You cannot permanently delete the Safari app from your iPhone as it is a core system application integrated into iOS.
Unlike third-party apps you download from the App Store, Safari is an essential part of the iPhone's operating system. This means there is no built-in option to remove it entirely from your device. Attempting to delete it is not possible through the standard app deletion process.
Why Can't I Delete Safari?
Safari is deeply integrated into iOS, handling various functions beyond just web browsing, such as opening web links from other apps. Removing it would disrupt the functionality of many other features on your iPhone.
What Can You Do Instead?
While you cannot delete Safari, you have a couple of options to manage its presence on your device:
- Remove Safari from Your Home Screen: This hides the app icon from your Home Screen but keeps it in the App Library.
- Touch and hold the Safari app icon on your Home Screen.
- Tap "Remove App".
- Select "Remove from Home Screen".
- The app will still be available in your App Library (swipe left past your last Home Screen page).
- Disable Access to Safari via Screen Time: As noted in the provided reference, you can restrict Safari usage through Screen Time settings.
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- If Content & Privacy Restrictions are off, turn them on.
- Tap Allowed Apps.
- Find Safari in the list and toggle the switch OFF.
Important Note from Reference: Please note that there is no option to delete Safari app from an iOS device – the app will be removed from the Home Screens, but will remain in the App Library. Go to Settings > Screentime and turn Safari to ON or OFF.
Using the Screen Time method effectively prevents Safari from being opened, even though the app itself remains on the device.
Comparing the Options
Here's a quick comparison of the available methods:
| Action | Effect on Safari Icon | Safari Availability | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove from Home Screen | Hidden from Home | Available in App Library | Touch & Hold > Remove App > Remove from Home Screen |
| Disable via Screen Time | Remains on Home (if not removed) | Inaccessible | Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > Safari OFF |
| Permanently Delete | Not Possible | Not Possible | Cannot be done |
In summary, while you cannot delete the Safari app from your iPhone, you can hide it from your Home Screen or disable its functionality using Screen Time settings.
