stop safari from opening apps
Safari , the default web browser for Apple devices, has been a popular choice for many users due to its sleek design and user-friendly interface. However, one of its features has been a source of frustration for some users – the automatic opening of apps. This can be a nuisance, especially when you are browsing the web and suddenly an app opens up, interrupting your flow. In this article, we will explore ways to stop Safari from opening apps, giving you more control over your browsing experience.
What is the issue with Safari opening apps?
The issue with Safari opening apps lies in its handling of Universal Links. Universal Links are special links that allow you to open an app directly from a web page. This feature was introduced by Apple in 2015 with the release of iOS 9. It was intended to make the transition between web pages and apps seamless, providing a more integrated experience for users.
However, this feature has been a cause of annoyance for many users. Safari automatically detects these Universal Links and opens the corresponding app without any warning or prompt. This can happen even if you have not clicked on the link intentionally, leading to a disruption in your browsing session.
Apart from being a nuisance, this feature can also be a security concern. It is possible for malicious websites to use Universal Links to redirect users to fake or harmful apps, putting your device and personal information at risk.
How to stop Safari from opening apps?
Now that we understand the issue, let us explore some solutions to stop Safari from opening apps.
1. Disable Universal Links
The most straightforward solution to stop Safari from opening apps is to disable Universal Links entirely. This can be done by going to Settings > Safari and toggling off the “Universal Links” option. This will prevent Safari from automatically opening apps when you click on a Universal Link.
However, keep in mind that this will also disable the feature of seamlessly transitioning between web pages and apps. If you use this feature often, it may not be the best solution for you.
2. Use a third-party browser
Another option is to switch to a third-party browser that does not support Universal Links. Popular alternatives like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox do not have this feature, so you can browse the web without worrying about apps opening up unexpectedly.
3. Use a content blocker
Content blockers are apps that allow you to block specific content, such as ads, trackers, and scripts, from loading on websites. Some content blockers also have the option to block Universal Links, preventing Safari from opening apps. You can find these apps on the App Store, and they usually come with a one-time purchase or subscription fee.
4. Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server. Some VPNs come with the option to block Universal Links, preventing Safari from automatically opening apps. This is a useful solution if you already use a VPN for security reasons.
5. Use the “Reader” mode
Safari’s “Reader” mode is a useful feature that strips away the clutter from a web page, making it easier to read. This mode also disables Universal Links, so if you are browsing a website that has a lot of them, you can switch to Reader mode to avoid any disruptions.
To use this feature, tap on the “Reader” icon in the address bar, and the page will reload in a clean, distraction-free format.
6. Clear website data
Safari stores website data, including cookies and cache, to improve your browsing experience. However, this data can also include Universal Links, which can lead to apps automatically opening. To prevent this, you can clear your website data by going to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Keep in mind that this will also log you out of any websites you are currently signed in to, and you may have to re-enter your login information when you visit them again.
7. Use “Private Browsing” mode
Safari’s “Private Browsing” mode is a feature that does not save your browsing history, cookies, or website data. This can be useful if you are visiting a website with a lot of Universal Links and do not want them to be stored on your device. To enable Private Browsing, tap on the “Private” button in the bottom left corner of the Safari app.
8. turn off Wi-Fi and Cellular data
If you are browsing the web and do not want any apps to open, you can turn off your Wi-Fi and Cellular data. This will prevent Safari from accessing the internet and, therefore, opening apps. However, this is a drastic solution and may not be practical if you need to stay connected to the internet for other tasks.
9. Update your device
Apple regularly releases software updates for its devices, which often include bug fixes and improvements. If you are experiencing issues with Safari opening apps, make sure your device is up to date. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
10. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above solutions work, you can reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They may be able to provide a solution or escalate the issue to their development team for a future software update.
Conclusion
Safari’s automatic opening of apps can be a nuisance, but fortunately, there are several solutions to stop it from happening. From disabling Universal Links to using a third-party browser, you can choose the solution that works best for you. However, keep in mind that some of these solutions may also disable other useful features, so it is essential to consider your needs before implementing them. With these tips, you can now enjoy a smoother and more uninterrupted browsing experience on your Apple device.
how do you airdrop someone
Airdrop is a feature available on Apple devices that allows users to share files wirelessly between two compatible devices. This feature has become increasingly popular as it provides a convenient and efficient way to transfer files between devices without the need for cables or internet connection. In this article, we will explore what airdrop is, how it works, and how to use it to airdrop files to someone.
