How to create a home screen shortcut to a website on iPhone

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Creating a home screen shortcut to a website on an iPhone allows for quick access to your favorite sites directly from your device's home screen. This can be done easily through the Safari browser with just a few taps.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before creating a home screen shortcut, ensure you have the following:
  • •An iPhone running iOS 13 or later.
  • •Access to the Safari browser (default browser on iOS).
  • •An active internet connection.
  • •The website you wish to create a shortcut for must be accessible.

Method 1: Using Safari

This is the primary method for creating a home screen shortcut directly from the Safari browser. Use this method for most websites.
  • •Step 1: Open the Safari app on your iPhone.
  • •Step 2: Navigate to the website you want to create a shortcut for by typing the URL in the address bar and pressing 'Go'.
  • •Step 3: Once the website loads, tap the 'Share' button (a square with an upward arrow) located at the bottom of the screen.
  • •Step 4: In the Share Sheet that appears, scroll down and select 'Add to Home Screen'.
  • •Step 5: A new window will pop up allowing you to edit the shortcut name. Adjust it if necessary, then tap 'Add' in the top right corner.
  • •Step 6: The shortcut will now appear on your home screen. Tap it to verify it redirects to the correct website.

For iOS 15 and later

In iOS 15, the Share Sheet has been slightly redesigned.
  • •Step 1: Follow the initial steps as above.
  • •Step 2: After tapping 'Share', you may need to scroll down to find 'Add to Home Screen' due to the new layout.

For iOS 14 and earlier

The process is similar, but the Share Sheet may look different.
  • •Step 1: Follow the initial steps as above.
  • •Step 2: The 'Add to Home Screen' option may be more prominently displayed in earlier versions.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Browser

If you prefer using a third-party browser like Chrome or Firefox, you can also create a home screen shortcut, though the steps may vary slightly.
  • •Step 1: Open the third-party browser app (e.g., Chrome).
  • •Step 2: Navigate to the desired website.
  • •Step 3: Tap the 'Share' button (usually located at the bottom or top of the screen).
  • •Step 4: Select 'Add to Home Screen' from the Share options.
  • •Step 5: Edit the shortcut name if necessary and confirm by tapping 'Add'.
  • •Step 6: Check your home screen to ensure the shortcut has been created.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while creating a home screen shortcut, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Unable to Add to Home Screen' - Solution: Ensure the website is accessible and try refreshing the page.
  • •Issue: Shortcut not appearing on home screen - Fix: Restart your iPhone and check if the shortcut appears after reboot.
  • •Problem: Shortcut redirects to a different page - Workaround: Clear Safari's cache by going to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these additional tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Use 'Command + Shift + H' on a connected keyboard to quickly return to the home screen.
  • •Hidden feature: Use the 'Add to Reading List' option in Safari for offline access to articles.
  • •Customization: Change the icon of the shortcut using third-party apps like Shortcuts for a personalized look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

To streamline your web browsing, always keep your most-used sites accessible via home screen shortcuts.