If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, you might have noticed that when you receive a message containing a link, a preview of the website appears. While this feature may seem useful, it also has its drawbacks. For instance, link previews can use up precious data, and some links may contain malicious content that can compromise your device’s security. Fortunately, you can turn off link previews on your iOS 13 or iPadOS device. In this article, we’ll show you how to do it.
Why Disable Link Previews on iOS 13 and iPadOS?
Before we dive into how to disable link previews, let’s discuss why you might want to turn off this feature.
Security Reasons
One of the main reasons to disable link previews on your iOS 13 or iPadOS device is security. Hackers and scammers often use links to steal personal information or install malware on your device. By disabling link previews, you can prevent these hackers from tricking you into clicking on a malicious link.
Data Usage Concerns
Link previews can also use up your data plan. Every time you receive a link, your device has to download the preview, which can be especially problematic if you’re on a limited data plan. By turning off link previews, you can save on data usage and avoid going over your data cap.
Stay tuned for the next sections where we will show you how to disable link previews, and the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
How to Disable Link Previews on iOS 13 and iPadOS
There are two ways to disable link previews on your iOS 13 or iPadOS device: a step-by-step guide and an alternative method.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Messages.”
- Find the “Message Options” section and toggle off the “Show Previews” option.
- Alternatively, you can also turn off the “Previews in Notifications” option if you don’t want to see previews in your notifications.
Alternative Method
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on “General.”
- Tap on “Restrictions” and enter your passcode if prompted.
- Scroll down to the “Allow Changes” section and toggle off the “Websites” option.
- This will disable link previews in all apps, including Messages and Safari.
Disabling Link Previews on Individual Apps
If you only want to disable link previews in certain apps, you can do so in the app’s settings. Here are some of the apps that support link previews and how to turn them off.
Apps that Support Link Previews
- Messages
- Safari
- Slack
Turning off Link Previews on Specific Apps
Messages
- Open the Messages app on your device.
- Tap on the conversation containing the link you want to disable.
- Press and hold on the link preview until a menu appears.
- Tap on “Hide Preview” to turn off link previews for that specific link.
Safari
- Open the Safari app on your device.
- Tap on the “Aa” icon in the address bar.
- Tap on “Hide Preview” to turn off link previews for that specific webpage.
By disabling link previews on specific apps, you can still enjoy the benefits of link previews in other apps while protecting your device’s security and saving on data usage.
Benefits of Disabling Link Previews on iOS 13 and iPadOS
Now that you know why you might want to disable link previews, let’s explore the benefits of doing so.
Improved Security
As previously mentioned, one of the main benefits of disabling link previews is improved security. By turning off link previews, you can protect your device from malicious links that may contain viruses, malware, or phishing scams. Disabling link previews also prevents hackers from tricking you into clicking on a dangerous link.
Reduced Data Usage
Another benefit of disabling link previews is that it can reduce your data usage. By turning off link previews, you can save on data usage, which can be especially helpful if you’re on a limited data plan. When you receive a message containing a link, your device won’t have to download the preview, which can be quite large and use up a significant amount of data.
Enhanced Privacy
Disabling link previews can also enhance your privacy. When you receive a message containing a link, the preview can reveal information such as the sender’s IP address, the type of device they’re using, and the location of the website. By turning off link previews, you can prevent this information from being shared.
Potential Drawbacks of Disabling Link Previews
While there are many benefits to disabling link previews, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
Difficulty in Identifying Fraudulent Links
One potential drawback of disabling link previews is that it can be more challenging to identify fraudulent links. Without a preview, it can be harder to determine if a link is legitimate or if it leads to a malicious website. To avoid falling victim to scams, it’s essential to be cautious when clicking on links and to only click on links from trusted sources.
Inability to Preview Links Before Opening Them
Another potential drawback of disabling link previews is that you won’t be able to preview links before opening them. This can be inconvenient if you’re not sure if you want to visit the website or if you’re worried about the content of the link. However, you can still click on the link and view the website without a preview.
