Introduction

There are times when you might be browsing the internet on your iPhone or iPad and suddenly, without warning, Safari launches an app. This can be frustrating, especially if you didn’t want that app to open in the first place. In this article, we will discuss how to stop Safari from launching apps on your iPhone and iPad.

1. Disable Universal Links

One way to stop Safari from automatically launching apps is by disabling Universal Links. Universal Links are a feature that allows websites to bypass the browser and automatically open their corresponding app. To disable this feature, follow these steps:

1. a) Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. b) Scroll down and tap ‘Safari’.
3. c) Find the ‘Settings for Websites’
4. d) Toggle off the ‘Universal Links’
5. Clear Safari History and Website Data

Clearing your browsing history and website data may help prevent some apps from launching automatically in Safari. To do this, follow these steps:

1. a) Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. b) Scroll down and tap ‘Safari’.
3. c) Tap ‘Clear History and Website Data’.
4. d) Confirm by tapping ‘Clear History and Data’ in the pop-up window.
5. Block Pop-ups

Blocking pop-ups can also help reduce the chances of unwanted apps being launched while using Safari. Here’s how to enable pop-up blocking:

1. a) Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. b) Scroll down and tap ‘Safari’.
3. c) Toggle on the ‘Block Pop-ups’
4. Enable Content Blockers

Content blockers can help prevent unwanted redirects and app launches while browsing in Safari. To enable content blockers, you’ll need to download a third-party content blocker app from the App Store, such as 1Blocker or AdGuard. After installing a content blocker, follow these steps:

1. a) Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. b) Scroll down and tap ‘Safari’.
3. c) Tap ‘Content Blockers’.
4. d) Enable the content blocker app you’ve installed.

Conclusion

By implementing these methods, you should be able to minimize or completely stop Safari from launching unwanted apps on your iPhone and iPad. Keep in mind that some app launches may still occur due to website design or other factors beyond your control. However, with these tips, you can have more control over your browsing experience and reduce interruptions caused by automatic app launches.