The latest iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia bring a new “Distraction Control” feature to Safari. It’s a brand-new addition that allows you to hide certain banners, cookie preference pop-ups, ads, and other distracting webpage items while you’re browsing. You can even hide some autoplay videos. Read on to learn how to use Distraction Control to hide ads in Safari on iPhone.
Understanding Distraction Control in Safari
Distraction Control is a feature designed to enhance your browsing experience by allowing you to eliminate unwanted elements from web pages. This includes ads, cookie prompts, and other distractions that can interrupt your focus. The feature is particularly useful for those who find themselves overwhelmed by the clutter often found on many websites.
By using Distraction Control, you can create a cleaner, more streamlined browsing experience. This is especially beneficial when you're trying to read articles, watch videos, or simply navigate a website without interruption. With just a few taps, you can regain control of your online environment.
How to Activate Distraction Control
Activating Distraction Control is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
- Open Safari on your iPhone and navigate to the webpage you want to modify.
- Tap on the Page Menu located in the Address bar.
- Select Hide Distracting Items to initiate the feature.
After activating, a message will appear informing you that hidden items will not be permanently removed. Confirm your choice by tapping Ok.
Using Distraction Control Effectively
Once you’ve activated Distraction Control, you can begin selecting which items to hide on the webpage. This lets you customize your browsing experience according to your preferences.
To hide an item, simply tap on it. A perimeter will appear around the item with the word Hide in the center. Tapping this will cause the element to disappear, often with a fun animation that makes the experience more engaging!
Identifying Hidden Elements
When elements are hidden using Distraction Control, a small blue indicator will appear in the Address bar. This lets you know that the feature is actively working on that page. If you wish to view the hidden elements again, simply tap on the blue indicator or the Page Menu and select Show Hidden Items.
This feature is particularly handy for those who want to toggle between a distraction-free view and the full webpage content quickly. However, keep in mind that hidden items will not sync across devices; you'll need to manage them on each device separately.
FAQs About Distraction Control
Many users have questions about how Distraction Control works. Here are some common inquiries:
- Does the Distraction Control iOS 18 feature work on all websites?
Yes, it is compatible with all websites, but you must enable it for each individual page you visit. - Will Distraction Control permanently hide ads?
No, it does not permanently remove ads. If the webpage refreshes, the ads will reappear as Distraction Control only temporarily hides them.
Final Thoughts on Distraction Control
Distraction Control offers a fantastic way to enhance your browsing experience in Safari, especially for those who often feel overwhelmed by web clutter. By learning how to use this feature effectively, you can create a more focused and enjoyable online environment.
What are your thoughts on this new feature? Have you tried using Distraction Control in Safari? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below!
