By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-07-01

100 % Helpful

Unable to Clear History After iOS 26 Update, How to Fix 2025

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-07-01 / iOS 26

Many iPhone and iPad users have recently noticed something strange after updating to iOS 26 they can no longer clear their Safari history. Whether you're trying to protect your privacy or simply want to start fresh, being unable to clear history after iOS 26 update can be frustrating.

This article will explain why it happens and how you can fix it step-by-step. We’ve gathered information from user forums, official Apple support, and third-party experts to help you solve this problem easily even if you're not tech-savvy.

Quick Overview:

If you're unable to clear history after iOS 26 update, it’s likely due to Screen Time restrictions. Go to: Settings > Screen Time > Content Restrictions > Web Content, then select Unrestricted Access.

If that doesn't help, try force-closing Safari, restarting your iPhone, or checking for MDM profiles that might be blocking the feature.

Part 1. Users Facing Issues Clearing History After iOS 26 Update

Part 2. Why Can't I Clear History After iOS 26 Update?

Part 3. Unable to Clear History After iOS 26 Update? Troubleshooting Steps

Part 4. Advanced Solutions for Clearing History Issues After iOS 26 Update

Part 5. How to Clear History on iPhone/iPad (iOS 26 Supported)

Part 1. Users Facing Issues Clearing History After iOS 26 Update

Many iPhone users started reporting this issue after installing iOS 26 beta or public version. When trying to clear Safari history, the “Clear History and Website Data” option is either grayed out or doesn’t work.

Here are real user complaints:

In previous versions, this issue only happened if Web Content in Screen Time was set to something other than “Unrestricted.” But now, you need to turn off the Screen Time passcode, clear the history, and then turn the passcode back on. Hopefully, this is just a bug.

Part 2. Why Can't I Clear History After iOS 26 Update?

There are several reasons why Safari history won’t delete after updating to iOS 26. Here are the most common ones:

iOS 26 Bug: A system glitch may affect Safari’s normal functions, especially in the beta version.
Screen Time Restrictions: Even without active web filters, having Screen Time enabled can block history deletion.
MDM Profiles: If your device is managed by an organization, restrictions may be in place to prevent history clearing.
Safari Still Running: If Safari isn’t fully closed, some data stays active. Force-quit the app before clearing.
iCloud Sync: Safari may re-sync history from other Apple devices. Turn off Safari sync in iCloud settings before deleting.

Part 3. Unable to Clear History After iOS 26 Update? Troubleshooting Steps

If you're unable to clear history after iOS 26 update iPhone 11, don’t worry. Below are some simple troubleshooting steps to help fix the issue and get the 'Clear History' option working again.

1. Force Quit Safari and Restart Your Device

The solution above works for most users. But if the “Clear History and Website Data” option is still grayed out or if you never had Screen Time enabled try restarting your iPhone or iPad.

You can shut it down using the physical buttons, or go to Settings > General > Shut Down. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

2. Check Screen Time Settings

If you're unable to clear history after the iOS 26 update, it may be because Screen Time has limited web access, causing the 'Clear History and Website Data' option to appear grayed out. Follow these steps to enable it:

Open Settings and tap Screen Time. Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

You can either turn off the toggle to disable restrictions entirely, or continue with the next step.
Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content > select Unrestricted Access.

Go back to Settings > Safari. You should now see the Clear History and Website Data option in blue ready to tap.

3. Check for MDM Profiles

Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
See if a profile is installed. If yes, it may be blocking the ability to clear history.
You may need to remove the profile or ask your organization to adjust settings.

Tip:

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode or can’t remove an MDM profile manually, you can use Tenorshare 4uKey for a quick solution. It helps bypass Screen Time and remove MDM locks without needing the password or contacting IT administrators.

4. Check for Latest iOS Update

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, install it.

Apple may fix bugs related to Safari in future updates. Keeping your iOS up to date is important.

5. Try Clearing Data in Safari Settings

If the main option is still grayed out, try this:

Go to Settings > Safari.
Scroll down to Advanced > Website Data.
Tap Remove All Website Data.

This doesn't remove history but does clear cookies and saved files.

Part 4. Advanced Solutions for Clearing History Issues After iOS 26 Update

If basic fixes didn’t work, you might need more advanced solutions to solve the Safari history issue after the iOS 26 update. Below are methods that go deeper into system repair and settings reset to help fix the problem.

1. Use Tenorshare ReiBoot to Fix iOS 26 Issues (No Data Loss)

If none of the basic steps fix the problem, your iPhone may be facing a deeper system issue related to iOS 26. In such cases, using a trusted repair tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot is highly recommended.

ReiBoot is designed to fix various iOS problems such as bugs, freezing, or unresponsive settings including issues with Safari history. The best part is that it performs a system repair without erasing your data. It’s easy to use, even for beginners.

Why use Tenorshare ReiBoot?

Fixes Safari and other iOS system bugs, including iOS 26 bugs.
You don’t need any technical skills.
It’s quick and doesn’t erase your files.
Solves problems like freezing, reboot loops, and unresponsive settings.
Trusted by users to fix iPhones and iPads safely.

Steps to Fix Clearing History Issues iOS 26 with Reiboot

Download and install Tenorshare Reiboot on your PC or Mac.
Open the tool and connect your iPhone using a USB cable. On the home screen, select “Start Repair” to fix iOS 26 issues without data loss.
Now choose standard repair. Download the required firmware when prompted.
Click “Start Standard Repair” and wait for the process to finish.
Your iPhone will restart, and the issue of iOS 26 unable to clear history after update should be gone.

2. Reset iPhone (This Will Erase Everything)

If the steps above didn’t fix the problem, you can try some basic troubleshooting methods. Start by restarting your device. If that doesn’t help, reset all settings. If the issue still remains, consider restoring your iPhone to factory settings.

Part 5. How to Clear History on iPhone/iPad (iOS 26 Supported)

If you're using iOS 26 and still can’t clear your Safari history, don’t worry. Below are several working methods that can help you fix the issue, whether it's caused by restrictions, iCloud sync, or system settings.

Method 1: Use iCareFone to Clear Safari History and Junk Files

If you're still unable to clear Safari history through Settings or facing persistent sync/cache issues, a professional iPhone cleaner like Tenorshare iCareFone can help. Unlike built-in options, iCareFone gives you deeper control over Safari cache, cookies, website data, and

Try Tenorshare iCareFone for free to clear Safari history and manage your iPhone’s storage with precision.

Method 2: Clear Safari History by Adjusting Restrictions

If Restrictions are enabled, they may prevent you from clearing Safari history. Try this:

Open Settings and go to General.
Tap Restrictions and enter your passcode.
Tap Websites under Allowed Content.
Select All Websites.
Go back to Settings > Safari and check if Clear History and Website Data is now active.

Method 3: Stop Syncing Safari Over iCloud

iCloud sync may bring back deleted history from other devices. Here's how to turn it off:

Open Settings and tap your Apple ID at the top.
Tap iCloud and turn Safari off.
If already off, turn it on, tap Merge, then turn it off again.
Do the same on all your other Apple devices.
Now try clearing Safari history again.

Method 4: Block Cookies in Safari

Cookies store browsing data and logins. Blocking them can help remove extra website data:

Go to Settings > Safari.
Tap Block All Cookies.
Choose either Always Block or Allow From Current Website Only.

Conclusion

If you're facing the issue of unable to clear history after iOS 26 update, you're not alone and it's usually easy to fix. Start with simple steps like restarting your device or changing your content settings.

If that doesn't help, try advanced tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot, which can repair iOS problems without losing your data.

downloads :

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