iOS Safari Browser Shortcuts
iOS Safari Browser keyboard shortcuts with key combinations, actions, and usage notes.
How to use this reference
Use this category reference to find shortcuts for the platform shown. Start with the section for your operating system, read the action and description, and try the shortcut in an appropriate application. Keys joined with a plus sign are held together; alternatives let you choose the combination that works on your keyboard. A gesture requires a compatible touchpad or touch screen rather than a physical keyboard.
Before practicing, check which window has focus. Text fields, browser tabs, terminal sessions, and system dialogs can interpret the same keys differently. Save any open work before testing commands that close a window, delete content, or change system settings. Accessibility commands may need to be enabled in settings first, and a laptop may require the Fn key for function keys. If a combination is intercepted by an application or a custom keymap, consult its built-in help and your operating system settings. Follow the full platform guide for related commands and additional context.
iPhone
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open New Tab | Tap + button | Tap the plus button in the tab bar to open a new tab |
| Close Tab | Long Press Tab → Close | Long press any tab thumbnail to see the option to close it |
| Switch Tabs (swipe) | Swipe Left/Right on Address Bar | Swipe left or right across the address bar to switch between open tabs |
| Show All Tabs | Tap Tab icon (bottom right) | Tap the overlapping squares button to see the grid of all open tabs |
| Reload Page | Tap Reload icon (address bar) | Tap the circular arrow in the address bar to reload |
| Go Back | Swipe Right from Left Edge | Swipe in from the left edge to navigate back in Safari (same as the system back gesture) |
| Reader Mode | Tap Reader icon (address bar) | Tap the Reader icon (four horizontal lines) to view a clean, distraction-free version of an article |
| Share / Copy Link | Tap Share icon | Tap the Share button to copy the URL, share, save to Reading List, or add to Home Screen |
| Add to Reading List | Share → Add to Reading List | Save a page to the offline Reading List for later viewing without internet |
| Open Reading List | Tap Book icon → Reading List | Tap the book icon then choose the reading glasses tab to view saved articles |
| Private Browsing | Tap Tab icon → Private | Open the tab switcher and tap 'Private' to start a private browsing session |
| Zoom In (page) | Pinch Out (2 fingers) | Spread two fingers to zoom into a webpage (on non-responsive sites) |
| Scroll to Top | Tap Status Bar | Tap the top status bar to instantly scroll back to the top of the page |