No option to open a private window on safari on iOS

Question

Level 1

5 points

No option to open a private window on safari on iOS

On my iPhone, in safari, there is no option to open a private video. I read on some other threads that it has to do with the content and privacy restrictions on screen time so I disabled that whole section on screentime yet the issue still persists. Additionally, not sure how relevant this is but the option to clear browser history is also unavailable. Any help would be appreciated since this has been an issue for a while.

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 3, 2025 10:38 AM

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Answer 1

lkrupp

Level 7

21,259 points

Jan 4, 2025 10:00 AM in response to valenv

By chance is your iPhone an employer phone managed by an IT department? Is your phone being managed by a parent or guardian, or family member with admin control?

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Answer 2

lkrupp

Level 7

21,259 points

Jan 5, 2025 04:03 PM in response to valenv

So what happens when you tap the tab bar (two squares) at the bottom right of the Safari app? Private and Start Page appear. Tap Private to start private browsing.

What do you see on your iPhone?

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Answer 3

lkrupp

Level 7

21,259 points

Jan 6, 2025 06:31 AM in response to lkrupp

Close the six tabs and try again. If that doesn't work then I’m out of ideas. I have looked around and find almost nothing regarding this issue which means it’s not common or widespread. I still think your iPhone is being managed, possibly by the family member who administers the group.

You might also view the Youtube video below that show how to disable/enable private browsing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZagWBvqThc

Good luck

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