How to Stop Safari from Launching Apps on iPhone and iPad

Introduction:

Safari, the default web browser on iOS devices, offers a smooth browsing experience for iPhone and iPad users. However, with certain links, Safari will automatically launch associated apps, which may sometimes be undesired by users. This article will guide you on how to stop Safari from launching apps on your iPhone and iPad.

Steps to Stop Safari from Launching Apps:

1. Disable Universal Links:

Universal Links allows websites to directly open their corresponding apps when a user clicks a link. To disable this feature, follow these steps:

a. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.

b. Scroll down and tap on “Safari.”

c. In the “General” section, toggle off the switch for “Open Links in Apps.”

2. Use Private Browsing Mode:

When you encounter a link that you’re unsure whether it’ll open an app or not, using Private Browsing mode can help prevent automatic launching of apps.

a. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.

b. Tap the “Tabs” button at the bottom right corner.

c. Tap “Private” at the bottom left corner to enable Private Browsing mode.

d. Surf the web without worrying about apps launching automatically.

3. Long-Press Links:

Another technique to avoid launching apps is by long-pressing links in Safari.

a. Find the link you want to open in Safari.

b. Long-press the link until a context menu appears.

c. From the context menu, tap “Open in New Tab” or “Open in Background” – this will prevent Safari from opening the associated app.

4. Use Third-Party Browsers:

If you prefer not to tweak settings or use any of these workarounds with Safari, consider using alternate browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. They typically don’t automatically open apps when clicking links.

Conclusion:

It is possible to stop Safari from launching apps on your iPhone and iPad by following the methods outlined above. By disabling Universal Links, using Private Browsing mode, long-pressing links, or switching to a different browser, you can maintain control over your browsing experience and prevent undesired app launches.