When you open Safari on the iPhone, the start page has a simple white background. In dark mode, it turns black. And that's about it. However, with iOS 15 and newer software versions, you can choose a colorful wallpaper as the Safari background instead.
And if you want something personal, you can even use a picture from the Photos app as the background of the start page in Safari. So, keep reading to learn how to change the Safari background on your iPhone and iPad.
How to Change the Background in Safari on iPhone
The instructions below will show you how to change the Safari background on your iOS/iPadOS device. If you want to use a custom image, make sure it's in the Photos app (and not elsewhere, like the Files app, Google Drive, or Dropbox).
When you're ready, follow these steps to add or change the Safari background:
- Open Safari on iPhone running iOS 15 or later and tap Edit from the start page.
- Turn on Background Image.
- Apple includes preset background images. Tap to use one.
- Alternatively, you can tap the plus icon (+) to select a picture from the Photos app.
- Finally, tap X from the top-right corner or drag this page down to close it. You will see the Safari start page with a changed background.
Free Websites to Get Amazing Background Images for Safari
iOS 15 and even its successor iOS 16 feature just nine Safari backgrounds. If you don't like them, you can get fantastic backgrounds from websites that offer copyright and royalty-free images. Some of these sites are:
1. Unsplash
Unsplash has tons of images covering various categories like flowers, nature, fashion, architecture, abstract, interiors, film, and more. Its homepage features the most recent editorial images. You may choose from there or use the search box to find something specific.
2. Pixabay
Pixabay offers royalty-free images of various kinds that you can use for your Safari background, iPhone wallpaper, and elsewhere. Downloading images in lower resolution requires no authentication. However, you may have to solve a Google captcha for higher resolutions.
3. Pexels
Pexels is another great place to find high-quality images to use in your projects, wallpapers, or on your Safari background. The homepage showcases a collection of fine photos, and you can also use the search box to find pictures related to gifts, nature, technology, models, wallpaper, and so on.
Use Safari With a Beautiful Background!
Now you know how to change the plain white or black Safari background to something colorful, fun, and personal. At this point, you just need to be creative with the Safari background you choose.
But if you ever change your mind and wish to return to the minimalist design, all you need to do is repeat the steps and turn off the toggle for Background Image.