I exclusively use private browsing mode because I hate all the flashing and distraction from autocomplete suggesting things to me and because I don’t like sites excessively tracking me. It was always fine on iOS 18, but iOS 26 is missing either 1/3, 2/3, or all of the address bar text. Is it just me and my install?
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Does anyone else have frequent address bar issues while using Private Browsing Mode in Safari on iOS 26?
- Thread starter Brettka7
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I exclusively use private browsing mode because I hate all the flashing and distraction from autocomplete suggesting things to me and because I don’t like sites excessively tracking me. It was always fine on iOS 18, but iOS 26 is missing either 1/3, 2/3, or all of the address bar text. Is it just me and my install?
Lionel_Hutz
macrumors member
I started to make a new thread and this might be semi related.
I don't necessarily see issues with the address bar, but I often have to close the private tab, reopen, and enter my search again to see the page. On the initial attempt I can see that it tries to load the page, if I tap the icon to see all my tabs I can see the address of the page, but the page itself is blank and content doesn't load.
Do you see this behavior too? I use AdGuard in both regular and private browsing, however, I don't see this issue in normal browsing.
I don't necessarily see issues with the address bar, but I often have to close the private tab, reopen, and enter my search again to see the page. On the initial attempt I can see that it tries to load the page, if I tap the icon to see all my tabs I can see the address of the page, but the page itself is blank and content doesn't load.
Do you see this behavior too? I use AdGuard in both regular and private browsing, however, I don't see this issue in normal browsing.
I don’t have that issue, but I didn’t even think about my ad blocker. I also use AdGuard. I’m going to try disabling it to see if I need to switch to something else.
Lionel_Hutz
macrumors member
I tried that and both other options actually solve the issue. I just strongly prefer this layout, bugs and all.
AstonSmith
macrumors regular
I have this issue as well, and I use the same layout. I've had it since I updated from 18 to 26.2. It's like there's a white rectangle over the main page area as I can sometimes see the colour of the background under the address bar glass.
Lionel_Hutz
macrumors member
It started for me as well after updating from 18 to 26. I’m debating on a total reset and fresh setup of the phone to see if it resolves the issue.
AstonSmith
macrumors regular
Here's a couple images of the issue Lionel and I are having. This most commonly happens to me when the phone's been locked for a while, then I unlock, press on Safari to get New Private Tab, then clicking a bookmark. Unfortunately it's not 100% reproducible.
Lionel_Hutz
macrumors member
That’s it. I found a similar thread on Reddit and lots of people are having a similar issue. I’m going to wait until 26.4 before deciding on a fresh install/setup.
Lionel_Hutz
macrumors member
Have you noticed any changes with 26.4? The private browsing issue, as far as I can tell, has been fixed.
It's only been a few days, but I haven't seen the issue since updating on Tuesday. I feel like I definitely would have by now if the bug was still present.
It's only been a few days, but I haven't seen the issue since updating on Tuesday. I feel like I definitely would have by now if the bug was still present.
I’m still consistently having my address bar issue in private browsing mode. However, I have oddly never experienced your issue despite using private browsing mode every time I’m in Safari.