Require Face ID to reopen Safari Private Browsing on iPhone

Private Browsing reduces local history and tab sharing, but an open private tab can still be visible when someone uses an unlocked phone. Safari can lock the Private Browsing area behind Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode after you leave it.

Before you start​

Make sure the device has a strong passcode and working biometric unlock. Know that a person who knows the passcode may still be able to authenticate.

Do it step by step​

1. Open Settings, Apps, Safari. Find the option to require passcode, Face ID or Touch ID to unlock Private Browsing.
2. Turn the option on and open a Private Browsing tab in Safari. Use a harmless test page rather than sensitive data for verification.
3. Switch away from the private tab or lock the phone, then return and confirm Safari asks for authentication before showing it.
4. Check Safari's separate tracking, fraudulent-site and website-permission settings; Private Browsing does not replace them.
5. Close private tabs when no longer needed, especially on a shared device, and sign out of websites whose accounts should not remain open.

Check the result​

Returning to the private area should require the configured authentication. Ordinary Safari tabs should behave as expected.

If something goes wrong​

If the option is missing, check device software and restrictions. Some website content or downloads may remain accessible outside browser history.

Know the limit​

Private Browsing does not conceal activity from a visited website, a signed-in account or every network observer; this lock protects access to local open tabs. Apple's Safari Private Browsing guide