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How to Force Quit Safari on iPhone

Close Safari from the App Switcher when it is unresponsive, then reopen it. The steps differ for iPhones with a Home button and newer models.
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If Safari is frozen or unresponsive, open the iPhone App Switcher, swipe up on Safari’s preview to close it, then reopen Safari. The gesture for opening the App Switcher depends on whether your iPhone has a Home button.

Force quit Safari from the App Switcher

Apple recommends closing an app only when it is unresponsive. Find your iPhone’s model group below, then close Safari from the App Switcher—not from Safari’s tab controls.

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iPhone X and later

  1. From the Home Screen, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher.
  2. Swipe left or right to find Safari.
  3. Swipe up on Safari’s preview to close it.
  4. Return to the Home Screen or App Library and tap Safari to reopen it.

Apple’s steps: Close an app on your iPhone or iPod touch.

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iPhone SE, iPhone 8, and earlier

  1. Double-click the Home button to show recently used apps.
  2. Swipe left or right to find Safari.
  3. Swipe up on Safari’s preview to close it.
  4. Return to the Home Screen and tap Safari to reopen it.

Apple’s steps: Close an app on your iPhone or iPod touch.

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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

If Safari still will not load websites

If Safari opens but pages fail to load, repeated force quitting may not address the cause. Apple recommends working through these checks:

  • Try a different network, such as cellular data or another Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Clear Safari history and website data in Settings.
  • Check that JavaScript is enabled in Safari’s Advanced settings.
  • If only one website is affected, check whether iCloud Private Relay is involved; if the issue persists, contact the website developer.

Menu names and paths can vary by iOS version. See Apple’s Safari isn’t loading websites guidance. If closing and reopening Safari does not resolve an app freeze, restart the iPhone.

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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Force quitting Safari is not the same as closing tabs

Swiping up on Safari’s App Switcher preview closes the app. To close a webpage instead, use Safari’s tab controls to close a single tab or all tabs in the current tab group. Apple also says recently closed tabs can be reopened from the tab controls. See Apple’s guide to tabs in Safari on iPhone.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
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There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
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  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
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  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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