For a long time, the start page of the Safari browser on the iPhone was a stark, plain white (or dark grey, depending on your system theme) screen. While functional, it lacked any personal touch. Starting with iOS 15, Apple introduced the ability to deeply customize the Safari start page, allowing you to rearrange the sections you see and, most importantly, apply your own custom background image.
Adding a custom background to Safari makes the browsing experience feel much more personal. You can choose from Apple’s pre-installed gallery of abstract designs and landscapes, or upload a photo from your own camera roll.
This guide explains how to change the background image of the Safari browser on your iPhone.
How to Change Your Safari Background
You can customize this setting directly from within the Safari app.
- Open the Safari app on your iPhone.
- You need to be on the Start Page. If Safari opens to an active website, tap the Tabs icon (the two overlapping squares) in the bottom right corner, and then tap the + (Plus) button in the bottom left corner to open a new, blank tab.
- Scroll all the way down to the very bottom of the Start Page.
- Tap the Edit button. This opens the “Customize Start Page” menu.
- At the bottom of this menu, ensure the toggle switch for Background Image is turned On (green).
- You will now see a horizontal scrolling list of background options.
- To use an Apple preset: Scroll through the small thumbnail images and tap one to select it.
- To use your own photo: Tap the large + (Plus) button tile. This will open your iPhone’s photo library. Select the photo you want to use.
- Once you have made your selection, tap the X in the top right corner of the menu to close it.
Your new custom background will now appear behind your favorites, frequently visited sites, and reading list every time you open a new tab.
How to Sync Your Background Across Devices
If you also own an iPad or a Mac, you can have your new custom Safari background automatically sync across all your Apple devices.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Safari Start Page and tap Edit again.
- At the very top of the menu, locate the toggle switch for Use Start Page on All Devices.
- Turn this toggle On (green).
As long as your other devices are signed into the same Apple ID and have iCloud syncing for Safari enabled, your custom background (and the layout of your Start Page sections) will mirror perfectly across your entire Apple ecosystem.