how do i change browser settings in safari

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How to Change Safari Settings on iPhone or iPad

Last Updated: November 4, 2019 Tested

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA . Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 36,201 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to customize the behavior of the Safari web browser on your iPhone or iPad. If you're using iOS 13 or later, you now have the option to choose display options for individual websites in addition to making global changes.

Changing Web Preferences by Website

• Changes you make with this method will only affect the currently-open website. If you want your preferences to affect all websites rather than just for those you customize, see the Changing Web Preferences for All Websites section instead.

• Select Ask on a feature if you'd like to be asked each time the site tries to access the feature (default).
• Select Deny if you never want the site to access the feature.
• Select Allow to always allow the site to access the feature.

Changing Web Preferences for All Websites

• It is also possible to customize these settings on a per-website basis. See this method to learn how.
• Changing your web preferences using this method will not affect sites you've customized individually.

• Select Ask on a feature if you'd like to be asked each time any site tries to access the feature (default).
• Select Deny if you never want websites to access the feature.
• Select Allow to always allow websites to access the feature.

Changing General Safari Settings

• Use the sliders in the "IN SAFARI" section at the top to choose whether Siri has access to Safari.
• Use the sliders in the "IN SEARCH" section to customize whether Safari options show when searching your iPhone/iPad or using the Shortcuts app.
• Tap the back button when you're finished.

• Tap AutoFill to adjust which information appears automatically in form fields, such as your name, address, phone number, email, and credit card info.
• Pop-up ads are blocked in Safari by default. If you'd like to see pop-up ads on websites, slide the "Block Pop-ups" switch to the Off (gray) position.
• Tap Downloads to choose where to save files and media you download from websites. You'll have the option to choose a cloud storage service or your iPhone/iPad.

• To allow sites and services to track your browsing anywhere on the web, slide the "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" switch to the Off (gray) position. To retain your privacy, you can leave this switch in the On (green) position.
• Cookies are used by websites to keep track of your visits, preferences, and login information (for sites that require username/password access). [2] X Research source The "Block All Cookies" switch is Off (gray) by default, but you can enable it by toggling it to the On (green) position.
• Safari will display a warning message if a website you visit is deemed fraudulent in some way. If you don't want to see these messages, you can toggle the "Fraudulent Website Warning" switch to the Off (gray) position.
• Adjust the "Check for Apple Pay" switch to reflect your desired Apple Pay behavior on all websites.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.cultofmac.com/636450/how-to-use-safaris-amazing-new-settings-in-ios-13/
• ↑ https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-what-are-cookies.html

About This Article

1. Go to a website in Safari. 2. Tap the Aa button. 3. Tap Website Settings . 4. Make your changes. 5. Tap Done . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Disable autofill, clear your browsing history, block your cookies, 7 settings you should change in safari to enhance your privacy.

• If you use Safari on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you can enable settings to enhance your privacy while web browsing.
• You can easily disable cookies, change your search engine to DuckDuckGo, hide your IP address, and more.
• Here are seven of the top ways to make your online activity more private.

While Apple has allowed alternative browsers on the iPhone and iPad for quite some time, odds are good that if you have one of those devices (or a Mac computer, of course) you frequently use Safari to browse the web. It's relatively safe and private, but you can do much better by tweaking a few settings. Here are seven Safari settings that'll enhance your privacy when you're online.

Almost every step you take online is tracked by websites to target you for ads and to customize your experience. But you can shut most of that down by telling Safari to stop tracking you. On your iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Privacy & Security section, enable Prevent Cross-Site Tracking by swiping the button to the right. 

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Privacy tab and then click the checkbox for Prevent Cross-Site Tracking .

Google is most people's default, but that search engine fundamentally lacks privacy. If you don't want a large corporation to know your browsing history, switch to DuckDuckGo. On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Search section, tap Search Engine and choose DuckDuckGo from the options.

If you're using a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Search tab. Finally, to the right of Search Engine , click the dropdown menu and switch from Google to DuckDuckGo .

Hide your IP address 

By default, websites can see your IP address, which can reveal personal details about you including your location. If you prefer, you can hide this from online trackers. On your iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Privacy & Security section, tap Hide IP Address and choose From Trackers .

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Privacy tab and then click the checkbox for Hide IP address from trackers . 

A lot of your mobile device's secret sauce is based on location services — your iPhone and iPad need to know where you are to make smart suggestions and offer location-based features. But if you don't want Safari to know where you are, it's easy to turn off. On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Settings for Websites section, tap Location and change the setting to Deny (or, if you want to be asked every time, choose Ask ). 

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Websites tab. Choose Location in the pane on the left. At the bottom of the window, configure When visiting other sites by clicking the dropdown menu and choosing Ask or Deny . 

Autofill is a great feature if you don't like to enter basic personal information into web forms over and over again, but for that to work, Safari has to record private data. Don't want that? On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the General section, tap Autofill and turn off Use Contact Info and Credit Cards by swiping the buttons to the left. 

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the AutoFill tab. You can disable autofill data in four categories by clearing the checkboxes.

This one is the traditional, go-to way to enhance your privacy — you can clear your browsing history from time to time to erase records on your device about where you've been online, along with your saved website passwords. On an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . Then scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data . Conform you want to do that in the popup window.

On a Mac, start Safari and then click History in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Clear History in the dropdown menu, choose the timeframe you want from the dropdown menu, and click Clear History .

If you prevent cross-site tracking (see the earlier tip in this article), Safari prevents some third-party cookies. But you can disable all cookies if you want to amp up your privacy — just be aware that your online experience will be less convenient, and some sites won't work properly. To try it on an iPhone or iPad, start the Settings app and then tap Safari . In the Privacy & Security section, enable Block All Cookies by swiping the button to the right.  

On a Mac, start Safari and then click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Preferences in the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click the Privacy tab. Beside Cookies and website data , click the checkbox for Block all cookies .

• Main content

How to Change the Default Web Browser on Your iPhone

What to know.

• You can easily change your default browser on iPhone in the Settings app.
• Simply tap the browser (such as Firefox or Chrome), and then select the Default Browser option.
• Select whichever browser you want to use as the default option.

On Apple devices, Safari is the default browser. However, many people prefer to use other browsers instead of Safari. It's frustrating to have to constantly manually switch browsers when opening links on your iPhone, but you can change the default web browser on your iPhone to your preferred one. This article will show you how to set your default browser so that your preferred browser opens when you tap on a link. This is especially helpful if you use a different browser on your MacBook than you do on your iPhone, or if you just find a different browser easier to use.

• Change the Default Browser on iPhone

How to Change the Default Browser on iPhone

Interested in changing the default browser on your iPhone? A default browser can make things much easier, so you don't have to remember what features the browser you're using has, for example, searching for that pesky back button on your iPhone . If you’re wondering how to make Google Chrome the default browser on your iPhone or if you just don’t like using Safari as your default browser, follow this step-by-step guide on how to change the default browser.

And you're done! Now that you know how to change your default browser on your iPhone, you can more easily open links in your preferred web browser, whether it's Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or another browser. Are you having trouble deciding which browser is best? Read this Safari vs. Chrome article to see the pros and cons of each one. And for more advice on customizing your iPhone, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

• How do I get to my browser settings on my iPhone? If you want to change Safari's settings, you'll have to go into the Settings app, then tap Safari. If you want to change another browser's settings, just find the browser in the app list at the bottom of the Settings app. Most browsers also have more in-depth options within the app itself.
• How to make Safari the default browser again? You can follow the same steps above and simply select Safari instead. Alternatively, if you install the browser app that is set as default, your iPhone will automatically switch back to Safari.

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Hannah Nichols is a freelance marketing consultant and writer. She is obsessed with audiobooks and podcasts and always asks people for recommendations. Hannah loves going to the gym and taking really long walks with friends. She enjoys traveling with her partner and her eight-year-old son.

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How to manage privacy and security settings in Safari on iPhone and iPad

Browsing on the internet is something most of us do just about every day, but there is always a slight element of danger, whether it's viruses, identity theft, or getting spoiled for Game of Thrones (DAMN IT).

If you want to have more control over your privacy and security while using Safari on your iPhone or iPad, here's how!

How to prevent cross-site tracking

How to block all cookies in safari, how to request that websites don't track you, how to get warnings about fraudulent websites, how to allow or deny camera and microphone access, how to see if websites have apple pay set up, how to clear your history and website data, how to remove all website data.

Ever been looking at shoes and then shoe ads suddenly pop up on your Facebook feed? That's cross-site tracking and it's a way of monitoring your online behavior to better cater advertising toward you. If you don't like that, then you can turn it off in Safari like this:

• Launch Settings from your Home screen.
• Tap Safari . You'll have to scroll down to find it.
• Tap the switch next to Prevent Cross-Site Tracking . It's down under Privacy & Security .

Cookies are bits of your information that websites store in order to perhaps customize your experience in future or to save login information so that you don't have to constantly input your email address, for example. If you don't want Safari sites to save any of your info, then you can block all cookies like this:

• Tap the switch next to Block All Cookies . It's down under Privacy & Security .

