Getting Safari ready for a drop
Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac shares most of these settings. Work through the ones that apply to your device — you don’t need every section, just the ones that match how you’ll shop.
Turn off iCloud Private Relay for the drop
Community observationPrivate Relay routes your Safari traffic through Apple's servers, which can place you on an IP address the queue treats as unusual. Community members report smoother sessions with it off for the drop.
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then Private Relay, and turn it off. On a Mac, open System Settings, your name, iCloud, Private Relay, and switch it off there.
Tradeoff: While it is off, your IP address is visible to the sites you visit. Turn it back on afterward if you use it day to day.
Reviewed 2026-07-23
Review "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking"
Community observationSome people report smoother queue sessions with Safari's cross-site tracking protection relaxed during a drop. This one is unverified, so treat it as optional rather than a step everyone needs.
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, then Apps, then Safari, and toggle Prevent Cross-Site Tracking off for the session. On a Mac, open Safari, then Settings, then Privacy, and uncheck "Prevent cross-site tracking."
Tradeoff: Relaxing this reduces tracking protection. Turn it back on once the drop is over.
Reviewed 2026-07-23
Close background tabs and windows
General best practiceA phone or laptop under memory pressure can quietly close tabs — including your queue tab. Before the drop, close the tabs and windows you don't need and leave only the retailer open while you wait.
Reviewed 2026-07-23
Keep your device awake during the queue
General best practiceA sleeping phone can suspend the queue tab. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, then Display & Brightness, then Auto-Lock, and choose a longer time for the drop. Keeping the device plugged in also stops it from dimming to save battery.
Tradeoff: Set auto-lock back afterward so your screen is not staying on all day.
Reviewed 2026-07-23
Turn off your VPN for the drop
Community observationDatacenter IP addresses — the kind many VPNs use — are reported to draw extra captchas and, in some cases, queue resets. Disconnecting the VPN before you join the queue is the commonly suggested move; reconnect once you're done.
Tradeoff: Off means your real IP is visible to the sites you use during the drop.
Reviewed 2026-07-23
Give yourself a steady connection
General best practiceThe queue needs a steady connection more than a fast one. On Wi-Fi, sit close to your router and prefer the 5GHz network if you have one. On cellular, move to strong signal, plug in, and turn off Low Power Mode. Avoid large downloads or streaming on the same connection while you wait.
Reviewed 2026-07-23
Set up autofill (useful for guest checkout)
General best practiceGuest checkout means typing your details while a cart timer runs, so having them ready to autofill saves the scramble. In Safari, open Settings (or Preferences on a Mac), then AutoFill, and confirm your contact and payment details are saved. Then test that they appear on a normal checkout form before the drop, so there are no surprises on the day.
Reviewed 2026-07-23
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