Alex Ruben
How to Open YouTube in Safari Instead of the YouTube App
In today’s digital age, accessing online content seamlessly is more important than ever. For iPhone users, the default behavior upon clicking a YouTube link is to open the YouTube app. However, there are scenarios where you may want to open YouTube directly in the Safari browser instead. This guide will walk you through easy steps to achieve that, allowing you to navigate YouTube with the full capabilities of a web browser. Follow along to learn how you can take control of your YouTube experience on your device.
Step 1: Accessing YouTube Links from Safari
The first step in opening YouTube in Safari is to ensure that any YouTube link you click opens in the Safari browser rather than the YouTube app. To do this, you will start by copying the URL of the YouTube video you wish to watch. You can do this by:
- Finding the video link, either in an email, text message, or social media platform.
- Long-pressing on the link and selecting Copy from the context menu.
With the link copied, you can now proceed to open Safari.
Step 2: Pasting the URL into Safari
Having copied the YouTube link, the next step is to paste it into Safari. Open the Safari app and follow these steps:
- Tap the address bar at the top of the Safari screen.
- Tap again in the address bar to bring up the paste option.
- Select Paste to enter the YouTube URL you copied earlier.
- Press Go on the keyboard to navigate directly to the video.
This method will successfully direct you to YouTube in Safari, allowing you to access features such as Safari Reader Mode and ad blockers which are not available in the YouTube app.
Step 3: Adjusting Default Settings (Optional)
If you frequently encounter situations where the YouTube app takes over, you may want to change your settings to avoid this default behavior. While the iOS does not currently allow users to set Safari as the default browser for all web links universally, you can stop unwanted app redirects by managing app permissions:
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Scroll down to find the YouTube app and tap on it.
- Review the app permissions and disable any settings that allow it to launch automatically.
This change may help reduce the instances where the YouTube app opens instead of Safari.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Sometimes, links might still redirect to the YouTube app even after following the steps above. Here are some extra tips to troubleshoot:
- Consider using Incognito Mode in Safari to avoid any cached redirects.
- If you have disabled app permissions and the issue persists, it may be beneficial to check for any pending software updates for your iOS.
- Check your browser settings to ensure that no extensions or content blockers are affecting YouTube’s functionality.
By utilizing Safari to access YouTube, you can enhance your viewing experience with additional features and controls. Whether you prefer to navigate through links or manage your settings, exploring these steps allows you to personalize how you engage with your favorite content on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set Safari as the default browser for links on iOS?
Currently, iOS does not allow users to set Safari as the default browser for all links, particularly for specific apps like YouTube. You can manually open links in Safari or disable app permissions as discussed earlier.
What should I do if a video link still opens the YouTube app?
If video links continue to open in the YouTube app, ensure you have copied the full YouTube URL and that app permissions are correctly managed. Sometimes, it may help to clear Safari’s cache.
Is there a way to stop YouTube from opening on my iPhone entirely?
While you cannot remove the app behavior entirely, managing app permissions or clearing Safari’s cache can minimize the redirection to the YouTube app.