Adding to the above-mentioned cross-site tracking information, you can also get Safari to send requests to websites asking them not to track your behavior. This is added padding in cross-site tracking prevention.

• Tap the switch next to Ask Websites Not To Track Me . It's down under Privacy & Security .

Safari can detect when websites are suspicious or may appear fraudulent, and if you enable the setting, you can get a warning before visiting those sites. You can also just hit "Ignore" if you know the site is legit.

• Tap the switch next to Fraudulent Website Warning . It's down under Privacy & Security . Green is on.

Some websites may want access to your camera and microphone — sites like Facebook — and Safari would therefore need that access. You can completely deny it like this:

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• Tap the switch next to Camera & Microphone Access . It's down under Privacy & Security .

Safari can automatically check to see if the site you're visiting supports Apple Pay. Here's how to enable it:

• Tap the switch next to Check for Apple Pay . It's down under Privacy & Security .

If you've been looking up J-Law's nudes or scheming on Xmas gifts for the wife and she also uses your phone, you can clear your Safari browsing history, which will also clear out your browsing data like cookies, login information, and more.

• Tap Clear History and Website Data .
• Tap Clear History and Data in the pop-up.

If you want to keep your browsing history but want to remove your data from Safari, you can just delete website data, which will remove cookies, login details, and more.

• Tap Advanced at the bottom of the page.

• Tap Website Data .
• Scroll to the bottom and tap Remove All Website Data .
• Tap Remove Now .

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How to change default browser on Windows, macOS, Android and iPhone

Here's how to change default browser on all your devices

• iPhone & iPad

Learning how to change default browser will let you customize your web browsing experience according to your preference. After all, who wants to be stuck using Microsoft Edge ? That’s right: nobody.

Fortunately, it’s easy to change default browser on all of the major computer and mobile platforms. So, whether you’re using one of the best phones or best computers , changing default browser will take you no time at all.

Here’s how to change default browser.

How to change default browser on all devices

Note: before we get started, you will need to have installed at least one other browser in addition to your current default browser to be able to change default browser.

How to change default browser: Windows

The steps below were taken on Windows 10, but should be extremely similar to those on Windows 11.

1. Hit the WIN key or click the Start menu icon to open Start, then click the Settings cog .

2. Click Apps .

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3.  Click Default apps on the left.

4. Click Web Browser .

5. Click a browser to make it default.

How to change default browser: macOS

1. Click the Apple logo , top left, then click System Preferences .

2. Click General .

3. Click the Default web browser dropdown .

4. Click a browser to make it default.

How to change default browser:Android

1. Open Settings and tap Apps .

2. Tap Default apps .

3. Tap Browser app .

4. Tap a browser to make it default.

How to change default browser: iPhone & iPad

1. Open the Settings app and tap Safari .

Note: you can also tap any other installed browser's setting tile, but Safari is always highest placed in the Settings menu so it makes sense to just use that.

2. Tap Default Browser App .

3. Tap a browser to make it default.

Not so difficult, right? Whichever platform you're on. If you'd like more tips on using your tech, we can also show you how to download YouTube videos and how to download videos from Facebook . If you want to change other default apps, learn how to change default apps on Mac . And if you want to customize Chrome, learn how to set Chrome flags .

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How to Change Your Default Browser on Mac

In macOS, Apple's Safari is the default browser for accessing the web, but you don't have to keep it that way. This article shows you how to change your default web browser to an alternative option. Keep reading to learn how.

While Chrome is the most popular choice among Mac users, Microsoft Edge is catching up. In fact, Edge is on the verge of overtaking Safari as the world's second most popular desktop browser , thanks to its fast performance and strong feature set.

While all browsers have something different to offer, the choice between them really comes down to personal preference. The main contenders are all free to download, so the best thing to do is install them, try them out, and keep the one you like best. Then you can make it your default browser to replace Safari.

The following sets of steps show you how to do just that. The first set of steps assume you are running macOS Ventura or later, while the second set of steps are for earlier versions of macOS that still feature the System Preferences panel. Bear in mind that both sets of steps assume you have already downloaded and installed the browser you want to use.

Change Default Browser on macOS Monterey and Earlier

• Launch System Preferences from your Mac's Dock, from the Applications folder, or from the Apple menu bar (  -> System Preferences... ).

Change Default Browser on macOS Ventura and Later

• Launch System Settings from your Mac's Dock, from the Applications folder, or from the Apple menu bar (  -> System Settings... ).
• Select Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.

That's all there is to it, you have now successfully changed your default web browser from Safari to your preferred app. Want to do the same thing on your iPhone or iPad ? Check out our dedicated article to learn how .

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How-To Geek

How to allow pop-ups in safari on mac.

