Like any iPhone user, your first instinct is probably to turn to Safari when you need to look up something. It's Apple's built-in browser, packed with powerful features that deliver accurate information fast. However, after updating to iOS 18, many have noticed it act up, crash, or even go unresponsive.
Don't worry, you won't need to switch to a new web browser just yet. This is likely just a minor issue caused by the update, and there are several ways to resolve it.
If you are an iCloud+ subscriber and have Private Relay on, it might interfere with web browsing and prevent pages from loading correctly. By disabling it, you allow Safari to connect directly to websites without any extra layers of security that could slow down performance.
If you haven't cleared Safari's cache in a while, web pages might take forever to load. Clearing old data, cookies, and browser history will give it a fresh start.
It's a good idea to double-check your internet connection. Start by reconnecting to your Wi-Fi or try switching to a different network. If that doesn't work, restart your router. You could also test your internet speed and switch to your cellular network.
If Safari is running slow on your iPhone, it could be because you have too many tabs open. They'll drain your phone's resources. Close any unnecessary tabs running in the background to speed up background processes.
If your Safari is misbehaving, sometimes all you need to do is force kill it and start it again.
Make sure you have the latest version of iOS installed. There may be bug fixes that help fix the Safari app if it's unresponsive.
Restarting your iPhone is a quick way to clear out minor glitches and temporary software hiccups.
Safari Suggestions offers content recommendations like news, articles, app store suggestions, movie ideas, weather forecasts, and nearby locations. Although helpful, they may slow down your device. Turn them off while troubleshooting.
JavaScript is typically on by default, but if Safari isn't working, check if it accidentally got disabled.
Safari extensions can boost your browser's functionality, but adding too many might cause them to overlap or interfere with your web browsing. Some extensions may even malfunction. Try disabling them one by one to see if Safari starts working properly again.
Background App Refresh allows processes to update in the background. Although necessary, it can drain your battery and use up a lot of data. Instead of turning it off entirely, only enable it for selected apps. This way, you get the benefits without the heavy toll on your device.
It's a good idea to clear out the clutter every now and then. By doing this, you prevent unnecessary files from taking up valuable storage space and avoid triggering other issues down the line.