How to Fix 'Safari Keeps Opening New Tabs' on iPhone or Mac

TL;DR: Safari randomly opening new tabs is often due to misconfigured settings, pop-ups, or malware. On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > Safari > Open Links and select "In Background." On Mac, check Safari > Settings > General and disable suspicious extensions. Enable pop-up blocking and fraudulent site warnings. If issues persist, scan for adware.

Why Does Safari Keep Opening New Tabs Randomly?

I’ve seen many users frustrated with Safari automatically launching new tabs or reopening closed ones. This usually happens due to:

Incorrect link-opening settings (e.g., opening links in new tabs instead of background).
Pop-ups or adware triggering unwanted tab openings.
Malware or suspicious extensions hijacking browser behavior.
Safari’s session restore feature reopening previous tabs on startup.
Website scripts forcing new tabs (common on ad-heavy sites).

Thankfully, most causes are fixable with a few tweaks. Let’s dive into the solutions.

Step-by-Step Fixes for iPhone and iPad

1. Adjust Link-Opening Settings

If Safari opens a new tab every time you click a link, change this setting:

Open Settings > Safari.
Scroll to Open Links.
Select In Background^1.

This ensures links open discreetly without switching your view.

2. Enable Pop-Up Blocking

Pop-ups are a common culprit. To block them:

Go to Settings > Safari.
Toggle Block Pop-ups ON^5.
Also enable Fraudulent Website Warning for added security.

3. Disable Quick Website Search

This feature can sometimes trigger unwanted behavior:

Navigate to Settings > Safari > Search.
Disable Quick Website Search^3.

4. Clear Website Data and History

Corrupted data might cause issues. Reset it by:

Go to Settings > Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Mac

1. Configure Safari’s Startup Behavior

Prevent Safari from reopening old tabs:

Open Safari > Settings (or Preferences).
Under General, set Safari opens with to A new window or A new private window.
Use the New windows open with menu to choose Homepage or Empty Page^2.

2. Check Extensions for Malware

Suspicious extensions often cause random tabs:

Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions.
Review installed extensions—remove any you don’t recognize or trust^10.

3. Block Pop-Ups and Enable Security Settings

In Safari, choose Safari > Settings > Websites > Pop-ups.
Block pop-ups for suspicious sites.
Under Security, enable Warn when visiting a fraudulent website^5.

4. Update macOS and Safari

Outdated software can have vulnerabilities. Always keep your system updated^2.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring updates: Older macOS/iOS versions may have unpatched bugs.
Allowing all pop-ups: This invites malicious sites to open tabs.
Installing unknown extensions: Only use extensions from trusted developers.
Not checking startup settings: Safari might be set to reopen windows automatically.

Pros and Cons of Key Fixes

Fix	Pros	Cons
Block pop-ups	Prevents most unwanted tabs	May break legitimate pop-ups (e.g., login windows)
Disable extensions	Removes malware risks	Might lose useful functionality
Adjust link settings	Seamless browsing experience	Requires manual configuration
Clear website data	Resets corrupt data	You lose saved login sessions

Case Study: Resolving ESPN Homepage Pop-Ups

One user reported Safari repeatedly opening ESPN.com in new tabs every few minutes^9. The fix involved:

Checking Safari > Settings > Extensions (no suspicious items).
Enabling Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Clearing history and website data.

The issue was traced to a corrupted site script, and clearing data resolved it.

How to Prevent Future Tab Issues

Regularly review Safari extensions and remove unused ones.
Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links.
Use Safari’s Reader mode on ad-heavy sites.
Keep iOS/macOS updated for security patches.

FAQ

Why does Safari open a new tab when I click a link?

This happens if Open Links is set to "In New Tab" instead of "In Background." Change it in Settings > Safari > Open Links.

Can malware cause Safari to open random tabs?

Yes, adware or malware can inject scripts that open tabs. Scan your Mac with antivirus tools and check extensions.

How do I stop Safari from reopening previous sessions?

On Mac, go to Safari > Settings > General and set "Safari opens with" to "A new window." On iPhone, disable "Close Tabs" in Safari settings.

Why do tabs open when I use other apps?

Some apps have embedded browsers that might trigger Safari. Check app permissions and disable "Open Links in Apps" if unnecessary.

Does clearing history help?

Yes, it removes corrupted website data that might be causing erratic behavior.

Should I reset Safari completely?

As a last resort, reset Safari via Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > Remove All Website Data. This clears all browsing data.

Checklist for Troubleshooting

Adjust Open Links setting to "In Background" (iPhone).
Enable Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Review and remove suspicious extensions (Mac).
Clear history and website data.
Update iOS/macOS to the latest version.
Scan for malware if issues persist.

Glossary

Pop-ups: Small windows that open automatically, often with ads.
Extensions: Add-ons that customize Safari’s functionality.
Adware: Software that displays unwanted ads or opens tabs.
Session restore: Feature that reopens previous tabs on browser startup.

Conclusion

Safari randomly opening tabs is annoying but usually fixable. Start with adjusting your Open Links setting and enabling pop-up blocking. If problems continue, check for malware or corrupted data. Keep your software updated to avoid vulnerabilities.

Try these steps today—you’ll likely resolve the issue in minutes and enjoy uninterrupted browsing again!

