Scam Message Disables Safari on iPad or iPhone – Fix


I recently received this request from one of my readers to help fix a problem with Safari.

Subject:
safari locked

Message:
when i open safari a page comes up with a gambling site and a notice 

“you have one new message click ok to read.”

I have not done this and I cannot move from this page, can”t
access the key pad or anything else. what can I do please ?

My sister Anne had a similar situation of being stuck on a Safari screen and unable to do anything else in Safari. Restarting did not help. As soon as Safari reopened the same message window reappeared. Like the reader above, Anne was smart not to click on anything on the screen. We solved the problem by:

Force closing Safari from the multitasking list

Going to   Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data

Restarting Safari

 

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About Andy Brovey

Dr. Andy Brovey, The Portable Prof, teaches about digital tools through his work, websites and social media. In 2007, Apple Inc. recognized his work and named him an Apple Distinguished Educator. He started this iPad Academy website shortly after the first iPad went on sale. On his Freelance Teaching site you'll find the resources you need to teach like a smart entrepreneur.