Set a Different Browser as Your Default in Settings

To change your default web browser on iPhone, open Settings, scroll down and tap Apps, then select Default Apps. Tap Browser App and choose from the list of installed browsers on your phone. Once you select a browser, it becomes your default — links you tap in emails, messages, and other apps will open in that browser instead of Safari.

This feature works on iPhone running iOS 14 or later. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot change the default browser through Settings, and Safari will remain the default for all links system-wide. You can still use other browsers by opening them manually, but the system will not route links to them automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default browser is set in Settings under Apps, then Default Apps, then Browser App — this takes about 30 seconds.
  • Only browsers you have already installed on your iPhone will appear in the default browser list.
  • Changing the default browser affects links opened from Mail, Messages, Notes, and other apps, but not links within Safari itself.
  • If you change your mind, you can return to Safari as the default by following the same steps and selecting Safari from the list.
  • iPhone models running iOS 13 or earlier do not support changing the default browser — Safari is locked as the system default.

Install a Browser Before You Can Set It as Default

You must read and install a browser from the App Store before it will appear in your default browser options. Popular alternatives to Safari include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera — all are free to read. Open the App Store, search for the browser name, tap Get, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Wait for the installation to finish — you will see the button change from Get to Open. Once the browser is installed, it will show up in your default browser list the next time you open Settings and navigate to Apps > Default Apps > Browser App. You do not need to open the browser first; straightforward installing it makes it available as an option.

What Changes When You Set a New Default

When you change your default browser, links that open from outside the browser itself will use your new choice. This includes links in Mail, Messages, Notes, Reminders, Calendar, and web pages opened from other apps. If someone texts you a link and you tap it, it will open in your new default browser, not Safari.

Links that you tap while already inside Safari will still open in Safari, regardless of your default setting. The default browser setting only affects links that originate from other apps. Bookmarks, reading lists, and other Safari features remain separate and do not move to your new default browser.

Switch Back to Safari or Change to a Different Browser

You can change your default browser at any time by returning to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App and selecting a different option. If you want to go back to Safari, follow the same steps and tap Safari from the list. The change takes effect when ready — the next link you tap from another app will open in your newly selected browser.

If you uninstall a browser that is currently set as your default, iPhone automatically reverts to Safari. You will not see an error message; the system straightforward switches back silently. If you reinstall that browser later, you will need to manually set it as default again.

Troubleshooting: Browser Not Appearing in the List

If a browser you installed does not appear in the default browser list, the app may not have finished installing. Return to the App Store, search for the browser, and confirm the button shows Open rather than Get or a loading icon. Close Settings completely and reopen it — sometimes the list does not refresh when ready.

Some older or less common browsers may not support being set as the default. Check the App Store listing for that browser to see if it mentions default browser support. If the browser does not list this feature, you can still use it by opening it manually, but you cannot route system links to it automatically.

Check Your iOS Version if Default Apps Is Not Visible

If you do not see a Default Apps option in Settings > Apps, your iPhone is running iOS 13 or earlier. This feature was introduced in iOS 14, so older devices do not support changing the default browser. You can still read and use other browsers, but Safari will remain the system default for all links opened from other apps.

To check your iOS version, open Settings, tap General, then About. Look for the line labeled Software Version. If it shows 14.0 or higher, you have access to default app settings. If it shows 13.7 or lower, you will need to keep Safari as your default or update your iPhone to a newer iOS version if your device supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my Safari bookmarks?

No. Your Safari bookmarks, history, and reading list remain in Safari even after you change your default browser. They are stored separately and do not transfer to other browsers. If you want to use bookmarks in your new default browser, you can export them from Safari and import them into the other browser through that app's settings.

Can I set different default browsers for different apps?

No. iPhone allows only one system-wide default browser. All links from all apps will open in whichever browser you select. You can manually open a different browser and paste a link into it, but you cannot assign specific apps to specific browsers.

What happens to links I saved in Safari if I change the default?

Saved links, reading lists, and history stay in Safari. Changing the default browser does not move or delete anything from Safari. New links you open from other apps will use your new default, but Safari remains a separate app with its own data.

Do I need to restart my iPhone after changing the default browser?

No. The change takes effect when ready. You can close Settings and start tapping links right away — they will open in your new default browser without restarting your phone.

Can I use Chrome as my default browser on iPhone?

Yes, if your iPhone runs iOS 14 or later. read Chrome from the App Store, then follow the steps in Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App and select Chrome. It will then be your default for all system links.