How to set a custom background in Safari browser tabs on your iPhone

• You can set your Safari background with a custom image on new tab pages starting with iOS 15.
• To select a custom background image, open a new tab in Safari, tap the Edit button at the bottom of the page, and enable the Background Image button.
• You can choose one of several preset images or pick a photo from your phone's photo library.

Apple made some significant updates to the default Safari web browser for the iPhone in iOS 15, including tab groups and a movable address bar. But one of the most interesting updates is the ability to set a custom background for new browser tabs. Not only does it add a much-needed visual update, but it's easy to configure, and you can change it as often as you like.

How to set a custom background in Safari for iPhone

You can only set a custom background in Safari for your iPhone if you are running iOS 15 or later. To check, start the Settings app and tap General. Tap Software Update and check your current version. If necessary, install the update.

When you're ready to set the custom background:

1. Start the Safari app.

2. If you're not already on a new, empty tab, tap the Tabs icon at the bottom (it looks like two overlapping squares) and then tap the Plus sign at the bottom left.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap Edit.

4. Turn on Background Image by swiping the button to the right.

5. Choose the background image you want to use for new tabs from one of the presets, or tap the Plus and select an image from your photo gallery.

6. Tap the X to close Customize Start Page.

You should now see your selected background image on all new tabs. You can return to the same menu to change your selection at any time.