Lock Safari Private Tabs with Face ID

This guide shows you how to require Face ID (or Touch ID) to view your private browsing tabs in Safari on iPhone and iPad. This adds a layer of privacy so that anyone who picks up your device can’t immediately see what you were browsing in private mode. You’ll need an iPhone or iPad with Face ID or Touch ID, running iOS 16 or later (the setting is in the same place on recent versions).

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad with Face ID or Touch ID enabled (check Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode).
• Safari updated to the version that came with your iOS version (no separate download needed).
• iOS 16 or later – the setting is called “Require Face ID” and appears in Safari settings.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
3. Scroll down to the Privacy & Security section.
4. Look for the toggle labeled “Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing” (on some iOS versions it’s just “Require Face ID”). Turn it on by tapping the switch.
5. If you have Face ID, you’ll be prompted to authenticate with your face to confirm the change. If you have Touch ID, you’ll use your fingerprint.
6. Once enabled, open Safari and switch to Private Browsing (tap the tabs button, then “Private” at the bottom). You’ll see a lock screen asking for Face ID before showing your private tabs.
7. To test it, lock your device, then unlock and open Safari – you’ll need to authenticate again to see private tabs.

Common Mistakes

• Not scrolling far enough: The setting is under “Privacy & Security” – it’s not at the top of Safari settings. If you don’t see it, scroll down.
• Turning it on but not confirming: On some iOS versions, the toggle will ask for Face ID immediately. If you cancel the prompt, the setting stays off.
• Expecting it to lock all of Safari: This only locks private tabs. Regular tabs remain accessible without Face ID.
• Using an older iOS: The setting wasn’t available before iOS 16. If you can’t find it, update your device.

Tips

• Use a strong passcode as a backup – if Face ID fails, you’ll be asked for your device passcode.
• If you share your device with family, consider also enabling Screen Time restrictions to prevent changes to this setting.
• You can also lock your regular Safari tabs by using Screen Time’s “Content & Privacy Restrictions” – but that’s a separate process.
• Remember that this only hides the tabs themselves; your browsing history is still stored in the private session until you close it.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see the “Require Face ID” option.
Make sure your device is updated to iOS 16 or later. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you’re already on a recent version, try restarting your device – sometimes settings don’t appear until after a reboot.

I turned it on, but Safari doesn’t ask for Face ID.
First, check that Face ID is actually enabled for unlocking your device (Settings > Face ID & Passcode). If it’s off, the Safari toggle won’t work. Also, try closing Safari completely (swipe up from the bottom and swipe the Safari card away) and reopening it.

It asks for Face ID every time, but I want it only when I switch to Private Browsing.
That’s how it works – it locks the private tabs view. If you want to avoid repeated prompts, keep the private tab view open and don’t lock your device.

I have an iPad with Touch ID – will this work?
Yes, the setting will say “Require Touch ID” instead, and it works the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this hide my private tabs from the App Switcher?
A: No, it only locks the private tab view when you open Safari. The app switcher preview may still show your private tabs if they were open when you switched apps. To prevent that, close the private tab view before switching apps.

Q: Can I lock regular Safari tabs with Face ID too?
A: No, this built-in setting only applies to private browsing. To lock all of Safari, you’d need to use Screen Time restrictions or a third-party browser.

Q: Will this affect my ability to use Private Browsing on my Mac?
A: No, this setting is per-device. It only affects Safari on the iPhone or iPad where you enable it.

Q: What happens if I forget my passcode?
A: If Face ID fails, you’ll be prompted for your device passcode. If you forget that, you’ll need to reset your device via recovery mode – which erases data. So keep your passcode safe.

Q: Can I turn this off without Face ID?
A: Yes, you can turn it off from Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security, but you’ll need to authenticate with Face ID or your passcode to change the setting.

Q: Does this work on iOS 15?
A: No, the setting was introduced in iOS 16. If you’re on iOS 15, you’ll need to update to get this feature.

Related

• Guest Device Charging Station Setup Guide
• DNS Tracking: What Changed When I Ditched ISP DNS
• Wireless Earbuds: 7 Habits That Kill Battery Life