I followed the iPad update to 15.2 and everything changed

[question everything]

First, when I first go to Safari, at the bottom of the screen there are about 8 web images, of all the recent visits, including about 3 of DU, 2 of Yahoo, 2 of Solitaire games etc.

Once I click on one they are all gone. I decided to close all the tabs before I leave the iPad but nothing changed. So I decided to reset everything. These images at the bottom are still there and now I don't need to use the passcode to open it. My iPad is attached to a keyboard and closing it normally would require the passcode to open it again. I am not even sure whether I am using the correct terms here..

How can I bring back the need for a passcode? Not that there are any secrets there; I am using it at home. And... is there a way to get rid of all the mini images of recent visits?

I hope it is not too muddled, will appreciate any suggestions.

[Tetrachloride]

1. This looks right: clear frequently visited

https://www.ifon.ca/how-to-clear-frequently-visited-on-safari-iphone.html

[question everything]

2. Thank you. The link is about iPhone and... it wants me to disable adblocker

I don't have ad adblocker on my iPad - not that I am aware but the whole thing froze! Even if I could disable an adblocker I could not move anywhere.

[Tetrachloride]

3. from the linky

ow do I get rid of frequently visited on Safari iPhone? To disable the entire Frequently Visited section, we’ll need to go to the Settings app. Open the Settings app and go to the “Safari” section. Here, in the General section, tap on the toggle next to “Frequently Visited Sites.” The Frequently Visited section will instantly disappear from the Safari start page.

[question everything]

5. All I have is clear history and website data

And I don't have "general" on Safari, there is a separate general in settings

[kimbutgar]

4. I updated one of my iPads and hated the update

Don’t like that icon on the left and they changed how to access tabs. So on my other iPad I refuse to update.

I wish I could get rid of that icon on the left with tabs.