Securing Safari Private Browsing with Face ID and Touch ID

[nerdslife_team]

Safari’s private browsing is great for keeping your history and data private, but what if someone else picks up your unlocked device? Good news - you can lock those private tabs down using Face ID on your iPhone or Touch ID/password on your Mac. This way, your private browsing is truly private!

With this feature activated, your private tabs lock automatically when you’re not using them. Every time you come back, you’ll need to confirm it’s you with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode, adding a solid layer of security to your browsing.

Enabling Face ID on iPhone

By default, iOS 17 enables this protection. But if you find it’s off, it’s easy to turn back on:

1. Launch the Settings app from your home screen or app library.
   
   
2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
   
   
3. Find the option labeled Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing and toggle it on.
   
   
   
   Now, each time you access private browsing in Safari after locking your iPhone, you will be prompted for Face ID verification. If Face ID fails twice, you’ll have the option to enter your device passcode to proceed.
   
   

Enabling Touch ID or Password on Mac

On macOS Sonoma, you have a similar option to safeguard your private tabs by requiring either Touch ID or your login password. It’s not enabled by default, so you’ll need to turn it on manually.

1. Start by opening Safari from the Dock or Launchpad.

2. Click on the Safari menu in the top-left corner, and select Settings. You can also use the shortcut Cmd + ,.
   

3. In the Settings window, go to the Privacy tab.
   

   

4. Tick the box for either Require Touch ID to view locked tabs or Require password to view locked tabs, depending on what’s available on your Mac.
   

   

After this, every time you try to get to your private tabs after your Mac has been locked, you’ll need to authenticate with Touch ID or your login password.

Adding Face ID or Touch ID to protect your private browsing is a simple yet powerful way to keep your browsing history away from prying eyes, even if they have access to your unlocked device. It’s an easy step that significantly boosts your privacy.