Sometimes you want browser pop-ups!

By default, Safari on Mac blocks pop-up windows from appearing. If you need to allow pop-ups for certain websites, it's easy to make the change in Safari Preferences. Here's how.

First, open Safari on your Mac and browse to the website that includes the pop-ups that you want to allow. In the menu bar, click "Safari," and select "Preferences" from the menu that appears.

In the preferences window of Safari 14 and up, click the "Websites" tab, and then scroll down to the bottom of the sidebar and select "Pop-up Windows."

In older versions of Safari, open Preferences and click the "Security" tab. Uncheck "Block pop-up windows" here. If you're still using an older version, we recommend updating Safari as soon as possible to keep your Mac safe .

With "Pop-Up Windows" selected, you'll see a box on the right titled "Allow pop-up windows on the websites below." Locate the name of the website that you want to allow pop-ups on in the list. (Remember that the site must currently be open in a Safari browser window.)

Click the drop-down box beside the website name and select "Allow."

Repeat this step with any other sites in the list that you want to allow pop-ups for.

If you want to allow pop-ups on all websites by default (although we strongly advise against it), click the drop-down menu beside "When visiting other websites" and select "Allow."

After that, close Safari Preferences, and your settings will be changed. The next time you visit the site that you allowed pop-ups for, the pop-ups will appear as expected. Happy browsing!

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[Simple]How to Change Default Web Browser on Mac

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Make Google Chrome/Firefox/Safari the Default Browser on Mac

Summary:  You can change the default web browser on your MacBook Air/Pro/iMac within simple steps. Read to know how to make Google Chrome/Firefox/Safari the default browser on Mac.

Usually, Safari, the browser that comes with your MacBook Air/Pro/iMac, is the default web browser on Mac. When you click on a link, it automatically opens the page in the default browser. Sometimes you don't want to open the link in Safari, and you may want to change the default web browser on Mac to Google Chrome, Firefox, or  open a private browser on your Mac . Then this post is right for you to change the default browser on a Mac.

Apple's pre-set Safari performs excellently on Mac computers. But it may fail you when  Safari is not working on Mac . And some users reported that it runs slower than Google Chrome. Besides, some extensions are not available in Safari. Whatever the reason, you will know how to change default browser on Mac after reading this post.

How to change your default browser on Mac via System Preferences

If you want to set a web browser as the default browser on MacBook, you need to  install the app on Mac  in the first step. Once you have installed the preferred browser, it's time to follow the steps here to change the default browser on Mac. 

By accessing macOS  System Preferences , you can customize various system settings such as  Mac parental controls , Network,  Trackpad settings , etc. Here, you can also check and change the default browser on Mac through System Preferences.

• Open the  Apple Menu  located in the upper left corner.
• Choose System Preferences on the menu.

• Tap the box next to the Default web browser, and choose the browser you want to set as the default browser from the expanded menu.

Change the default web browser on Mac with this post? Share it with more people!

How to set your default browser on Mac from the browser's settings

Alternatively, you can access the settings of the target browser to set it as your default browser. Hence, it automatically opens links through the default browser you set. Safari also enables you to convert the default web browser to Safari with an option in its settings.

Make Google Chrome the default browser on Mac

• Launch Chrome on your Mac.
• Tap Chrome > Preferences on the top toolbar.
• On the Settings page, find and select Default browser on the left sidebar.

Make Firefox the default browser on Mac

• Open the Firefox browser on your Mac.
• Choose Firefox > Preferences from the app's menu bar.
• On the Settings page, choose the General tab on the left sidebar.

• Choose Use Firefox when asked. Then it says Firefox is currently your default browser.

Make Safari the default browser on Mac

• Open the Safari browser, and choose Safari > Preferences from the top toolbar.
• On the new window, choose the first General tab.

• Confirm the change on the pop-up dialogue.

[Easy Steps] How to Set Default Apps on Mac

This article tells you how to set default apps on Mac. Also, you'll know how to change the default web browser and email reader on Mac by reading it.  Read more >>

If you think this post is useful, share it with more people now!

If you don't like the pre-set Safari to open any links you click on your Mac, you can change the default web browser on Mac through System Preferences and the browser's settings. With the steps above, you can easily set any browser you like such as Chrome and Firefox as the default web browser. 

Amanda is one of the main columnists at iBoysoft. She loves exploring new technologies, focusing on macOS, Windows OS, data recovery, data security, disk management, and other tech-related issues. She takes delight in providing technical and informative articles to help people out of problems and get the utmost out of their devices.

Jessica Shee is a senior tech editor at iBoysoft. Throughout her 4 years of experience, Jessica has written many informative and instructional articles in data recovery, data security, and disk management to help a lot of readers secure their important documents and take the best advantage of their devices.

