how do i get rid of safari start page
Safari is one of the most popular web browsers used by millions of people around the world. It is known for its sleek design, fast performance, and user-friendly interface. However, one of the most common frustrations that users face is the Safari start page. Every time you open a new tab or window, the start page appears, which can be annoying for some users. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of the Safari start page and customize your browsing experience.
What is the Safari start page?
The Safari start page is the default home page that appears when you open a new tab or window in the Safari browser. It includes a search bar, frequently visited sites, and suggested websites based on your browsing history. It also displays news headlines and Siri suggestions, making it a one-stop destination for all your browsing needs.
While the start page can be convenient for some users, others may find it intrusive and prefer a clean and clutter-free browsing experience. Moreover, if you are concerned about your privacy, you may not want your browsing history and frequently visited sites to be displayed on the start page. If you fall into any of these categories, you might want to get rid of the Safari start page.
How to get rid of the Safari start page?
There are several ways to get rid of the Safari start page. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective methods.
1. Change your homepage
The most straightforward way to get rid of the Safari start page is to change your homepage. By default, the start page is set as your homepage, but you can change it to any website of your choice. Here’s how to do it:
– Open Safari and click on Safari in the menu bar.
– Select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
– In the General tab, enter the URL of the website you want to set as your homepage in the Homepage field.
– Close the Preferences window, and your new homepage will be saved.
Now every time you open a new tab or window, your chosen website will appear instead of the start page.
2. Use a different search engine
The search bar on the Safari start page is powered by Google by default. If you want to get rid of the start page, you can change your default search engine to a different one. Here’s how to do it:
– Open Safari and click on Safari in the menu bar.
– Select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
– In the Search tab, click on the drop-down menu next to Search engine and select a different search engine.
– Close the Preferences window, and your new search engine will be saved.
Changing the default search engine will not completely get rid of the start page, but it will make it less prominent and less intrusive.
3. Disable the start page in Preferences
If you don’t want to change your homepage or search engine, you can disable the start page in Safari preferences. Here’s how to do it:
– Open Safari and click on Safari in the menu bar.
– Select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
– In the General tab, uncheck the box next to “Safari opens with.”
– Close the Preferences window, and the next time you open a new tab or window, it will be blank.
However, this method will only disable the start page, and you will still see the frequently visited sites and Siri suggestions when you open a new tab or window.
4. Use private browsing mode
Another way to avoid the Safari start page is to use private browsing mode. In this mode, your browsing history and frequently visited sites will not be saved, and the start page will not appear when you open a new tab or window. Here’s how to enable private browsing mode in Safari:
– Open Safari and click on File in the menu bar.
– Select New Private Window from the drop-down menu.
– A new window will open with a dark theme, indicating that you are in private browsing mode.
However, this method has its limitations as private browsing mode will not save your browsing history, and you will have to manually enter the websites you want to visit.
5. Use a third-party extension
If none of the above methods work for you, you can use a third-party extension to get rid of the Safari start page. There are several extensions available on the Safari Extensions Gallery that allow you to customize your start page or replace it with a blank page. Some popular extensions include StartPage, Blank New Tab, and Tab for a Cause. These extensions are free to download and can be easily added to your Safari browser.
6. Use a different browser
If you are not satisfied with any of the above methods, you can always switch to a different browser. There are many alternatives to Safari, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox , and Microsoft Edge, that offer a similar browsing experience without the start page. You can import your bookmarks and history from Safari to the new browser and continue your browsing seamlessly.
Customizing your start page
If you don’t want to get rid of the start page completely but want to customize it according to your preferences, you can do that too. Here are some ways to customize your start page in Safari:
1. Rearrange frequently visited sites
The frequently visited sites on the start page are arranged based on the most visited sites. However, you can rearrange them by dragging and dropping them to your desired position. You can also remove any site by clicking on the “x” button on the top left corner of the site’s thumbnail.
2. Edit your reading list
The reading list on the start page allows you to save articles and web pages to read later. You can add or remove items from your reading list by clicking on the three-dot icon next to the article’s title.
3. Change the background image
You can change the background image of the start page by clicking on the three-dot icon and selecting Change Background. You can choose from the default images or upload your own image.
4. Disable Siri suggestions
If you don’t want to see Siri suggestions on your start page, you can disable them by clicking on the three-dot icon and selecting Siri Suggestions. You can also change the settings to show suggestions only from your bookmarks or history.
