Getting rid of the start page on your iPad can streamline your browsing experience, making it quicker and more efficient. By following a few simple steps in the Safari settings, you can disable the start page, so it no longer appears when you open the browser. This guide will walk you through each step so you can enjoy a smoother and more personalized browsing experience on your iPad.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Get Rid of Start Page on iPad
This tutorial will guide you through disabling the start page in Safari on your iPad, allowing you to start your browsing session exactly where you left off or on a blank page.
Step 1: Open Settings
Navigate to the “Settings” app on your iPad.
The Settings app is usually found on your home screen. If you have trouble finding it, use the search function by swiping down on your home screen and typing “Settings”.
Step 2: Scroll to Safari
Scroll down the settings menu and tap on “Safari”.
Once you tap on Safari, you’ll be taken to a new menu. This menu includes all of Safari’s settings, such as search engine preferences, privacy settings, and more.
Step 3: Change the “Open New Tabs With” Setting
Find the “Open New Tabs With” section and select “Empty Page”.
This ensures that any new tab you open in Safari will start with a blank page instead of the start page. It’s a small change but can make a big difference in how quickly your browser operates.
Step 4: Disable “Frequently Visited Sites”
Turn off the switch next to “Frequently Visited Sites”.
Disabling this option will prevent Safari from showing your frequently visited websites on the start page, further ensuring a cleaner start when you open the browser.
Step 5: Clear Your History and Website Data
Scroll down and tap on “Clear History and Website Data”.
This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help ensure that any remnants of your old browsing habits are wiped clean, giving you a fresh start.
After completing these steps, Safari will no longer show the start page when you open it. Instead, it will either load a blank page or your previously opened tabs, depending on your preference.
Tips for How to Get Rid of Start Page on iPad
- Bookmark Your Favorite Sites: Use bookmarks to quickly access your favorite websites instead of relying on the start page.
- Use Reading List: Save articles to your Reading List for offline access and a clutter-free browser.
- Customize Safari Toolbar: Add or remove toolbar items to make browsing more efficient.
- Enable Private Browsing: Use private browsing to prevent Safari from saving your browsing history.
- Update Regularly: Ensure your iPad and Safari browser are up to date for the best performance and newest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the start page on iPad’s Safari?
The start page is a default screen that shows your frequently visited websites, bookmarked sites, and Siri suggestions when you open Safari.
Can I customize the start page instead of removing it?
Yes, you can customize the start page by adding or removing sections like “Favorites” and “Reading List.”
Will removing the start page affect my browsing history?
No, removing the start page won’t delete your browsing history. It only changes what appears when you open a new tab.
Can I revert the changes if I want the start page back?
Yes, you can easily revert the changes by going back into Safari settings and selecting your preferred options.
Do these steps work on all iPad models?
Yes, these steps should work on all iPad models running the latest version of iOS.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to Safari.
- Change the “Open New Tabs With” setting.
- Disable “Frequently Visited Sites”.
- Clear your history and website data.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the start page on your iPad is a quick and easy way to make your browsing experience more streamlined. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that every time you open Safari, you’re greeted with a clean slate. This minor adjustment not only speeds up your browsing experience but also makes it more personalized to your needs.
Remember, the tips section offers additional ways to enhance your browsing experience further. For instance, using bookmarks and the Reading List can help keep your browsing organized and efficient. Plus, always keep your software updated to take advantage of the latest features and improvements.
If you found this guide helpful and want to explore more ways to optimize your iPad experience, stay tuned for more informative articles. Your journey to mastering your iPad continues with small, impactful changes like these, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.