You can change your default browser in iPhone Settings, but only to Safari, Chrome, Edge, or a few other apps Apple allows
Apple limits which browsers can become your default on iPhone. You cannot set Firefox, Opera, or most other browsers as the system default, even though you can download them. The browsers Apple allows as defaults are Safari (the built-in option), Chrome, Edge, Brave, and a small number of others. When you change your default, links that open automatically — from emails, texts, search results, and other apps — will open in whichever browser you pick instead of Safari.
The change takes about one minute and happens entirely in the Settings app. You do not need to restart your phone or delete Safari.
Key Takeaways
- Apple only permits certain browsers to become your default, and Firefox is not one of them, even though you can download the app.
- The change happens in Settings under Apps, then Default Browser App, and applies to all links that open automatically across your phone.
- You must have the browser app already downloaded before you can set it as default.
- Changing your default browser does not remove Safari or prevent you from opening Safari manually whenever you want.
How to change your default browser in three steps
Step 1: Open Settings and go to Apps. Tap the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Apps. You will see a list of categories — do not tap on individual app names yet.
Step 2: Tap Default Browser App. Near the bottom of the Apps menu, you will see "Default Browser App" as a standalone option. Tap it. The screen will show you which browser is currently set as default (usually Safari) and a list of other browsers you have downloaded that Apple allows as defaults.
Step 3: Select your new default browser. Tap the name of the browser you want to use — for example, Chrome or Edge. A checkmark will appear next to it. The change takes effect immediately. You can close Settings.
If the browser you want does not appear in the list, it means Apple does not permit it to be a default browser on iPhone. You can still download and use that browser manually, but automatic links will not open in it.
Which browsers Apple allows as defaults
The browsers you can set as your default include Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and DuckDuckGo. Safari remains available as an option at any time. The exact list can change with iOS updates, but Apple has been consistent about limiting defaults to a small set of major browsers.
Firefox, despite being one of the most popular browsers in the world, is not permitted as a default on iPhone. This is an Apple policy decision, not a limitation of Firefox itself. You can download Firefox and use it by opening the app manually, but links from other apps will not automatically open in Firefox.
If you download a browser and do not see it in the Default Browser App list, check that you have the latest version of the app. Some older or smaller browsers may not support the default-setting feature at all.
What happens after you change your default browser
Once you set a new default, links that open automatically will use that browser instead of Safari. This includes links in emails, text messages, search results, social media apps, and any other app that does not have its own built-in browser. If you tap a link in a text message, it will open in your chosen default browser.
You can still open Safari at any time by tapping its icon on your home screen or in the app library. Changing your default does not delete Safari or prevent you from using it. You are simply changing which browser opens when a link is tapped from somewhere else.
If you change your mind, you can return to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and select a different browser or switch back to Safari in the same way.
Why you might want to change your default browser
Some people prefer Chrome because it syncs bookmarks and passwords with their computer or Android phone. Others use Edge because it integrates with Microsoft accounts and OneDrive. Brave is chosen by people who want stronger privacy protections built in. DuckDuckGo appeals to users focused on search privacy.
If you use a browser on your computer and want the same one on your iPhone, changing your default makes the experience more consistent. Bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history can sync across devices if you are signed into the same account in that browser.
Troubleshooting: Your browser is not showing up in the list
If you downloaded a browser but it does not appear in the Default Browser App menu, the most common reason is that Apple does not permit that particular browser to be a default. This is not a bug — it is a restriction Apple enforces. You can still use the browser by opening it manually from your home screen or app library.
If a browser you expect to see is missing, try updating it. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll down to "Available Updates," and look for the browser in the list. Tap Update next to it. After the update finishes, go back to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and check whether it now appears.
If the browser still does not show up after updating, Apple does not support it as a default option on your iPhone model or iOS version. You can contact the browser's support team to ask whether they plan to add this feature, but the decision ultimately rests with Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set Firefox as my default browser on iPhone?
No. Apple does not permit Firefox to be set as a default browser on iPhone, even though you can download the Firefox app and use it manually. This is an Apple policy, not a Firefox limitation. You can still open Firefox by tapping its icon, but links from other apps will open in your default browser instead.
Will changing my default browser delete Safari?
No. Safari remains on your phone and you can open it anytime by tapping its icon. Changing your default only affects which browser opens automatically when you tap a link from another app. You can switch back to Safari as your default whenever you want.
Do I need to download a browser before I can set it as default?
Yes. The browser must already be installed on your iPhone before it will appear in the Default Browser App list. Download it from the App Store first, then go to Settings to set it as default.
Will my bookmarks move to my new default browser?
Not automatically. If you sign into the same account in your new browser (for example, your Google account in Chrome), your bookmarks and passwords may sync depending on the browser. Check the browser's settings to turn on syncing if you want your data to carry over.
Can I have different default browsers for different apps?
No. You can only set one default browser for your entire iPhone. All automatic links will open in that browser. You can still open other browsers manually whenever you want.