5. Use bookmarks
You can also use bookmarks to customize your start page. You can add your favorite websites to your bookmarks and access them easily from the start page. You can also organize your bookmarks into folders for a clutter-free experience.
In conclusion, the Safari start page can be a useful feature for some users, but it can also be a nuisance for others. If you want to get rid of it, you can change your homepage, search engine, or use a third-party extension. However, if you prefer a customized start page, you can rearrange the frequently visited sites, change the background image, or use bookmarks. Whichever method you choose, you can now enjoy a more personalized browsing experience on Safari.
use iphone to find apple watch
If you’re a proud owner of an iPhone and have recently purchased an Apple Watch, you may be wondering how to get the most out of your new device. The good news is that your iPhone is actually a powerful tool when it comes to finding and using your Apple Watch. In this article, we’ll explore how to use your iPhone to find your Apple Watch and unlock its full potential.
First things first, make sure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are fully charged. While the Apple Watch has a battery life of up to 18 hours, it’s always a good idea to have both devices fully charged before using them. Once your devices are charged, let’s dive into how to use your iPhone to find your Apple Watch.
Step 1: Connect Your Apple Watch to Your iPhone
The first step is to make sure that your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone. To do this, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. If you don’t have the app, you can download it for free from the App Store. Once the app is open, tap on the “Start Pairing” button. Your Apple Watch will display a six-digit code that you’ll need to enter into your iPhone to complete the pairing process. Follow the prompts on your iPhone to complete the setup.
Step 2: Use the Find My App
Now that your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone, you can use the Find My app to locate it. This app is pre-installed on all iPhones and is used to find lost or misplaced devices. To use the Find My app, open it and tap on the “Devices” tab. You should see your Apple Watch listed here. If not, make sure that your Apple Watch is turned on and connected to your iPhone.
Step 3: Use the Ping Feature
If you’re having trouble finding your Apple Watch, you can use the Ping feature in the Find My app. This will cause your Apple Watch to make a sound, making it easier to locate. To use this feature, simply tap on your Apple Watch in the Find My app and then tap on the “Ping” button. Your Apple Watch will play a sound for two minutes or until you tap on the screen to stop it.
Step 4: Use the Map View
If the Ping feature doesn’t work or if you’re not sure exactly where your Apple Watch is, you can use the Map view in the Find My app. This will show you the location of your Apple Watch on a map, making it easier to track down. To use this feature, tap on your Apple Watch in the Find My app and then tap on the “Map” button. This will open a map with a pin showing the location of your Apple Watch.
Step 5: Use Siri
Another way to find your Apple Watch is by using Siri. Simply activate Siri on your iPhone and say, “Find my Apple Watch.” Siri will then launch the Find My app and show you the location of your device.
Step 6: Use the Control Center
If you have a newer iPhone model, you can also use the Control Center to find your Apple Watch. Simply swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open the Control Center. From here, tap on the “Find My” icon and then tap on your Apple Watch. This will open the Find My app and show you the location of your device.
Step 7: Use the Apple Watch App
If you’re unable to locate your Apple Watch using any of the methods mentioned above, you can also use the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Open the app and tap on the “My Watch” tab. From here, scroll down and tap on the “Find My Apple Watch” option. This will open a map with your Apple Watch’s location.
Step 8: Enable Lost Mode
If you believe that your Apple Watch has been lost or stolen, you can enable Lost Mode to help track it down. To do this, open the Find My app and tap on your Apple Watch. Then, tap on the “Actions” button and select “Enable Lost Mode.” You can then enter a custom message that will be displayed on your Apple Watch’s screen, along with a phone number to contact if found.
Step 9: Use the Find My Website
If you don’t have access to your iPhone, you can also use the Find My website to locate your Apple Watch. Simply go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Then, click on the Find My app and select your Apple Watch from the list of devices. This will show you the location of your Apple Watch on a map.
Step 10: Use AirPods to Find Your Apple Watch
If you have AirPods connected to your iPhone, you can use them to find your Apple Watch. Simply open the Find My app and tap on your AirPods. Then, tap on the “Play Sound” button. This will cause your AirPods to play a sound, making it easier to locate your Apple Watch.
In conclusion, your iPhone is a powerful tool when it comes to finding your Apple Watch. With various methods such as using the Find My app, Siri, Control Center, and the Apple Watch app, you’ll be able to locate your device quickly and easily. And if your Apple Watch ever goes missing, you can use features like Ping, Map view, and Lost Mode to help track it down. So, make sure to take advantage of these tips and tricks to get the most out of your iPhone and Apple Watch duo.