triple-click the Top button on newer iPads or the Home button on older models.
This starts a Guided Access session. You can tap areas of the screen to disable them. The person using your iPad cannot leave that app or access other parts of the screen.
To end the session, triple-click the same button again. Enter your passcode to unlock full access to your iPad.
Using a Restricted Third-Party Browser
You can download a kid-safe browser instead of blocking Safari completely. This gives you more control over web content.
Popular options include:
- Kaspersky Safe Kids
- Mobicip
- Circle Home Plus
Download one of these browsers from the App Store. Set up the parental controls within the app.
Then use Screen Time to block Safari through the Allowed Apps setting. This forces all web browsing through your controlled browser.
The restricted browser will filter content automatically. Many of these apps also track browsing history and send reports to parents.
Verifying Safari is Blocked
Check that Safari cannot be opened from the home screen. The app icon should appear dimmed or missing completely.
Try searching for Safari using Spotlight search. It should not appear in the results if properly blocked.
Test other ways to access the web. Check if links in emails or messages open properly. They should either not work or open in your approved browser.
Look for the Safari icon in the App Library. Blocked apps still appear there but cannot be opened.
If Safari still works, go back to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Make sure all settings are saved correctly.
Also Read: How to Print from iPad: The Easy Guide to Wireless Printing
Tips for Managing Screen Time Effectively
Set daily app time limits to control how much your child uses Safari and other apps. You can do this through the App Limits feature in Screen Time settings.
Go to Settings, then Screen Time, and tap App Limits. Choose Safari or web browsers from the list. Set a time limit that works for your family's needs.
Use Downtime to restrict internet access during important times. This feature blocks apps and websites during bedtime or study hours.
- Turn on Downtime in Screen Time settings
- Pick specific hours when Safari should be blocked
- Allow only essential apps during these times
- Set different schedules for weekdays and weekends
Start with short time limits and adjust as needed. It's easier to add more time later than to take it away.
Monitor your child's usage through Screen Time reports. These show you which apps they use most and when they use them.
Pair restrictions with open conversations about safe browsing habits. Discuss with your kids the purpose of limits and what constitutes good internet use.
Explain the rules before setting them up. This helps kids understand the limits instead of feeling punished.
Use Screen Time passwords to prevent changes to your settings. Choose a code that your child doesn't know to maintain the limits in place.
Remember that Screen Time works across all Apple devices signed into the same account. This means limits apply to iPhones and iPads together.
Conclusion
Knowing how to block Safari on iPad is less about deleting an app and more about intelligently using Apple's powerful built-in management tools.
By using the Screen Time and Content Restrictions features, you can effectively remove web browsing, creating a customized device that emphasizes safety, focus, and productivity.
Remember, the Screen Time passcode is your key to maintaining these controls, so keep it safe.
With your iPad now perfectly configured for its purpose, ensure it has the physical protection to match.
Check out our collections of functional cases that complement your focused setup:
FAQs About How to Block Safari on iPad
Parents often have questions about blocking Safari and setting up website restrictions. Time limits and permanent removal options work differently on iPads.
How do I block Safari from my child's iPad?
You can block Safari using Screen Time controls built into your iPad. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on. Tap Allowed Apps and turn off Safari.
The Safari app will disappear from your child's home screen. They cannot access it until you turn it back on.
Can I permanently remove Safari from my iPad?
No, you cannot permanently delete Safari from an iPad. Safari is a built-in system app that Apple does not allow users to remove. You can only hide Safari using Screen Time restrictions. The app stays on the device but becomes invisible and unusable.
Can Safari be locked on iPad?
Yes, Safari can be locked using Screen Time features. You can block Safari completely or set specific usage limits. The Screen Time passcode prevents children from changing these settings. Only someone with the passcode can unlock Safari.
How to block Safari websites on iPad?
Open Settings and go to Screen Time. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. Select Content Restrictions and tap Web Content. Choose "Limit Adult Websites" to block inappropriate sites automatically.
You can also select "Allowed Websites Only" to create a list of approved sites. Add specific websites to your allowed or blocked lists.
How do I unblock Safari later?
Go to Settings and tap Screen Time. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enter your Screen Time passcode when prompted. Tap Allowed Apps and turn Safari back on. The Safari app will reappear on your home screen immediately.
Can I set time limits instead of blocking Safari completely?
Yes, you can set daily time limits for Safari instead of blocking it. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time. Select App Limits and tap Add Limit. Choose Safari from the list and set your desired time limit.
Your child can use Safari until they reach the daily limit. Then Safari becomes unavailable until the next day.