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How do I change my Skype settings?

To access your settings in Skype:

Select your profile picture .

Choose from the following settings to make your changes: Note: You can access your Skype settings from any platform or device, but not all settings are available to change on every platform.

​ Control your profile picture visibility.

View and manage your account information.

Change your language.

Choose your startup and close options. (Not available in Skype for Web or mobile)

View available Skype Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts. (Not available in Skype for Web or mobile)

Customize your Translation settings by selecting your Spoken language or Translation voice.

Turn Share location with Bing on or off. (Not available in Skype for Web)

Turn Translation permissions on or off.

Turn Only allow Skype calls from contacts to ring on this device on or off.

Enable or disable Optional diagnostic data .

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How to get started with Arc browser on Windows 11

O n Windows 11 , you can use many web browsers, even though Microsoft will do everything it can to lure you into using Microsoft Edge . However, there's a new browser in town that aims to disrupt the way you browse the internet, and the name of that application is  "Arc."

What is the Arc browser?

Arc, developed by the Browser Company, is a fresh addition to the web browsing scene. It's built on the Chromium browser engine, the same one that powers Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge . But what sets Arc apart? Let's find out.

Although most browsers are aesthetically similar, Arc isn't. It has a unique design with vertical tabs in the sidebar, which many users find better for organization (not my case). Using this browser, you can organize your tabs into groups, folders, and spaces that you can customize with different color schemes. 

In addition, the Arc browser includes features like a scrapbook tool and a function for customizing websites, aiming to be something like a new operating system for the internet. (These are other features that are not yet available on Windows.)

Finally, unlike Chrome, which tracks everything users do in the browser for different purposes, including targeting ads and improving the product, Arc is built using the Chromium engine. However, the company said it doesn't track users' browsing history or searches, similar to the Brave and DuckDuckGo browsers.

How do you install the Arc browser?

You have to create an account, which is odd for a company that claims not to track users.

The easiest way to install the Arc browser on Windows is by downloading the standalone installer from the  official download page . You only need to double-click the file, and the browser will install it automatically.

How to navigate the Arc browser?

One of the unique aspects of Arc is the minimalistic interface. Unlike most browsers, this application features vertical tabs and doesn't include an address bar. 

The vertical tabs design gives you more horizontal space to view more of a page and should help you with organization. 

You can even toggle the  "Sidebar"  option or use the  "Ctrl + S"  keyboard shortcut to show or hide the sidebar. 

If you want to access the settings, click the  "Arc"  icon and choose the  "Settings"  option.

Similar to every other browser based on Chromium, Arc includes support for split view, which you will find in the top-right corner. 

If you were expecting to find an address bar, you won't find one here, or at least not on Windows. The macOS version includes a condensed address bar on the sidebar. Instead, the website's name is front and center. When clicking the site's name, the floating command bar will appear to search for the website or search term you want.

You will find your favorite sites under the Arc menu and Sidebar button. 

Then, you will find a list of saved tabs, followed by your active tabs, including the option to create new tabs.

Finally, at the bottom, you will find your archives, the option to move between spaces, and the context menu to create a new space, folder, or tab.

How do you manage tabs in the Arc browser?

Arc has a unique approach to tab management. First, you don't have to look for your bookmarks since they are your tabs. You also don't save sites as your bookmark. You have to drag and drop them into the folder or space you want to have them.

If you want to pin a site as your favorite, drag and drop it to the favorite section at the top to convert it into a pin.

An interesting feature to note with the Arc is that inactive tabs will be archived after 12 hours. You can access the list of archived tabs by clicking the  "Archived"  button in the bottom-right corner. 

This is the default configuration. You can change the archive settings in the profile settings and set it up to 30 days.

If you have a bunch of tabs open, after a while, the browser will show a feature that will organize your tabs into logical groups. However, it's not possible to create groups manually.

The  "Clear"  option is also available to remove the open tabs and archive them so they are always available from the  "Archived"  menu. 

You don't have direct access to your history, but you can still use the  "Ctrl + H"  keyboard shortcut to access the list of pages you have visited in the past.

Since the browser doesn't include an address bar, clicking the  "New Tab"  button, using the  "Ctrl + T"  shortcut, or clicking the website name at the top of the screen will bring up a floating search interface (similar to macOS Spotlight) that you can use to enter your search query or website link.

What are spaces in the Arc browser?

Spaces in Arc are equivalent to profiles in other Chromium-based browsers. 

You can create a new space from the  "+" (Add)  menu from the bottom-right corner of the sidebar. When creating a new space, you have to specify a name, connect it to the same or different profile, choose a theme, and click the  "Create space"  button.

