View and Close Safari iCloud Tabs from the Start Page

Apple's iCloud Tabs feature allows you to seamlessly access and manage the web pages you have open in Safari across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This article provides a straightforward guide on how to set up iCloud Tabs, view open webpages from your other devices on the Safari Start Page, and remotely close those tabs when you no longer need them.

Prerequisites for Using iCloud Tabs

Before you can view or close tabs across your devices, ensure the following requirements are met on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac:

  • Each device must be signed in to iCloud using the exact same Apple ID.
  • Two-factor authentication must be turned on for your Apple ID.
  • Safari must be enabled in your iCloud settings.
    • On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. Under "Apps Using iCloud," tap "Show All" and turn on Safari.
    • On Mac: Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > [Your Name] > iCloud. Under "Apps Using iCloud," click "Show More Apps" and turn on Safari.

Enable iCloud Tabs on the Safari Start Page

If you do not see your other devices' tabs when you open a new page in Safari, you need to enable the feature on your Start Page.

  1. Open the Safari app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  2. Open a new tab so you are viewing the Start Page.
  3. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and tap or click Edit.
  4. Toggle on the switch next to iCloud Tabs.
  5. Close the customization menu.

How to View iCloud Tabs

Once enabled, viewing tabs from your other devices takes only a few seconds.

  1. Open Safari and open a new blank tab to view your Start Page.
  2. Scroll down to the section labeled From [Device Name]. Here you will see a list of tabs currently open on that specific device.
  3. To view tabs from a different Apple device, tap or click the device name in the section header and select another device from the drop-down menu.
  4. Tap or click any listed webpage to open it on your current device.

How to Close iCloud Tabs Remotely

You can declutter Safari on your other devices by closing their open tabs directly from the Start Page on the device you are currently using.

On iPhone and iPad:

  1. Open a new tab in Safari to access the Start Page.
  2. Scroll down to the iCloud Tabs section.
  3. Touch and hold the specific webpage link you want to remove until a pop-up menu appears.
  4. Tap Close from the menu. The tab will automatically close on the other device the next time it connects to the internet.

On Mac:

  1. Open a new tab or window in Safari to view the Start Page.
  2. Scroll down to the iCloud Tabs section.
  3. Control-click (or right-click) the webpage you wish to close.
  4. Select Close Tab from the context menu. The tab will be removed from the list and closed on the corresponding device.