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How to Update and Upgrade Safari Web Browser on iPad OS Tablet

Safari is the default web browser that comes preinstalled on all iPad devices running iPadOS. Keeping Safari up-to-date is important to get the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes.

There are a few ways to update or upgrade Safari on an iPad:

Check for Software Updates

The easiest way to update Safari is to check for iPadOS software updates, which include Safari browser updates.

To manually check for updates:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap “General”
  3. Tap “Software Update”
  4. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install”

It’s a good idea to keep your iPad plugged into power while installing updates.

You can also turn on automatic updates to get new iPadOS and Safari versions installed automatically when they become available.

Update iPadOS

Since Safari comes built into iPadOS, updating your iPad’s operating system will also update Safari to the latest version.

Each major iPadOS release usually coincides with a new Safari update. So upgrading your iPad to the newest iPadOS version will upgrade Safari as well.

For example, upgrading your iPad to iPadOS 16 will also upgrade Safari to the Safari 16 browser.

Check which iPadOS versions your iPad model supports before upgrading.

Use iTunes (or Finder)

If your iPad isn’t updating automatically over-the-air for some reason, you can update via iTunes on a computer instead.

To update via iTunes:

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer using the USB cable
  2. Open iTunes (or Finder if using a Mac)
  3. Select your iPad
  4. Click “Check for Update” to install the latest iPadOS and Safari version

This should force an update if updates aren’t working correctly over WiFi.

Reset iPad

If Safari is crashing or having major issues that software updates aren’t fixing, resetting your iPad to factory default settings can help resolve problems.

Note that resetting erases all data and settings from your iPad. So be sure to backup your iPad to iCloud or iTunes before resetting.

To reset:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Reset
  2. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
  3. Enter your passcode if prompted
  4. Tap “Erase iPad” to confirm and reset the device

Once your iPad reboots, you can restore from a backup during setup and Safari issues should be resolved.

Tips for Keeping Safari Up-to-Date

Here are some tips for keeping Safari updated and running smoothly on your iPad:

  • Update iPadOS regularly either automatically or by manually checking for updates every few weeks
  • Upgrade to new major iPadOS releases annually to get the latest Safari version
  • Use iCloud and iTunes backups before updating or upgrading in case of issues
  • Reset your iPad about once a year to clear out any lingering glitches
  • Close Safari fully from the app switcher if it starts acting sluggish
  • Clear website data and history periodically under Safari settings

Keeping Safari updated is easy since it’s bundled with iPadOS system updates. Follow these tips and your Safari browser will stay fast and secure.

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