How to Change Safari Start Page Background in iOS 15

With the release of iOS 15, Apple introduced native tools that allow iPhone users to customize their Safari start page with personalized background imagery. Previously exclusive to macOS, this update brings a dedicated customization interface directly to mobile devices. Users can now choose from a curated selection of pre-installed Apple wallpapers, upload their own images from the Photos app, and synchronize their customized appearance across all connected Apple devices using iCloud.

The Background Customization Tools in iOS 15

To access the new background customization options, scroll to the bottom of Safari's start page (new tab page) and tap the Edit button. iOS 15 introduced several key features to this menu:

  • Background Image Toggle: A dedicated switch at the bottom of the customization menu lets you enable or disable background imagery with a single tap.
  • Apple Preset Gallery: Enabling the toggle reveals a carousel of official, built-in wallpapers designed specifically to complement Safari's icons and layout.
  • Custom Photo Picker: Next to Apple’s preset wallpapers is an Add (+) tile. Tapping this opens your iOS photo library, allowing you to select any personal photo, graphic, or downloaded image to set as the background.
  • Cross-Device Syncing: At the top of the Edit menu, the Use Start Page on All Devices toggle uses iCloud to sync your chosen background image and layout preferences seamlessly between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

How to Apply a Custom Background

  1. Open Safari on your iPhone running iOS 15 or later.
  2. Open a new tab to view the Start Page.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Edit.
  4. Toggle on Background Image.
  5. Select one of Apple's pre-loaded designs, or tap the + button to choose an image from your Photos library.
  6. Tap the X button in the top-right corner to exit the edit menu and apply your changes.