You can change your default browser in Settings, and it takes about one minute
Apple lets you pick which browser opens when you tap a link in Mail, Messages, or other apps on your iPhone. The setting lives in the Settings app under a section called Default Browser App. You choose from any browser you have installed — Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or others — and from that point forward, links open in your choice instead of Safari.
This is different from Android, where you can set defaults for many app types. On iPhone, you can only change the default browser and default email app. The process is straightforward, but the setting is not in an obvious place, which is why many people don't know it exists.
Key Takeaways
- You must install a third-party browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another) before you can set it as your default, because Safari is the only pre-installed option.
- The default browser setting is in Settings > Apps > Default Browser App, not in the browser app itself.
- Changing your default browser only affects links opened from other apps — it does not change which browser appears on your home screen.
- You can change your default browser back to Safari at any time using the same Settings menu.
Step-by-step: Setting a new default browser
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap Apps. Then tap Default Browser App. You will see a list of every browser you have installed on your phone.
Tap the browser you want to use as your default. A checkmark appears next to it, and the change takes effect immediately. The next time you tap a link in Mail, Messages, Notes, or any other app, it will open in the browser you selected.
If you do not see the Default Browser App option in Settings > Apps, make sure you have at least one third-party browser installed. Safari alone is not enough — you need Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another option downloaded from the App Store first.
Why you might want to change your default browser
Some people prefer Chrome because it syncs bookmarks and passwords across their phone, tablet, and computer. Others use Firefox for its privacy features, or Edge because they use Microsoft services. If you use a browser on your computer and want the same one on your phone, setting it as your default makes the experience more consistent.
Changing your default does not affect Safari itself — Safari still works, and you can still open it from your home screen whenever you want. It only changes what happens when you tap a link somewhere else.
What happens to Safari after you change your default
Safari remains on your iPhone and in your home screen. You can still open it and use it whenever you choose. Changing your default browser does not delete Safari or disable it in any way.
If you change your default to Chrome but later decide you want Safari back, you can return to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and tap Safari. There is no penalty for switching back and forth.
How to download a browser if you don't have one yet
Open the App Store on your iPhone. Search for the browser you want — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or the Get button if you have never installed it before). You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
Once the browser is installed, go back to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and select it. You do not need to open the browser first or set anything up inside it — you can set it as your default right away.
Browsers available on the iPhone App Store
The most common choices are Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave. Each has different strengths: Chrome syncs with Google accounts, Firefox emphasizes privacy controls, Edge works well if you use OneDrive or Outlook, Opera has a built-in VPN, and Brave blocks ads by default.
All of these are free to download. You can install more than one and switch between them as your default whenever you want. Some people install two or three and change their default depending on what they are doing.
What your default browser setting does and doesn't control
Your default browser setting controls what opens when you tap a link in Mail, Messages, Notes, Safari's reading list, or any other app. It also controls what opens when you ask Siri to search the web or open a website.
It does not change which browser icon appears on your home screen, which browser opens when you tap its icon, or which browser you use when you type a web address into Spotlight search. Those all remain under your direct control — you choose them each time by tapping the app you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different browsers as default for different apps?
No. You can only set one default browser for your entire phone. When you tap a link in Mail, it opens in your default browser. When you tap a link in Messages, it opens in the same default browser. You cannot assign Chrome to Mail and Firefox to Messages.
Will changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Your bookmarks and passwords stay in the browser where you saved them. If you saved bookmarks in Safari, they remain in Safari even if you set Chrome as your default. Each browser keeps its own data separate.
What if I want to open a link in a different browser than my default?
Long-press the link and tap "Open in [Browser Name]" from the menu that appears. This lets you choose a different browser for that single link without changing your default setting.
Does changing my default browser use more battery or data?
No. Your default browser setting does not affect battery life or data usage. Different browsers may use slightly different amounts of power or data depending on their features, but changing your default does not change how much any browser uses.
Can I undo a default browser change?
Yes. Go back to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and select a different browser, or select Safari to return to Apple's default. Changes take effect immediately and you can switch as often as you want.