How to Open a Recently Closed Tab in Safari for iOS

That feeling you get when you close the wrong browser tab by accident is no fun. Fortunately, Safari for iOS, like most modern browsers, provides a way to recover from your little mishap. You just have to know where to look.

Most web browsers allow you to open a recently closed tab, either through a keyboard shortcut or menu selection. Safari on iOS is no different. It remembers the last five tabs you closed (unless you force quit the app or restart your phone). The feature is a little hidden, though, so unless you’ve already discovered it by accident, here’s what to do.

In Safari, tap the Tabs button at the bottom right of your screen.


In the Tabs view, tapping the Plus button opens a new page. Instead of tapping it, tap and hold it for a few seconds to open a list of recently closed tabs.



Tap any selection from the Recently Closed Tabs list.



And enjoy not having to search for that page again.



That’s all there is to it. It’s a simple trick once you know it’s available, but it’s super handy in a pinch.