Safari tips

Apple’s web browser is packed with handy yet little–used shortcuts of use to you

Step back in time

Accidentally closed a tab? In the tabs overview (or while viewing a page on iPad), hold a finger on the + to access a list of recently closed tabs, then tap the one you want to reopen it. To return to a page previously viewed in the current tab, hold a finger on the back arrow and choose from the list.

Manage tabs quickly

Tap the tabs icon (the two overlapping squares) to see open tabs; tap one to view it. Turn an iPhone sideways to view as non–overlapping thumbnails — great for sifting through a lot of them. Hold a finger on the tabs icon for options to close the current tab or all tabs, or open a new regular or private tab.

Search for a tab

To search all open tabs (on this device), go to the top of the tabs overview, then swipe down to reveal a search bar — or turn an iPhone sideways and then you don’t even have to scroll. Note, however, that this searches only titles and addresses, not page contents; non–matching tabs become hidden as you type.

Tabs on other devices

Tabs view also shows all the tabs open in Safari on other devices signed into the same iCloud account. You may need to scroll to see them. Tap one to open it. Provided the other device is online, swipe left on the name to close that tab remotely (but note it won’t then appear in that device’s Recently Closed list).

Find text on a page

To search within the current page, type in the search bar; On This Page is the bottom search suggestions and lists the number of matches; tap the result and you can step through them. Or, open the Share sheet and tap Find on Page (bottom row). This shows the search term on the page as you type.