Safari is an indispensable browser for many iPhone users. With the latest release of iOS 15, in this article we'll learn how to use Safari tabs on your iPhone.
With each new release of iOS, Safari's capabilities evolve beyond what we could have imagined. Some unique features include tab grouping, which makes it easier to keep web pages organized.
If you're interested in learning how to use Safari tabs on your iPhone, keep reading as we'll walk you through the process. These tips will work for anyone using iOS 15 or later.
How to Create Safari Tab Groups on iPhone
Do you find your tabs constantly becoming disorganized when using Safari and opening multiple pages at once? If so, creating tab groups will help you keep everything in one place.
Creating tab groups is easy. You can create them using pages you already have open, or you can create tab groups from scratch. Let's first look at how to do this using web pages you already have open:
Step 1: In the Safari app, tap the icon with two squares at the bottom of your page.
Step 2: On the next page, you'll see all your open tabs. If you scroll down, you'll see an option labeled "[Number] Tabs"; select this.
Step 4: Your iPhone will ask you to name your new group. Type in the box and tap Save.
When you create a new tab, you can access it by clicking the two squares icon in the bottom left. In the pop-up window, you'll see a small bar with your tab's name.
If you don't have any pages open yet but want to prepare for future browsing sessions, you can create groups from scratch. To do this:
Step 1: Select the icon with two squares at the bottom of the Safari app.
Step 2: Click New Empty Tab Group.
Step 3: Give your tab group a name and press Save.
To add your first page in the blank tab, visit the website you want to embed. If you can't load the page, follow these steps: Tips to help you fix Safari not loading issue.
Next, you can tap the two squares icon and tap the plus sign at the bottom left.
How to Use Safari's Compact Tab Bar on iPhone
In Safari running iOS 15 and later, you'll notice a compact tab bar—a slightly different experience than previous versions of the app. While many users reported difficulty using this, it's easy once you get used to it. In addition to entering a website address, you can also use this bar to navigate between tabs and view them all.
If you want to scroll between tabs, you'll first need to go to the bar at the bottom.
Once you're there, swipe left or right to visit other web pages. Alternatively, you can swipe up to see an overview of the sites you've opened.
If you use this setting in tab groups, you'll see all the sites you want in that specific group. This allows for easy switching between pages.
You should have the compact tab bar enabled by default. However, if you've previously disabled it, follow these steps to enable it:
Step 1: Go to Settings > Safari.
Step 2: Scroll down to Tabs.
Step 3: Select the tab bar.
When you reopen Safari, the changes should take effect.
How to remove Safari tabs on iPhone
If you later want to remove tab groups, the process isn't too difficult. Follow these steps to do so:
Step 1: Check the boxes in the bottom right of Safari. Alternatively, you can swipe up if the compact tab bar is enabled.
Step 2: Click on the tab name at the bottom of the next page.
Step 3: Select the group you want to remove. Then select Delete.
Make using Safari on iPhone easier
While using Safari tabs on your iPhone can be a bit confusing at first, it's an excellent tool for making web browsing on your iPhone easier once you get the hang of it. If you still don't like this feature, you can always downgrade to the previous version of iOS 15, so it's worth giving it a try. Alternatively, you can Use a Safari alternative for your iPhone.
To make browsing simpler, tab grouping is a great way to keep essential pages together—without having to search for them again later. If you use these two features well, you can save hours.
