5 Fixes Safari Private Browsing Grayed Out on iPhone, iPad

With the latest update, Apple has tightened the security alongside adding numerous features in favor of users. 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 missing and there are plenty of reasons why it is happening with 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 iPhone. Within 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

How to Enable Private Browsing on Safari iPhone

1. Launch the Safari App.
2. Hit the Tabs/Pages icon on the bottom-right corner. [iOS 15:- Press & Hold on Tabs/Pages icon to see Private option.]
3. Select Private option. [But Option is Read-only or Grayed out then Check the Screen Time Restrictions settings explained in next solution]
4. Once the private mode in enabled, the Safari’s browsing interface will turn black.

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

Video to Enable Private Browsing on Your iPhone and iPad

Fix Safari Private Mode Not Working

Disable Screen Time for Safari App

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

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Tap Screen Time.
3. Open Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Go with Content Restirctions > Web Content > Select Unrestricted Access.
5. That’s it. Recheck in your Safari Browser.

Enable/Disable Safari Browser access on iOS/iPadOS

• Also, use Safari Browser on your iOS device. Make sure Safari is enabled under Allowed Apps
  • [Head to Settings App > Find and tap Screen Time > Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions (etner screen time passcode if asks) > Click Allowed Apps > Enable Safari Toggle Green ].

Check this Setting Too: How to turn on Private browsing on Screen Time

It might be possible the websites are blocked due to Parental Control, and that’s the reason, why Safari Private option is not appearing. You must disable the website restrictions on Safari.

1. Open the Settings app on iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Restrictions.
4. Enter the passcode if asked.
5. Select Websites.
6. Make sure All Websites is selected.

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.

1. Go to the Settings app on iPhone.
2. Scroll down and select Screen Time.
3. Turn Off Screen Time.

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

Video to Show Private button in Safari on iPad and iPhone

Update Safari and iPhone

Last but not the 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 iPhone,

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Download and Install software update if available.

Also Helpful: Safari Private Browsing Grayed Out on Mac