Where to change your default browser setting

On iPhone, you change your default browser in the Settings app, not in the browser itself. Open Settings, scroll down to find the browser app you want to use as default (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another browser you have installed), tap it, then tap "Default Browser App" and select your choice. The change takes effect when ready — any link you tap in Mail, Messages, Notes, or other apps will now open in your new default browser instead of Safari.

This setting was added in iOS 14, so if your iPhone is running an older version, you cannot change the default browser. You can check your iOS version in Settings > General > About, and update to the latest version in Settings > General > Software Update if needed.

The process is the same whether you want to switch to Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, or any other browser available in the App Store. Each browser has its own Settings entry once installed.

Key Takeaways

  • Default browser settings are changed in the iPhone Settings app under the specific browser name, not within the browser itself.
  • Your iPhone must be running iOS 14 or later to change the default browser — older versions do not support this feature.
  • The browser you choose as default will open all links from Mail, Messages, Notes, and other system apps automatically.
  • You can switch back to Safari or to a different browser at any time by returning to Settings and selecting a new default.

Step-by-step walkthrough for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down past the Apple apps (Siri & Search, Sounds & Haptics, Do Not Disturb) until you see the third-party apps listed alphabetically. If you want Chrome as your default, tap "Chrome". If you want Firefox, tap "Firefox". If you want Edge, tap "Microsoft Edge".

Once you open that app's settings page, look for "Default Browser App" near the top. Tap it, and a list of installed browsers will appear. Select the one you want. A checkmark will appear next to your choice. Close Settings — the change is saved automatically.

Test the change by opening Mail or Messages and tapping any link. It should now open in your chosen browser instead of Safari.

What happens when you set a new default

Setting a new default browser changes where links open across your entire iPhone, not just in one app. When you receive a link in Mail, iMessage, Notes, or any other app, tapping it will launch your chosen browser. Bookmarks, search history, and saved passwords stay separate in each browser — switching your default does not merge or move any data.

Safari remains installed and functional even if you choose a different default. You can still open Safari manually and use it whenever you want. The default setting only controls what happens when you tap a link in another app.

Switching back to Safari or choosing a different browser

You can change your default browser as often as you want. Return to Settings, find the browser app you want to use, tap "Default Browser App", and select a new choice. There is no limit to how many times you can switch, and no penalty for changing your mind.

If you want to go back to Safari, follow the same steps: Settings > Safari > Default Browser App > Safari. Safari is the factory default, so if you have never changed it, that is what is currently set.

Why your default browser might not have changed

If you set a new default but links still open in Safari, your iPhone may not be running iOS 14 or later. Check Settings > General > About and look for the iOS version number. If it is 13 or earlier, you need to update first. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version available for your device.

Another reason the change might not take effect: the browser you selected may not be fully installed. If you downloaded a browser but did not finish the installation or if it was removed, it will not appear in the default browser list. Reinstall the browser from the App Store and try again.

How to check which browser is currently your default

Open Settings and scroll to find Safari (or whichever browser is currently set). Tap it, then tap "Default Browser App". The browser with a checkmark next to it is your current default. If you see a checkmark next to Safari, that means you have not changed from the factory setting.

If you do not see "Default Browser App" as an option in a browser's settings, that browser may not support being set as default, or your iOS version is too old. Most major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave) support this feature on iOS 14 and later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different default browsers for different apps?

No. iPhone allows only one system-wide default browser. All links from Mail, Messages, Notes, and other apps will open in whichever browser you set as default. You cannot assign Chrome to Mail and Firefox to Messages, for example.

Does changing my default browser delete my Safari data?

No. Safari bookmarks, history, passwords, and tabs remain on your iPhone even if you choose a different default. Changing the default only controls which app opens when you tap a link — it does not affect any stored data in any browser.

What if my preferred browser does not appear in the default browser list?

The browser may not be installed, may not support the default browser feature, or your iOS version may be too old. Reinstall the browser from the App Store and make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later. If it still does not appear, that browser may not support being set as default on iPhone.

Can I change the default browser on my iPad the same way?

Yes. iPads running iPadOS 14 or later use the same process: Settings > [Browser Name] > Default Browser App. The steps are identical to iPhone.

If I delete a browser, does my default change back to Safari?

Yes. If you delete the browser you set as default, iOS automatically switches back to Safari. You can then set a different browser as default if you want.