The benefit of spaces is that you can logically separate your browsing activities from personal, work, or school.

One feature you probably won't find in other browsers is that you can move tabs between spaces. However, this isn't a completely seamless experience. If you have two spaces with two different profiles, you can move the tab, but you may get logged out of the site.

You can also convert a folder into a space by right-clicking the folder and selecting the  "Turn into Space"  option.

Does the Arc browser support extensions?

Arc is based on the Chromium browser, which means that it includes support for extensions. In fact, it supports every extension available for Google Chrome. You can access the extensions from the main menu and choose the  "Add extension"  option from the "Extensions" submenu. You can also open  the Chrome Web Store directly . 

The installation process is identical to installing extensions on Chrome, where you only have to click the  Install  button. 

You can access the extensions from the  "Site Control Center"   menu next to the website name at the top of the screen or from the  "Manage extensions"  option in the "Extensions" submenu.

What settings can I change in the Arc browser?

Yes, similar to other browsers, Arc includes various settings that you can configure. You can access the Settings page using the  "Ctrl +, (comma)"  keyboard shortcut or from the  "Settings"  option in the main menu.

The main interface only includes a few settings to sync your tabs and bookmarks across devices. You can also choose the frame backdrop style. The  "Mica"  option brings the desktop colors to the application, while the  "Acrylic"  option offers a transparent blur effect.

The main settings don't offer many customization options. Instead, you have to access the profile settings. In this section, you can change the search engine and other search-related settings.

You can customize the archive tabs' timing and change the download location. 

The browser offers other settings to configure privacy, notifications, passwords, and others, but these are simply links that open the Chromium browser settings. (Not being able to customize settings through the Arc interface makes the browser seem incomplete.)

How do you customize the appearance of the Arc browser?

One of the best features of this browser is the ability to change its appearance with different color schemes.

If you want to change the appearance of Arc, you have to right-click on the space and select the  "Edit Theme Color"  option. 

In the interface, you can switch between the light and dark theme color scheme. The slider allows you to change the color intensity, and then you can choose from one of the available color schemes.

What do I like the most about the Arc browser?

The Arc browser has a few things I like. For instance, tabs can be distracting and difficult to manage, and they can restrict the available space to view pages, so the browser does a fairly good job managing tabs.

You can move tabs between profiles, a unique feature not many browsers have. 

The ability to customize the experience with different color schemes and design styles is also unique to the browser. However, recent updates to Chrome also make it easier to change the browser color, and you can even use themes and create themes with AI .

Instead of an address bar, you have this floating macOS Spotlight-like interface to enter and navigate to any URL, which I think is unique. You can even use the  search box to execute commands . For example, try "view archives," and the "Archived" menu will open.

Again, the vertical tab approach can make organizing and moving tabs easier, but this isn't unique since Chrome, Edge, and other browsers include the option to use vertical tabs.

One feature I like about Arc is the default behavior for playing videos. For example, if you start playing a video on YouTube and then move to another tab, the  picture-in-picture mode  will enable automatically, letting you keep watching the video from the bottom-right corner of the screen. This also works for streaming music online.

Arc also includes  the "Peek" feature  that basically allows you to click a link on a page to preview it before switching tabs, which I think is pretty unique to the browsing experience on the desktop. (This only works for pinned tabs.)

What do I not like the most about the Arc browser?

As a Windows user, I don't like many things about this browser. For starters, it lacks features and settings compared to the version available for macOS.

The Windows version of Arc's settings page is much more limited than the one for macOS. One reason is that this version of the browser doesn't have many features, some of which include an address bar. You won't find the "Boosts" feature to customize web pages, "Media" to access downloaded images in certain tasks, or "Easels," which is a whiteboard that lets you draw, write, and add images for "collecting your ideas as you browse the internet."

The version for Windows users also doesn't include an option to  take screenshots . You won't find other features like  Gance Top Sites ,  Little Arc ,  Share Spaces , and  Air Traffic Control . 

Since the browser doesn't include an ad blocker, the company opted to ship the browser pre-configured with the uBlock extension. (In my opinion, this is a cheap solution for the feature.)

One of the features that bugs me the most is the requirement to create an account. Otherwise, you can't even launch Arc on your device.

Also, as a result of Arc trying to reinvent the wheel, the browser introduces an unnecessary learning curve when the wheel works perfectly. 

When trying to configure the settings, the experience doesn't flow harmoniously since some of the settings are in the Arc interface, and most of the other settings are in the Chromium interface. (If you're a Windows user, this is like opening the Settings app to change some settings and then having to launch the legacy Control Panel to configure additional features.)

