The problem of Safari browser getting stuck, freezing, hanging, crashing or becoming totally unresponsive on iPhone has been reported by users.
This issue can be caused due to a variety of reasons, ranging from the Safari browser Cache being clogged up with outdated files, temporary glitches in iCloud to certain Safari features not functioning properly on your iPhone.
Steps to Fix Safari Not Working Issue on iPhone
If the Safari browser on your iPhone is getting stuck, crashing or not working properly, you should be able to fix the problem using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Restart iPhone
The problem could be due to a stuck file or processes preventing the Safari browser on your iPhone from working properly.
1. Go to Settings > General > scroll down and tap on Shut Down.
2. On the next screen, use the Slider to Power OFF iPhone.
3. Wait for 30 seconds and press the Power button to restart your iPhone.
2. Enable Cellular Data
If you are not connected to Wi-Fi, make sure that the Safari browser on your iPhone is allowed to use Cellular data.
1. Open the Settings App on your iPhone and tap on Cellular.
2. On the next screen, scroll down a bit and move the toggle next to Safari to ON position.
Once Cellular data is enabled, you should be able to use the Safari browser on your iPhone.
3. Enable/Disable Airplane Mode
Enabling/Disabling Airplane Mode resets wireless antennas on your iPhone and this is known to help in fixing network connectivity issues.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone > move the slider next to Airplane Mode to ON position.
2. After 30 seconds, disable Airplane Mode by moving the toggle to OFF position.
Now, try to use the Safari browser and see if you are able to browse normally.
4. Clear Safari History & Website Data
The most common reason for stuck Safari browser on iPhone is due to Safari Cache being clogged up with outdated and corrupted files.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Scroll down and tap on Safari.
2. On the next screen, scroll down to ‘Privacy and Security’ section and tap on Clear History and Website Data option.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, select Clear History and Data option to confirm.
Once Safari Cache is cleared, you should be able to browse normally using the Safari browser on your iPhone.
5. Update Safari Browser
Apple Updates Safari browser along with its regular iOS updates. Hence, make sure that the latest version of iOS is installed on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the next screen, tap on Download and Install (If an iOS update is available).
Patiently wait for the iOS update to be download to your device. Once the download is complete, install the update by tapping on Install Now option.
6. Enable JavaScript
Disabling Java scripts can prevent you from accessing websites.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Scroll down and tap on Safari.
2. On the next screen, scroll down to bottom of the screen and tap on Advanced.
3. On the next screen, move the toggle next to JavaScript to ON position.
Restart your device and see if Safari browser is now working properly on your iPhone.
7. Disable Safari Suggestions
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Scroll down and tap on Safari.
2. On the next screen, disable Safari Suggestions and Search Engine Suggestions by moving the toggle to OFF position.
Now, see if the Safari browser on your iPhone is working properly.
8. Disable Autofill
1. Go to Settings > Safari > Autofill.
2. On the next screen, move the slider next to Use Contact Info and Credit Cards to OFF position.
9. Disable iCloud Safari Syncing
1. Open Settings > tap on your Apple ID Name.
2. From the Apple ID screen, go to iCloud > on the next screen, move the toggle next to Safari to OFF position.
Now, open the Safari browser on your iPhone and see if it is now working properly.
10. Reset Network Settings
If above steps did not fix the problem, you can try to Reset the Network Settings on your iPhone to Default Settings and see if this helps in fixing the issue.
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
2. On the pop-up, select Reset Network Settings option.
3. If prompted, enter your Lock Screen Password.
4. On the confirmation pop-up, select the Reset option to confirm and patiently wait for the Reset process to be completed.
After iPhone restarts, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > select your Wi-Fi Network > enter the Password to join your Wi-Fi Network.