Quick Overview
- Instead, you’ll see a prompt asking if you want to open the linked content in the app or in Safari.
- When you encounter a deep link that prompts Safari to open an app, you can choose to open the content in Safari instead.
- When you encounter a deep link, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to open the content in the app or in Safari.
Are you tired of Safari opening apps you didn’t intend to use? This can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re trying to browse the web quickly and efficiently. This blog post will guide you through the steps on how to prevent Safari from opening apps on iOS 15, ensuring a smoother and more controlled browsing experience.
Understanding the Issue: Why Does Safari Open Apps?
The behavior of Safari opening apps is often linked to deep links, which are special URLs designed to directly open specific apps on your iPhone or iPad. These links are embedded within web pages, and when you tap on them, Safari might automatically launch the corresponding app. While this functionality can be convenient for accessing apps quickly, it can become annoying if you don’t want Safari to open apps at all.
Method 1: Disabling “Open in App” Feature
The most straightforward way to prevent Safari from opening apps is by disabling the “Open in App” feature. This setting controls whether Safari should automatically launch apps associated with deep links.
1. Open the Settings app: Find the Settings icon on your home screen and tap on it.
2. Navigate to Safari: Scroll down the list of settings and tap on “Safari.”
3. Disable “Open in App”: Locate the “Open in App” option and toggle the switch to the off position.
By disabling this setting, Safari will no longer automatically launch apps. Instead, you’ll see a prompt asking if you want to open the linked content in the app or in Safari. This gives you more control over how you access the content.
Method 2: Blocking Specific Websites
If you only want to prevent specific websites from opening apps, you can block them using Safari’s content blocker feature. This method is particularly useful if you frequently encounter websites that trigger unwanted app launches.
1. Enable Content Blockers: Open the Safari app and tap on the “Aa” icon in the address bar.
2. Choose Content Blockers: Select “Content Blockers” from the list of options.
3. Add a New Blocker: Tap on the “+” icon to add a new content blocker.
4. Select a Blocker: Choose a content blocker from the available options. Some popular choices include AdGuard, 1Blocker, and Privacy Pro.
5. Customize Blocker Settings: Depending on the content blocker you choose, you can customize its settings to block specific websites or types of content.
By using a content blocker, you can prevent Safari from opening apps triggered by specific websites while still allowing other websites to function normally.
Method 3: Using the “Open in Safari” Option
When you encounter a deep link that prompts Safari to open an app, you can choose to open the content in Safari instead. This option provides a workaround for preventing unwanted app launches.
1. Tap on the “Open in Safari” Option: When you encounter a deep link, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to open the content in the app or in Safari. Select “Open in Safari.”
By choosing this option, you can view the content within Safari without triggering the app launch.
Method 4: Using the “Open in Safari” Button
For some websites, you might find an “Open in Safari” button that allows you to view the content directly within Safari. This button bypasses the deep link and eliminates the possibility of Safari opening the app.
1. Locate the “Open in Safari” Button: Look for a button labeled “Open in Safari” or a similar phrase on the website you are visiting.
2. Tap on the Button: Tap on the button to open the content in Safari.
This method is a simple way to prevent Safari from opening apps on specific websites.
Method 5: Using a Third-Party Browser
If you’re consistently encountering issues with Safari opening apps, you can consider using a third-party browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave. These browsers often have different handling mechanisms for deep links and may not automatically launch apps.
1. Download a Third-Party Browser: Search for a third-party browser in the App Store and download it to your device.
2. Set as Default Browser: Once installed, you can set the third-party browser as your default browser in the Settings app.
3. Use the Third-Party Browser: Start browsing using the third-party browser instead of Safari.
This method provides a complete alternative to Safari and may prevent unwanted app launches altogether.
The Importance of Control: Why You Should Prevent Safari From Opening Apps
Having control over your browsing experience is crucial. When Safari automatically opens apps, it disrupts your workflow and can lead to frustration. By preventing Safari from opening apps, you gain greater control over how you access content and interact with websites.
Wrapping Up: Take Control of Your Browsing Experience
By following the methods outlined above, you can effectively prevent Safari from opening apps on iOS 15. From disabling the “Open in App” feature to using content blockers or third-party browsers, you have various options to customize your browsing experience and eliminate unwanted app launches. Remember, your browsing experience should be smooth, efficient, and under your control.
Questions You May Have
Q: What if I accidentally disabled the “Open in App” feature and want to re-enable it?
A: To re-enable the “Open in App” feature, simply follow the same steps outlined in Method 1, but toggle the switch to the on position instead of off.
Q: Can I block specific websites from opening apps while allowing others to open them?
A: Yes, you can use content blockers to block specific websites from opening apps while allowing others to function normally. You can customize the settings of your chosen content blocker to achieve this.
Q: Are third-party browsers always better at preventing Safari from opening apps?
A: While third-party browsers often handle deep links differently, it’s not a guarantee that they will completely prevent Safari from opening apps. Some websites may still trigger app launches even in third-party browsers.
Q: Is there a way to prevent all apps from being opened by Safari?
A: Disabling the “Open in App” feature is the most effective way to prevent Safari from opening apps. However, some websites may still use techniques that can trigger app launches even with this setting disabled.
Q: What is the best way to prevent Safari from opening apps on iOS 15?
A: The best method depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want to prevent all apps from being opened, disabling the “Open in App” feature is the most effective solution. If you only want to block specific websites, using content blockers or third-party browsers might be more suitable.