You can change your default browser on iPhone through Settings, but the process depends on which iOS version you have

Apple lets you pick a different default browser on iPhone, but it only works if you have iOS 14 or later. When you tap a link in Mail, Messages, or another app, your chosen browser will open instead of Safari. The steps are straightforward, though the exact location in Settings varies slightly between iOS versions.

Before you start, download the browser you want to use from the App Store. Popular options include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. You cannot set a browser as default until it is installed on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You need iOS 14 or later to change your default browser; older versions of iOS do not support this feature.
  • The browser you want to use must be downloaded from the App Store before you can set it as default.
  • On iOS 17 and later, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and tap Browser to choose your default.
  • On iOS 14 through 16, go to Settings > [Browser Name] and select Default Browser from the menu.
  • Changing your default browser does not delete Safari; it simply changes which app opens when you tap links in other apps.

How to change your default browser on iOS 17 and later

Open Settings and scroll down until you see Apps. Tap it, then look for Default Apps near the bottom of the Apps menu. Tap Default Apps and you will see a list of app categories, including Browser.

Tap Browser and a list of installed browsers will appear. Select the one you want to use as your default. The app you choose will now open whenever you tap a link in Mail, Messages, Notes, or other apps that do not have their own built-in browser.

How to change your default browser on iOS 14 through 16

The process is slightly different on older iOS versions. Open Settings and scroll down until you find the name of the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap it.

Inside that browser's settings, look for an option called Default Browser or Default Browser App. Tap it and confirm your choice. You may see a popup asking you to confirm; tap the button to proceed.

What to do if you do not see a Default Browser option

If you cannot find a Default Browser setting in your chosen browser's menu, you likely have iOS 13 or earlier. Apple did not add the ability to change default browsers until iOS 14. Check your iOS version by opening Settings, tapping General, and then About. Look for the number next to Software Version.

If you have iOS 13 or earlier, Safari will remain your default browser no matter what. You can still use other browsers by opening them manually from your home screen or app library, but links in other apps will always open in Safari.

How to update iOS if you need a newer version

If your iOS version is too old to support changing browsers, you can update it. Open Settings, tap General, and then Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Your phone will restart during the process, so make sure the battery is charged or plugged in.

Updates usually take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the file size and your internet speed. Stay connected to Wi-Fi during the update. Once it finishes, you can follow the steps above to change your default browser.

Switching back to Safari as your default

If you change your mind and want to use Safari again, the process is the same. On iOS 17 and later, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser and select Safari. On iOS 14 through 16, go to Settings > Safari and tap Default Browser, then confirm.

Switching back does not remove the other browser from your phone. It simply stops that browser from opening when you tap links in other apps. You can still open it manually whenever you want.

Why your choice of browser matters

Different browsers handle privacy, speed, and features differently. Chrome syncs bookmarks and passwords across your devices if you use Chrome on a computer. Firefox focuses on privacy and does not track your browsing. Edge integrates with Microsoft accounts and services. Safari is built into iOS and uses less battery power than other browsers.

Your default browser choice only affects what opens when you tap a link in another app. You can still use Safari for some tasks and another browser for others by opening them manually. There is no penalty for switching back and forth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different default browsers for different apps?

No. iOS only lets you set one default browser for the entire phone. When you tap a link in Mail, Messages, Notes, or any other app, the same browser will open. You can open a different browser manually if you want, but you cannot automate it per app.

Will changing my default browser delete my Safari data?

No. Safari stays on your phone with all your bookmarks, history, and passwords intact. Changing your default browser only changes which app opens when you tap links. You can still use Safari anytime by tapping its icon on your home screen.

What if my browser does not appear in the Default Browser list?

The browser must be downloaded from the App Store and fully installed before it shows up in the list. If you just downloaded it, try closing Settings and opening it again. If it still does not appear, restart your phone and check again.

Does changing my default browser affect which browser opens on my Mac or iPad?

No. Each device has its own default browser setting. Changing it on your iPhone does not change the default on your Mac, iPad, or any other device. You have to change the default separately on each device if you want them all to match.

Can I change my default browser if I have an older iPhone model?

Yes, as long as it runs iOS 14 or later. Older iPhone models can still run newer iOS versions. Check your iOS version in Settings > General > About. If it shows iOS 14 or higher, you can change your default browser regardless of which iPhone model you have.