As a browser, Safari has long been top-notch. Be it the full-on customization for a more personalized browsing experience, a wide range of privacy-centric features, or the ability to sync your bookmarks and history across iDevices, Apple’s browser has got you ticked off – with aplomb. For all being so efficient, the stock browser can’t claim to be immune to issues. One of the most frustrating issues that a decent number of users have recently faced is “Safari not saving browsing history on iPhone and iPad.” If this problem has plagued your browsing experience as well, now is the right time to fix it for good. Read on…
Fix Safari Not Saving History on iPhone and iPad
What’s preventing Safari from saving your browsing history? From the wrong configuration to the clogged-up storage space to a persistent bug, there are multiple reasons why this problem occurs. Thankfully, you can nab all the possible culprits and restore the full functionality to the stock browser, without breaking a sweat.
1. Turn Off Private Browsing Mode
Bear in mind that Safari’s private browsing mode doesn’t record your search history, website visits, or autofill data. Therefore, make sure it’s turned off.
- Open Safari and tap the tabs icon in the lower-right corner.
- Then, switch to a regular tab view. This will allow Safari to resume saving your browsing history.
2. Disable Screen Time Restrictions
Screen Time may restrict Safari and prevent it from saving history.
- On your iPhone and iPad, head over to the Settings app > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Now, tap Allowed Apps & Features, and ensure Safari is allowed.
- At the same time, make sure to check Web Content settings (Settings app > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > App Store > Media > Web & Games) and set it to “Unrestricted Access.”
3. Check iCloud Safari Syncing
If Safari is not syncing properly with iCloud, it may cause the history not to save or appear.
- On your device, navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Next, tap See All and then toggle Safari off. Wait a few seconds and toggle it back on.
- This resets the sync and may resolve the issue.
4. Clear Safari Website Data
It’s important to mention that the corrupted cache or cookies can interfere with how Safari stores history. Therefore, wipe out the entire history and cookies.
- Dive into the Settings app > Safari > Clear History and Website Data, then confirm.
- This removes all temporary site data that may be causing problems.
5. Update iOS or iPadOS
A bug in an outdated version of iOS or iPadOS can prevent Safari from saving history correctly.
- Fire up the Settings app on your iDevice > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
- Note that keeping your system updated ensures Safari runs smoothly.
6. Restart Your iPhone or iPad
Temporary system glitches can affect Safari’s behavior. Hence, try rebooting your device to flush out the temporary glitches, as that could be causing the problem.
- Simply power off your device and turn it back on. This basic step often clears up small bugs and refreshes app performance.
7. Turn Off Safari Suggestions
Safari suggestions sometimes interfere with how history is stored or displayed.
- Launch the Settings app > Apps > Safari and toggle off Safari Suggestions and Search Engine Suggestions.
- After that, relaunch Safari and check if history starts saving.
8. Check Storage Space
It’s worth pointing out that the low storage on your device can prevent Safari from saving history or other data. Hence, take a close look at the storage space on your device and be sure to clean up the entire clutter in order to free up as much space as possible.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, and make sure there’s enough free space. Delete unused apps or large files if needed.
9. Reset All Settings
If Safari is still unable to save your history, I’d recommend that you factory reset your device. Incorrect settings across the system might be interfering with Safari’s functions.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t delete your data, but it will restore system settings to default.
10. Use an Alternative Browser Temporarily
If Safari continues to malfunction, using another browser can help you browse without data loss until Apple resolves the issue.
- Download a browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge from the App Store and use it while you troubleshoot or wait for a system fix.
Wrapping up…
And that wraps up this detailed guide. Safari not saving your history can be an annoying problem, especially if you rely on it to revisit websites or track your browsing activity. Thankfully, the issue is usually tied to simple settings like Private Browsing mode or Screen Time restrictions. By working through the steps above, you can restore Safari’s normal behavior and ensure your browsing history is saved properly. If all else fails, waiting for a future iOS update or temporarily switching browsers can keep you going in the meantime.
