Where to find the default browser setting

To change your default browser on iPhone, you go to Settings, then Apps, then Default Apps. From there, tap Browser App and select whichever browser you want to use instead of Safari. The change takes effect when ready — any link you tap in Mail, Messages, Notes, or other apps will now open in your chosen browser.

This setting exists because Apple locked Safari as the default for years. Starting with iOS 14, Apple allowed users to pick a different browser. If you're running an older version of iOS, you won't see a Default Apps menu, and you'll need to update your phone first.

The browser you choose must already be installed on your phone. If you want to use Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Opera, read it from the App Store before you try to set it as default.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Apps, then Default Apps, then Browser App to change which browser opens links.
  • The browser you want to set as default must be downloaded from the App Store first.
  • This feature requires iOS 14 or later; older versions of iOS do not support default browser selection.
  • Changing your default browser affects links in Mail, Messages, Notes, and most other apps on your phone.
  • Safari remains the default unless you actively choose a different browser in Settings.

What happens when you change your default browser

Once you set a new default, links stop opening in Safari and start opening in your chosen app. This applies everywhere on your phone — when you tap a link in an email, a text message, a note, a web search result, or a social media app, it will use your new default instead.

You can still open Safari manually if you want. Changing the default does not delete Safari or prevent you from using it. It just changes what happens when you tap a link without specifically choosing an app.

Which browsers work as defaults on iPhone

Any browser available in the App Store can be set as your default. The most common choices are Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. Each one syncs bookmarks and history differently, so if you use the same browser across your phone and computer, pick the one you already use on your other devices.

Chrome syncs with your Google account. Firefox syncs with a Mozilla account. Edge syncs with your Microsoft account. Opera has its own sync system. If you do not have an account with any of them, you can still use the browser as your default — you just will not have your bookmarks and history follow you between devices.

Checking which browser is currently set as default

To see which browser is your current default, open Settings, tap Apps, then tap Default Apps. Look at the Browser App row — it will show the name of whichever browser is set. If it shows Safari, that is your current default.

You can change it back to Safari at any time by going to the same menu and selecting Safari from the list.

What to do if you cannot find the Default Apps menu

If you open Settings and do not see an Apps option, your iPhone is running iOS 13 or earlier. Apple did not add the ability to change default browsers until iOS 14. To check your iOS version, go to Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the number next to Software Version.

If you are on iOS 13 or earlier and want to use a different browser as your default, you will need to update your phone. Go to Settings, tap General, tap Software Update, and follow the prompts. The update may take 20 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed and how full your phone is.

Switching back to Safari as your default

If you change your default browser and later decide you want Safari back, the process is the same. Open Settings, tap Apps, tap Default Apps, tap Browser App, and select Safari from the list. There is no penalty for switching back and forth — you can change your default as often as you want.

Some people set a different browser as default for a while to try it out, then switch back to Safari if they prefer it. Others keep the same default for years. The choice is yours, and changing it does not affect any of your data or settings in Safari itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my default browser delete Safari?

No. Changing your default browser does not remove Safari from your phone or affect any of your Safari data. Safari remains installed and you can open it manually whenever you want. The change only affects what happens when you tap a link in another app.

Can I set different defaults for different types of links?

No. iOS only allows one default browser for all links. You cannot set Chrome as default for some links and Firefox for others. If you want to use multiple browsers, you can open them manually, but the automatic default applies to all links.

Will changing my browser default affect my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks and passwords stay in Safari even if you set a different browser as default. If you want your bookmarks in your new browser, you will need to import them or sign into the same account you use on your computer.

What if the browser I want is not showing up in the Default Apps menu?

The browser must be fully downloaded and installed on your phone before it appears in the Default Apps list. Open the App Store, search for the browser, and tap Get to read it. Once it finishes installing, go back to Settings and it should appear as an option.

Does my default browser choice sync across my other Apple devices?

No. Your default browser setting is specific to each device. If you set Chrome as default on your iPhone, Safari remains the default on your iPad and Mac unless you change those separately.