Also, navigating the browser can be confusing. Sometimes, you have the option in the interface that you can use with the mouse. Other times, you have to use a keyboard shortcut, and sometimes, you have to perform an action. 

For example, if you want to access your browser history, you won't see an option in the interface. Instead, you have to rely on the  "Ctrl + H"  keyboard shortcut.

Also, you won't find an option anywhere if you have an open tab and want to save it in your space. In this case, you have to use the  "Ctrl + D"  keyboard shortcut or drag the tab to the folder you want to save it.

At the end of the day, Arc feels less distracting than regular browsers. However, you can achieve the same experience by turning on vertical tabs on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Should you switch from Chrome or Edge to Arc?

Although Arc is a good idea, it doesn't introduce anything groundbreaking other than a different look, a different way to manage tabs, and a few interesting features that you probably won't be using often. Furthermore, it feels like a half-baked application for Windows users right now, since it doesn't include many of the features found in the version for macOS.

In addition, it introduces a learning curve as the browser wants to be different, and things at the beginning are not very intuitive.

If you like the idea of vertical tabs, you can activate that layout on Chrome and Edge . If you like the option to change the color scheme of the browser, Chrome lets you use themes, change colors, and even create custom color schemes. Microsoft Edge also enables you to choose from several color schemes, and you can download many themes from the store. 

If you like the idea of "Boosts" on Chrome and Edge, you can also install extensions, such as Stylebot , to change the design of virtually any website. 

I personally use Chrome and Edge and switch between them back and forth, and in the current state, I don't think I will be switching my browser to Arc.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: 

