How to Update Safari on an iPad

To keep pace with other popular search engines, Apple’s Safari browser is constantly being augmented with new features and security add-ins. The updates not only serve to keep Safari free of bugs and malware but also makes using it on a product like the iPad a seamless appearance.

While some changes are done automatically, in some cases you may have to control the update process yourself. In this article, we’ll tell you how to update the Safari browser on your iPad for the best browsing experience.

Update Safari on iPad

It’s important to note that Safari isn’t a standalone app but is built into iOS. This means you cannot download or update it from the App Store. To update Safari on your iPad, download the latest version of iPadOS supported by your device. You will see a red dot on the Settings icon if a software update is available, however, you can still check manually. A stable internet connection is needed for this. Follow the steps below:

1. Make sure that the iPad is fully charged and connected to a stable network.
   
2. Navigate to the “Settings” menu.
   
3. Open “General” and navigate to “Software Update.”
   
4. Check whether a new update is available.
   
5. If an update is available, click the “Download and Install” option, then choose “Install.”
6. Enter your passcode when prompted. This may be required to give your iPad permission to continue with the installation.
7. When the installation is complete, restart.

In the software update menu, more information about the download is provided such as the size of the download, etc. You can tap “Learn more” to access more software details. Also on the software update page, you can select the “Turn On Automatic Updates” option to have updates installed automatically as they are received.

Why Safari Needs to Be Updated

Software updates are a regular thing at Apple. These upgrades can be installed as soon as they are rolled out on the iPad. When you update the Safari browser, you enjoy better responsiveness and speed, as well as enhanced security and privacy.

Hackers are constantly seeking vulnerabilities in Apple’s well-regarded operating systems. So, to keep malware and bugs at bay, Safari browsers use the latest technology and are supplied with regular updates. These address known issues and add new functionalities. But the only way to access the enhancements is to update Safari whenever a new version rolls out.

Fixing Safari Issues

While Safari offers a good overall user experience, users can face issues in the course of using the browser. However, you can fix these issues easily in most cases. If you are facing issues with your browser, try the following:

Restart Your iPad

This should always be the first thing you try when troubleshooting an app. Restarting the device can fix many issues.

Clear the Cache

The cache is a browser component that stores information about your frequently visited websites so that they load fast each time. However, Safari may fail to work because the cache is full, leading to sluggish performance. Clearing the cache helps.

1. Go to the “Settings” menu and open it.
   
2. Select “Safari.”
   
3. Select “Clear History and Website Data.”
   

This should clear the cache successfully and handle the issue.

Get an Update if One Is Available

An outdated Safari app runs into issues from time to time. You need the latest iOS software version for the browser to work correctly. Check for updates in the Settings menu and if it is available, download and install it. This may help fix the issue you’re facing.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can help fix Safari issues. To reset the network:

1. Open the “Settings” menu on your iPad.
   
2. Select the “General” settings and choose “Reset.”
   
3. Choose “Reset Network Settings.”
   

Note that this method removes the Wi-Fi passwords as well. As such, save the passwords using a special app or another safe source to easily access them later.

Disable Any Content Blockers

Some users may have installed special blockers to filter out questionable web content or ads. But this can cause Safari browser problems. Thus, the content blocker installed on the iPad needs to be disabled. Doing so could solve the issue and restore Safari functionality.

1. Open the “Settings” menu.
   
2. Select “Safari.”
   
3. Select “Content Blockers.”
   
4. Toggle the switch to disable.
   

FAQs

Can Safari update automatically on my iPad?

Safari updates only when you upgrade your iPad software. This means that you only access the latest Safari version on your device once you update your operating system software.

Can Safari be updated on an old iPad?

An iPad can be updated only when it is compatible with the newer updates. Many of the old iPad models can get the latest updates. However, for even older models like iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad Mini, you can only upgrade up to iOS 9.3.

How can I tell if the latest Safari version is installed on my device?

This can be only done by checking for updates in the Settings menu. By navigating to General and then About, you can check the OS version installed on your iPad device. This should be the same version as the Safari browser. In iPadOS 13, the Safari version should be 13 as well.

How is an old iPad browser updated?

You need to go through the Settings menu, open General, then download and install the new software update. The steps are the same on new iPads.

Do I need to update Safari?

Software updates are important. Fortunately, you don’t need to make a special effort to update the Safari browser itself. Once you update the iPadOS, the browser is updated as well.

Can an outdated Safari browser be used?

Yes. You can still use a Safari browser even if it’s outdated. However, this can affect your overall user experience. Without an updated browser, you may be restricted from visiting some web pages. Getting the last versions allows you to access better privacy features, security, and extra encryption.

Can I delete Safari from my iPad?

Safari is integrated into the iPadOS and therefore it cannot be removed. However, you can successfully remove it from the home screen if you don’t intend to use it anymore. This won’t delete the app or the data contained therein. If you want, you can clear your history.

Enhance Your Online Browsing Experience by Updating Safari on iPad

iPad owners have access to the Safari browser since it’s part of the operating system. To get the best experience using this browser, you need the latest app version that addresses bugs and glitches. Newer updates mean security improvements, as well as administrative and technical support. Updating Safari is relatively simple as it involves merely getting an iPad software update.

Which iPad version do you use? Have you faced any issues updating the Safari browser? Let us know in the comments section below.