References

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Safari

If you've tried everything else and Safari is still opening tabs randomly, a full reset might be necessary. Here's how I do it step by step:

Backup Important Data: Before resetting, I make sure to bookmark any important pages or export my reading list, as resetting will clear all browsing data^2.
Navigate to Settings: On my iPhone, I go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.
Remove All Data: I tap "Remove All Website Data" and confirm. This clears cookies, cache, and other site data that might be corrupted^10.
Reset on Mac: For my Mac, I open Safari, choose Safari > Settings > Privacy, then click "Manage Website Data" and "Remove All."
Restart Safari: After resetting, I close and reopen Safari to ensure changes take effect.

Pros and Cons of Resetting Safari

Pros: Eliminates deep-seated corrupted data, resolves persistent tab issues, and gives a fresh start without losing personal settings like bookmarks if done correctly^2.
Cons: You lose all saved passwords (unless using iCloud Keychain), autofill data, and open sessions, which can be inconvenient.

Comparison: Resetting vs. Other Fixes

Method	Effectiveness	Effort Required	Data Loss
Adjust Open Links Setting	High for background tabs	Low	None
Enable Pop-up Blocking	Moderate for ad-related tabs	Low	None
Clear History/Data	Moderate for minor corruption	Medium	Browsing history
Full Reset	High for stubborn issues	High	All website data
Update OS	Variable (fixes vulnerabilities)	Medium	None

Resetting is my last resort because it's thorough but disruptive. For most cases, starting with simpler fixes like adjusting Open Links or clearing history works well^1.

When to Seek Further Help

If resetting doesn't stop the random tabs, it might indicate adware or a deeper system issue. I recommend running a malware scan using trusted tools like Malwarebytes^10 or contacting Apple Support if you suspect phishing or persistent adware^2. Sometimes, the problem isn't Safari itself but a compromised app or profile on your device.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with Safari's random tabs can be frustrating, but methodical troubleshooting usually pays off. I always start with the least invasive steps and escalate only if needed. Keeping software updated and being cautious with extensions are key habits to prevent future issues^5.

Step-by-Step: When and How I Reset Safari

I only reset Safari after exhausting simpler fixes, as it’s a drastic step. Here’s my exact process:

Back up essential data: I ensure my bookmarks are synced to iCloud and note any critical passwords not stored in iCloud Keychain^2.
Close Safari completely: I quit Safari via the menu or Force Quit (Cmd+Option+Esc) to ensure no processes are running.
Reset via Terminal (for stubborn cases): Sometimes, I use Terminal commands like defaults delete com.apple.Safari to clear deeper preferences, but this is advanced and risks losing more settings^10.
Verify reset success: After restarting Safari, I check if random tabs persist and re-enable essential extensions one by one to identify any culprits.

Pros and Cons of a Full Reset

Pros: It’s the most thorough method for eliminating corrupted caches, hidden adware scripts, or misconfigured system files that simpler clears miss^2.
Cons: Beyond losing passwords and sessions, it also removes website-specific permissions (e.g., camera/microphone access) and resets all Safari preferences, requiring manual reconfiguration.

My Personal Experience with Post-Reset Steps

After a reset, I always:

Re-login to frequently used sites and re-save passwords in iCloud Keychain.
Gradually re-enable extensions, testing each for a day to spot any that trigger tab issues^10.
Reapply custom settings (e.g., default search engine, privacy preferences) since these revert to defaults.

This methodical approach helps me avoid repeating the same problems and identifies if an extension was the root cause—which has happened to me twice with lesser-known ad blockers^10.

Step-by-Step: How I Check for and Remove Adware or Malware

If random tabs persist even after a reset, I suspect adware or malware. Here’s my systematic approach:

Update macOS: I always start by ensuring my system is up to date, as Apple includes malware removal tools in updates^2.
Review Safari extensions: I go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious ones—this has caught adware for me before^10.
Check for profiles: I look in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles and delete any unknown configuration profiles, as these can force Safari to reopen unwanted tabs^2.
Run malware scans: While macOS has built-in protections, I occasionally use trusted third-party tools like Malwarebytes for a deeper sweep, especially if tabs are triggered by specific sites or ads^10.

Pros and Cons of This Approach

Pros: It targets root causes like hidden adware or malicious scripts that a reset alone might not eliminate, and it’s less invasive than a full system wipe^2.
Cons: It requires technical caution; deleting the wrong system profile or extension could break functionality, and some scans might flag false positives.

My Routine for Preventing Future Tab Issues

To avoid repeats, I’ve built habits around Safari’s settings and my browsing behavior:

Block pop-ups rigorously: I keep Safari’s pop-up blocker enabled (Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups) and avoid interacting with suspicious ads or prompts^4.
Manage tab behavior: I set Safari to open links in the background rather than new tabs (Settings > Safari > Open Links > In Background) to reduce clutter and unexpected disruptions^1.
Limit automatic reopening: I disable "Safari reopens windows from last session" in Safari settings and sometimes use the system-level "Close windows when quitting an app" to ensure clean starts^2.
Stay vigilant with extensions: I only install extensions from trusted developers and periodically audit them, as even legitimate ones can become compromised^10.

These steps, combined with regular software updates, have drastically reduced random tab incidents for me. It’s a balance of proactive settings and reactive troubleshooting—but once dialed in, Safari runs smoothly again.

How to Fix ‘Safari Keeps Opening New Tabs’ on iPhone or Mac (2024 Guide)