iOS 17: How to Create Home Screen Bookmarks on iPhone

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Michael Collins

Making home screen bookmarks on your iPhone with iOS 17 is a breeze! Whether you want quick access to your favorite websites or specific pages within apps, you can personalize your home screen for efficiency and ease. Let’s dive into the simple steps to get you started.

iOS 17: How to Make Home Screen Bookmarks on iPhone

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re about to do. By following these steps, you’ll be able to turn any website or web page into an icon on your home screen, just like an app. This means one-tap access to the content you love without the need to open your browser and type in the URL every time. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Safari

Open the Safari app on your iPhone. Safari is the key to creating these bookmarks, as it allows you to create a direct link to a website on your home screen.

When you open Safari, make sure you navigate to the website or specific page you want to bookmark. This could be your favorite news site, a particular blog post, or even a handy online tool.

Step 2: Tap the Share Button

Once you’re on the page you want to bookmark, look for the share button. It’s usually represented by a square with an upward-pointing arrow.

Tapping the share button will open a menu with various options. Here, you can share the page through messages, email, or social media. But we’re after something else: adding it to your home screen.

Step 3: Select ‘Add to Home Screen’

In the share menu, scroll until you find the ‘Add to Home Screen’ option. This is your golden ticket to creating that bookmark.

Once you tap ‘Add to Home Screen,’ you’ll be prompted to name the bookmark. This name will appear beneath the icon on your home screen, so choose something concise and recognizable.

Step 4: Rename the Bookmark (Optional)

You can rename the bookmark to anything you like. This step is optional, but I recommend giving it a name that makes it instantly clear what the bookmark is for.

After naming, you’ll see a preview of the icon. It generally takes the favicon from the website, but it might show a thumbnail of the page instead. If everything looks good, you’re ready for the final step.

Step 5: Tap ‘Add’

Once everything is set, tap ‘Add’ in the upper-right corner of the screen. This will finalize the process and create the bookmark.

And just like that, you’ll see a new icon on your home screen, ready for quick and easy access. Now, let’s talk about what happens next.

After completing these steps, the new bookmark icon will appear on your home screen, just like any app icon. Tapping on this icon will open Safari right to the page you bookmarked. Now, let’s make sure you can do this like a pro with some helpful tips.

Tips for iOS 17 Home Screen Bookmarks on iPhone

  • Experiment with bookmark names to find what works best for you. Short and descriptive names ensure you can quickly find the bookmark you need.
  • If the icon doesn’t look quite right, try refreshing the page before you add the bookmark. Sometimes this can update the favicon or thumbnail.
  • Organize your bookmarks into folders on your home screen just like apps. This can declutter your space and group similar bookmarks together.
  • Remember that these bookmarks are just like direct links; they won’t have the functionality of an app. They’re perfect for content you view regularly in Safari.
  • You can have multiple bookmarks to the same website but different pages – ideal for sections of a site you visit often.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I delete a home screen bookmark?

To delete a bookmark, simply press and hold the icon on your home screen, then tap ‘Remove Bookmark.’ Confirm your choice, and it’s gone!

Can I create bookmarks for apps, not just websites?

Bookmarks are primarily for websites. If you want quick access to apps, simply download the app from the App Store and it will appear on your home screen.

What if the icon doesn’t show the right image?

If the icon doesn’t show the favicon or a proper thumbnail, try refreshing the webpage before adding the bookmark. This can sometimes help update the image.

Can I edit a bookmark after I’ve added it to my home screen?

Yes, you can. Press and hold the bookmark icon, then select ‘Edit Bookmark.’ Here, you can change the name or URL.

Are home screen bookmarks backed up with my iPhone?

Yes, as long as you have iCloud backups enabled, your home screen layout, including bookmarks, will be backed up.

Summary

  1. Open Safari
  2. Tap the Share Button
  3. Select ‘Add to Home Screen’
  4. Rename the Bookmark (Optional)
  5. Tap ‘Add’

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to iOS 17 or a seasoned iPhone user, making home screen bookmarks is a handy skill that can save you time and keep your favorite online spots just a tap away. Personalizing your iPhone experience is what makes it truly yours, and with bookmarks, you’re curating content that matters most to you. So go ahead, make your most-visited websites as accessible as your apps, and revel in the convenience it brings. Remember, your iPhone is a tool for streamlining your digital life, and iOS 17’s home screen bookmark feature is just one of the many ways it does just that. Happy bookmarking!