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

iPhone User Guide

• iPhone models compatible with iOS 17
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• Translate text in apps
• Translate with the camera view
• Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
• Add your TV provider
• Get shows, movies, and more
• Watch sports
• Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
• Control playback
• Manage your library
• Change the settings
• Make a recording
• Play it back
• Edit or delete a recording
• Keep recordings up to date
• Organize recordings
• Search for or rename a recording
• Share a recording
• Duplicate a recording
• Keep cards and passes in Wallet
• Set up Apple Pay
• Use Apple Pay for contactless payments
• Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
• Track your orders
• Use Apple Cash
• Use Apple Card
• Use Savings
• Pay for transit
• Access your home, hotel room, and vehicle
• Add identity cards
• Use COVID-19 vaccination cards
• Check your Apple Account balance
• Use Express Mode
• Organize your Wallet
• Remove cards or passes
• Check the weather
• Check the weather in other locations
• View weather maps
• Manage weather notifications
• Use Weather widgets
• Learn the weather icons
• Find out what Siri can do
• Tell Siri about yourself
• Have Siri announce calls and notifications
• Add Siri Shortcuts
• About Siri Suggestions
• Use Siri in your car
• Change Siri settings
• Contact emergency services
• Use Emergency SOS via satellite
• Request Roadside Assistance via satellite
• Set up and view your Medical ID
• Use Check In
• Manage Crash Detection
• Reset privacy and security settings in an emergency
• Set up Family Sharing
• Add Family Sharing members
• Remove Family Sharing members
• Share subscriptions
• Share purchases
• Share locations with family and locate lost devices
• Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
• Set up parental controls
• Set up a child’s device
• Get started with Screen Time
• Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
• Set up Screen Time
• Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
• Set up Screen Time for a family member
• Charging cable
• Power adapters
• MagSafe chargers and battery packs
• MagSafe cases and sleeves
• Qi-certified wireless chargers
• Use AirPods
• Use EarPods
• Apple Watch
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
• Connect to a display with a cable
• HomePod and other wireless speakers
• Pair Magic Keyboard
• Enter characters with diacritical marks
• Switch between keyboards
• Use shortcuts
• Choose an alternative keyboard layout
• Change typing assistance options
• External storage devices
• Bluetooth accessories
• Share your internet connection
• Allow phone calls on your iPad and Mac
• Use iPhone as a webcam
• Hand off tasks between devices
• Cut, copy, and paste between iPhone and other devices
• Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone
• Start SharePlay instantly
• Use AirDrop to send items
• Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable
• Transfer files between devices
• Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
• Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
• Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
• Intro to CarPlay
• Connect to CarPlay
• Use your vehicle’s built-in controls
• Get turn-by-turn directions
• Change the map view
• Make phone calls
• View your calendar
• Send and receive text messages
• Announce incoming text messages
• Play podcasts
• Play audiobooks
• Listen to news stories
• Control your home
• Use other apps with CarPlay
• Rearrange icons on CarPlay Home
• Change settings in CarPlay
• Get started with accessibility features
• Turn on accessibility features for setup
• Change Siri accessibility settings
• Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
• Change color and brightness
• Make text easier to read
• Reduce onscreen motion
• Customize per-app visual settings
• Hear what’s on the screen or typed
• Hear audio descriptions
• Turn on and practice VoiceOver
• Change your VoiceOver settings
• Use VoiceOver gestures
• Operate iPhone when VoiceOver is on
• Control VoiceOver using the rotor
• Use the onscreen keyboard
• Write with your finger
• Keep the screen off
• Use VoiceOver with an Apple external keyboard
• Use a braille display
• Type braille on the screen
• Customize gestures and keyboard shortcuts
• Use VoiceOver with a pointer device
• Use VoiceOver for images and videos
• Use VoiceOver in apps
• Use AssistiveTouch
• Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch
• Use Reachability
• Auto-answer calls
• Turn off vibration
• Change Face ID and attention settings
• Use Voice Control
• Adjust the side or Home button
• Use Apple TV Remote buttons
• Adjust pointer settings
• Adjust keyboard settings
• Control iPhone with an external keyboard
• Adjust AirPods settings
• Turn on Apple Watch Mirroring
• Control a nearby Apple device
• Intro to Switch Control
• Set up and turn on Switch Control
• Select items, perform actions, and more
• Control several devices with one switch
• Use hearing devices
• Use Live Listen
• Use sound recognition
• Set up and use RTT and TTY
• Flash the indicator light for notifications
• Adjust audio settings
• Play background sounds
• Display subtitles and captions
• Show transcriptions for Intercom messages
• Get live captions of spoken audio
• Type to speak
• Record a Personal Voice
• Lock iPhone to one app with Guided Access
• Use built-in privacy and security protections
• Set a passcode
• Set up Face ID
• Set up Touch ID
• Control access to information on the Lock Screen
• Keep your Apple ID secure
• Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites
• Sign in with Apple
• Share passwords
• Automatically fill in strong passwords
• Change weak or compromised passwords
• View your passwords and related information
• Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop
• Make your passkeys and passwords available on all your devices
• Automatically fill in verification codes
• Automatically fill in SMS passcodes
• Sign in with fewer CAPTCHA challenges
• Use two-factor authentication
• Use security keys
• Manage information sharing with Safety Check
• Control app tracking permissions
• Control the location information you share
• Control access to information in apps
• Control how Apple delivers advertising to you
• Control access to hardware features
• Create and manage Hide My Email addresses
• Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay
• Use a private network address
• Use Advanced Data Protection
• Use Lockdown Mode
• Use Stolen Device Protection
• Receive warnings about sensitive content
• Use Contact Key Verification
• Turn iPhone on or off
• Force restart iPhone
• Back up iPhone
• Reset iPhone settings
• Restore all content from a backup
• Restore purchased and deleted items
• Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
• Erase iPhone
• Install or remove configuration profiles
• Important safety information
• Important handling information
• Find more resources for software and service
• FCC compliance statement
• ISED Canada compliance statement
• Ultra Wideband information
• Class 1 Laser information
• Apple and the environment
• Disposal and recycling information
• Unauthorized modification of iOS

Remove or delete apps from iPhone

You can easily remove or delete apps from your iPhone. If you change your mind, you can download the apps again later (if they’re still available in the App Store).

Do any of the following:

Remove an app from the Home Screen: Touch and hold the app on the Home Screen, tap Remove App, then tap Remove from Home Screen to keep it in App Library, or tap Delete App to delete it from iPhone.

Delete an app from App Library and Home Screen: Touch and hold the app in App Library, tap Delete App, then tap Delete. (See Find your apps in App Library .)

If you change your mind, you can redownload apps you’ve removed.

In addition to removing third-party apps from the Home Screen, you can remove the following built-in Apple apps that came with your iPhone:

Contacts (Contact information remains available through Phone, Messages, Mail, FaceTime, and other apps. To remove a contact, you must restore Contacts.)

FaceTime (In iOS 17.4 or later, if you remove the FaceTime app from your iPhone, or if you removed it in an earlier version of iOS before updating to iOS 17.4, you won’t be able to make or receive FaceTime calls or join SharePlay sessions on your iPhone unless you redownload the app . See Make FaceTime calls on iPhone .)

Find My (Removing this app doesn’t turn off location sharing or Find My for your device or items—it just removes the ability to view locations in the Find My app on that device.)

iTunes Store

Voice Memos

Wallet (Removing this app doesn’t delete cards and passes you stored in iCloud.)

Note: When you remove a built-in app from your Home Screen, you also remove any related user data and configuration files. Removing built-in apps from your Home Screen can also affect other system functionality.