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Website operators can enable full-screen mode in Safari on the iPad for their users. We’ll show you exactly how this works.
Full-screen mode in Safari on the iPad: What works and what doesn’t?
There is no direct full-screen mode in Safari on the iPad.
- The meta tag minimal-ui, which was used in the past, only worked briefly on the iPhone under iOS 7.1 and has been removed since iOS 8. It was never effective on the iPad.
- Today, the Safari interface cannot be permanently hidden using code or website settings.
- As an alternative, you can temporarily show or hide the address and toolbars: Use the AA icon in the address bar → “Hide toolbar.” However, the bars reappear as soon as you interact with them.
Add website as a web app: Use on the home screen
The only way to achieve an almost full-screen display is to add a website to the home screen. This launches the page like an app without Safari toolbars:
- Open the website in Safari.
- Tap the share icon.
- Select “Add to Home Screen.”
- Customize the name and icon → “Add.”
- When launched, the website acts like an app (standalone mode). Differences: iPhone and iPad: Both display the page without Safari bars, but the iOS status bar remains visible. Web apps: Should have their own navigation buttons, as Safari elements are missing.
iPad vs. iPhone: Differences and alternatives for Safari full-screen mode
Not every approach leads to a true full-screen display. That’s why it’s worth taking a look at the differences between iPad and iPhone, as well as possible alternatives:
- iPad vs. iPhone: The former minimal-ui was only relevant on the iPhone, but has long since become obsolete. There has never been a comparable option on the iPad.
- Alternative browsers: Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are also based on WebKit and do not offer true full-screen mode.
- Multitasking modes: In Split View and Slide Over, Safari runs in split screen, but never without bars – this should not be confused with full screen.
Web apps on the iPad: Tips for use and restrictions to note
If you regularly use websites as web apps, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure the best possible user experience:
- Advantages: Almost full-screen display without Safari UI and better immersion for web apps, games, or tools.
- Tips: Websites should be responsive and provide their own navigation elements. In addition, offline functionality should be enabled by service workers.
- Limitations: Non-optimized pages can be impractical (e.g., without a back button). In addition, the status bar always remains visible. Furthermore, older iOS versions occasionally experienced problems with caching or app rebuilding.
