The Safari browser on iPhone can sometimes get stuck on a website during a browsing session and even become totally unresponsive.
The reason for this issue could be due to network connectivity issues, software bugs, damaged or corrupted files in the browser cache or simply due to multiple browsing tabs being left open.
Fix Stuck Safari Browser on iPhone
You can start by enabling Airplane mode on your iPhone and disabling it after 15 seconds. This can help, if the problem is being caused due to network related issues.
Even if this helps in fixing the issue, it is still a good idea to clear browser cache and also browsing history, if you haven’t cleared it for a long time.
1. Power-off & Restart iPhone
Powering-off iPhone and restarting it after a few seconds can help if the problem is being caused due to a glitch, software bugs and multiple browsing tabs.
You can shut down iPhone by using its power button or by going to Settings > General > Shut Down.
After iPhone is completely powered-off, wait for 30 seconds and restart your device by pressing the Power button.
2. Clear History & Website Data
In most cases, the reason for Safari browser getting stuck and running into other types of problem is due the browser cache being filled up with expired and possibly damaged or corrupted files.
For the actual steps to clear “History & Website data” on iPhone, you can refer to this guide: How to Clear Browsing History on iPhone & Mac.
3. Update Safari Browser
Apple Updates Safari browser along with its regular iOS updates. Hence, make sure that you are using the latest version of iOS on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the next screen, tap on Download and Install (If an update is available).
3. Follow the instructions to Download & Install the update.
4. Disable Safari Suggestions
Disabling “Safari & Search engine suggestions” is known to help in improving the performance of Safari browser.
1. Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.
2. On the next screen, disable both Safari Suggestions and Search Engine Suggestions by moving the slider to OFF position.
After this, you may find the Safari browser working properly on your iPhone.
5. Disable iCloud Safari Sync
You can disable iCloud access to the Safari browser on your iPhone and see if this helps in improving the performance of Safari browser.
1. Open Settings > tap on your Apple ID Name.
2. From the Apple ID screen, go to iCloud > tap on See All > move the slider next to Safari to OFF position.
3. On the pop-up, you can select the option to Delete or Keep the previously synced iCloud Safari data on your iPhone.
6. Enable JavaScript
In case you have disabled JavaScript, it can prevent you from accessing certain functionalities of websites.
1. Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > scroll down to bottom of the screen and tap on Advanced.
2. On “Advanced” screen, move the toggle next to JavaScript to ON position.
Restart your device and see if the Safari browser on your iPhone is now working properly.
7. Reset Network Settings
If above steps did not help, you can Reset the Network Settings on your iPhone to its original Settings and this should help in fixing the problem.
For more information and the steps to Reset Network Settings, you can refer to this guide: How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone.