Using Safari on iOS 10: A Complete Guide

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If you’re using Safari on iOS 10, you’re working with a browser that introduced several features still familiar today, though many have since been updated or moved. This guide explains what Safari on iOS 10 can do, how to use its key tools, and what limitations you may encounter.

Background: Safari in the iOS 10 Era

iOS 10, released in September 2016, brought a significant redesign to Safari. It was the first version to support Apple Pay on the web, allowing users to pay for goods and services directly in Safari with Touch ID. It also introduced a new tab view, an improved Reader mode, and better performance through technologies like WebKit’s faster JavaScript engine. While iOS 10 is now several versions old, many users with older iPhones and iPads (like the iPhone 5 or iPad 4) are still running it because those devices cannot upgrade to newer iOS versions. Understanding Safari on iOS 10 is therefore still relevant for a niche but real audience.

Key Features and How to Use Them

Safari on iOS 10 includes several features that were new at the time and remain useful. Here’s how to use them:

Tab View: Tap the overlapping squares icon in the bottom-right corner to see all open tabs as cards. You can swipe left or right to close them, or tap the ‘+’ to open a new tab.
Reader Mode: Tap the ‘Reader View’ icon (four horizontal lines) in the address bar to remove ads and clutter from an article. You can adjust font size and background color by tapping the ‘aA’ icon.
Apple Pay on the Web: When you see an Apple Pay button on a website, tap it and confirm with Touch ID. This feature requires an iPhone 6 or later, or an iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, or iPad mini 3 or later.
Share Sheet: Tap the square-with-arrow icon to share a page via Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or copy the link. You can also add a page to Reading List or Bookmarks.
Search in Page: Tap the address bar, type your search term, then scroll down and tap ‘On This Page’ under the search suggestions.

Common Problems and Fixes

Users on iOS 10 might encounter a few common issues. Here are typical problems and their solutions:

Pages not loading: Check your internet connection, toggle Airplane Mode on and off, or restart your device. Also try clearing Safari’s cache by going to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Browser crashes: If Safari keeps crashing, try closing all tabs, then force-quit Safari (double-tap Home, swipe Safari up). If that doesn’t work, restart your iPhone.
Cannot play videos: Some websites use modern video formats that iOS 10 doesn’t support. Try updating the site’s app or using a different browser like Chrome (if available for your iOS version).
Pop-up ads: iOS 10 doesn’t have a built-in content blocker, but you can install third-party ad blockers from the App Store that work with Safari.

Security and Privacy

iOS 10 introduced several privacy features that are still important. Safari includes Intelligent Tracking Prevention (though it was more basic then), which limits how advertisers can track you. You can also enable ‘Do Not Track’ (though it’s not always honored) and ‘Block All Cookies’ in Settings > Safari. However, because iOS 10 is no longer updated, it lacks the latest security patches, so it’s more vulnerable to exploits. For sensitive activities like online banking, consider using a more secure, updated device or browser.

Comparisons: Safari on iOS 10 vs. Newer Versions

Compared to Safari on iOS 12 or later, iOS 10’s version is significantly less capable. Newer versions offer:

Better tab management with tab groups (iOS 15 and later).
Built-in translation (iOS 14 and later).
Enhanced privacy reports.
Support for modern web standards, meaning more sites render correctly.
Faster JavaScript performance.

If you’re stuck on iOS 10, you won’t be able to use these features. Some websites may also not work properly because they rely on APIs not present in iOS 10.

Alternatives to Safari on iOS 10

If Safari on iOS 10 is giving you trouble, you can try alternative browsers that still support older iOS versions. Chrome for iOS, for example, works on iOS 10 and offers features like cross-device syncing with your Google account. Firefox also has an iOS app that works on older versions. However, note that these browsers are also limited by the underlying WebKit engine (all iOS browsers use WebKit), so they won’t be dramatically faster, but they may have different interfaces and features like built-in ad blocking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clear my history and cookies in Safari on iOS 10?

Go to Settings > Safari, then tap ‘Clear History and Website Data’. This will remove your browsing history, cookies, and other data. Note that this also signs you out of most websites.

Can I use extensions like ad blockers in Safari on iOS 10?

Yes, iOS 10 supports Safari content blockers. You can download apps like Adblock Plus or Purify from the App Store, then enable them in Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.

Why does Safari on iOS 10 show a ‘Cannot Open Page’ error?

This often happens when the website uses a security certificate that iOS 10 doesn’t recognize or has expired. It could also be due to a poor internet connection. Try reloading the page or checking your Wi-Fi.

Is it safe to use Safari on iOS 10 for online banking?

It’s not recommended. iOS 10 no longer receives security updates, making it vulnerable to known exploits. For banking, use a device that runs a supported iOS version, or use the bank’s official app if it still works on your device.

How do I take a screenshot of a webpage in Safari on iOS 10?

Press the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. The screenshot is saved to your Photos app. To capture the full page, you’d need a third-party app, as iOS 10 doesn’t have built-in full-page screenshots.

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