7 Fixes Safari Private Browsing Button Missing on iPhone 15, 14 (Any)

iPhone Safari private Tab or Buttong missing? No worries, here are a few workarounds to fix the Private Browsing not working Safari.

in short

  • Check Screen Time restrictions, restart Safari, reboot iPhone, update iOS
  • inspect Safari settings, reset all settings, or more in this troubleshooting guide.

With the latest update, Apple has tightened the security and added numerous features in users’ favor. However, Private Browsing isn’t new; you’ll find this feature mostly in all the browsing apps like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc. When you don’t want to leave any trace of Browsing history or cache, using Private Browsing is recommended. Some iPhone users have reported that the Safari Private option is missing, and there are plenty of reasons why it is happening to you. Often an incorrect change leads to such problems.

In this tutorial, I’ll list all the possible workarounds that could help you fix the Safari private browsing not showing or grayed out on your iPhone. Within a few minutes, the Private mode will start working if there’s no big issue with your iPhone or Safari.

Safari Private Mode Not Working on iPhone, iPad

Solution #1: Disable Screen Time Restrictions for Safari Private Mode

When Screen Time restrictions are disabled for Restricted web content in Safari, you won’t be able to use it. Therefore, make sure it is turned off. Here are the steps to check it.

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone > Swipe Down and Select Screen Time.

Open Screen Time Settings App On iPhone

Step 2: Select Content & Privacy Restrictions > Click on Content Restrictions.

Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions Select Content Restrictions on iPhone

Step 3: Tap on Web Content > Choose Unrestricted.

Tap on Web Content Choose Unrestricted on iPhone

Step 4: Force closes the Safari app on your iPhone and Recheck in your Safari with the Private tab button.

Force Close Safari Browser on iPhone

Step 5: Touch and Hold on to the Tabs icon to see the new Private Tab. That’s it.

How to Use Private Browsing on Safari iPhone

Step 1: Launch the Safari App on your iPhone > Hit the Tabs icon on the bottom-right corner.

Open Safari Select Tabs Icon on iPhone

Step 2: Swipe left side to Select the Private option > Once the Private mode is Enabled, Safari’s browsing interface will turn black.

Swipe Left side Select private option Enable Private Mode on iPhone

➡️ See here: How to Enable Private Browsing on iPhone.

Enable/Disable Safari Browser access on iOS/iPad

Restrict the use of Safari Browser on your iOS device. Make sure Safari is enabled under Allowed Apps in screen Time Restriction.

Step 1: Launch the Settings App on your iPhone > Swipe Down to Select Screen Time.

Open Settings Select Screen Time on iPhone

Step 2: Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions > Click on Allowed Apps.

Select Content & Privacy Restrictions Tap on Allowed Apps on iPhone

Step 3: Enter Screen Time Passcode > Enable Safari.

Enter Screen time Passcode Enable Safari on iPhone

Force Restart your iPhone

Force close all apps (Relaunch app on iPhone), Fix all the issues most of the time. If something is stuck and not working, then try restarting your device. Follow the below steps to restart your iPhone.

iPhone 8 & later…

  1. Quickly Press and Release the Volume Up button and Volume Down button.
  2. Only Press and Hold the Power/Sleep button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Hard Reboot iPhone Step by Step
Hard Reboot iPhone Step-by-Step

Disable and Enable Screen Time Restrictions

For some users re-enabling the Screen Time restrictions on iPhones. I’d recommend you to do the same.

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone > Swipe down to Select Screen Time.

Open Settings Select Screen Time on iPhone

Step 2: Select Change Screen Time Passcode > Turn Off Screen Time Passcode.

Tap on Change Screen Time Passcode Select Turn off Screen Time Passcode on iPhone

Again refer to the same steps and enable the Screen Time restrictions.

Update Safari and iPhone

Last but not least, check the Safari and iPhone for the latest updates. Updating the app and iOS fixes a lot of minor issues like this. Connect the iPhone to the Wi-Fi and follow the below steps.

To update Software on iPhone,

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone > Select General Option.

Open Settings Choose General Option on iPhone

Step 2: Select Software Update > Tap on Update Now.

Select Software Update Tap on Update Now on iPhone

Also Helpful: Safari Private Browsing Grayed Out on Mac

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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