What is Airdrop?
Airdrop is a feature that was introduced by Apple in 2011 with the release of OS X Lion and iOS 7. It is a built-in feature that allows Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs to share files wirelessly with each other. The files can be shared between any two Apple devices that are within range and have the airdrop feature turned on.
One of the major advantages of airdrop is that it does not require an internet connection or any cables to transfer files. It uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology to establish a peer-to-peer connection between the devices. This means that airdrop can be used even in places where there is no Wi-Fi or cellular network available.
How does Airdrop Work?
Airdrop uses a technology called Multipeer Connectivity Framework to transfer files between devices. This technology allows devices to connect to each other directly without the need for an internet connection. It uses Bluetooth to discover nearby devices and Wi-Fi to transfer files between them.
When a device has airdrop turned on, it broadcasts its availability to other devices nearby. This allows other devices to see it and initiate a file transfer. Once a file transfer is initiated, the two devices negotiate a secure connection using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The files are then encrypted and transferred directly between the devices.
Airdrop also uses a technology called Wi-Fi Direct, which allows devices to create a temporary ad-hoc network for the file transfer. This network is used to transfer files at a much faster speed than Bluetooth, making airdrop a quick and efficient way to transfer files.
How to Airdrop Someone?
Now that we know what airdrop is and how it works, let’s look at how to airdrop someone. Airdrop can be used to transfer a variety of files such as photos, videos, contacts, documents, and more. The process of airdropping someone is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.
Step 1: Make sure both devices have Airdrop turned on
Before you can airdrop someone, make sure that both devices have the airdrop feature turned on. You can do this by going to the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, or by clicking on the Airdrop icon in the Finder window on your Mac. Make sure that the visibility of your device is set to “Everyone” so that it can be seen by other devices nearby.
Step 2: Select the files you want to airdrop
Once both devices have airdrop turned on, you can select the files you want to transfer. This can be done by going to the file you want to transfer and clicking on the share button. You will see the option to airdrop the file to another device.
Step 3: Choose the device you want to airdrop to
After selecting the files, you will see a list of nearby devices that have airdrop turned on. Choose the device you want to airdrop to from the list. If the device you want to airdrop to is not on the list, make sure that it has airdrop turned on and is within range.
Step 4: Accept the airdrop on the receiving device
Once you have airdropped the files to the other device, you will see a notification on the receiving device asking if you want to accept the airdrop. Click on “Accept” to initiate the file transfer.
Step 5: Check the files on the receiving device
The files will be transferred from the sending device to the receiving device in a matter of seconds. Once the transfer is complete, you can check the files on the receiving device to make sure they have been transferred successfully.
Tips for a Successful Airdrop
While airdrop is a convenient and efficient way to transfer files, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure a successful transfer.
1. Make sure both devices have airdrop turned on and are within range.
2. Make sure the visibility of your device is set to “Everyone” so that it can be seen by other devices nearby.
3. Keep the devices close together and avoid any obstructions that may interfere with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection.
4. Make sure both devices have enough battery life to complete the transfer.
5. If you are having trouble connecting, try turning off and then turning on airdrop on both devices.
6. If the files are not transferring, make sure that the file you are trying to transfer is compatible with the receiving device.
Alternatives to Airdrop
While airdrop is a great feature for Apple users, it is limited to only transferring files between Apple devices. If you need to transfer files between devices that are not made by Apple, there are alternative options available.
1. Google Drive: Google Drive is a cloud storage service that allows users to store and share files with others. It is available on both iOS and Android devices, making it a great alternative for airdrop.
2. Dropbox: Dropbox is another popular cloud storage service that allows users to share files with others. It is available on both iOS and Android devices, making it a good alternative for airdrop.
3. Shareit: Shareit is a file-sharing app that is available on both iOS and Android devices. It uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to transfer files between devices, making it a quick and efficient way to share files.
4. Bluetooth: While not as fast as airdrop, Bluetooth is still a viable option for transferring files between devices. It is available on most smartphones and can be used to transfer files between different devices.
Conclusion
Airdrop is a convenient and efficient way to transfer files between Apple devices. It uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology to create a direct connection between devices, making it a quick and easy way to share files. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you can airdrop files to someone in a matter of seconds. However, if you need to transfer files between different devices, there are alternative options available such as cloud storage services and file-sharing apps.