How to Change iPhone Default Browser

What You’ll Need

An iPhone with iOS 14 or later (check in Settings > General > About)
The browser app you want to set as default, already installed from the App Store

Step-by-Step

Install your chosen browser – Download Chrome, Firefox, Edge, DuckDuckGo, or another browser from the App Store if you haven’t already. Open it once to make sure it works.
Open the Settings app – Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen. Scroll down past the app list until you see the third-party browser you installed.
Tap the browser’s name – In Settings, scroll to find the browser app (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge). Tap it to open its settings page.
Tap “Default Browser App” – Look for the option labeled “Default Browser App” and tap it. A list of installed browsers will appear.
Select your preferred browser – Tap the browser you want to use as default. A checkmark appears next to it. Then go back to the home screen – your choice is saved automatically.

Common Mistakes

Looking for a global “Default Browser” setting – There is no single toggle in Settings > General. You must go into the specific browser’s own settings page.
Not opening the browser first – Some browsers won’t appear in Settings until you’ve launched them at least once. If you don’t see the app in Settings, open it and try again.
Confusing “Default Browser App” with “Default Mail App” – These are separate settings. Make sure you’re on the browser’s page, not the email app’s page.
Expecting all links to change instantly – Some apps (like email clients or social media) may still open links in their own built-in browser. That’s normal and not something you can change.

Tips

Check if your browser supports it – Not all browsers can be set as default. Only browsers that have updated to support the iOS default feature will appear in the list.
You can switch back anytime – To go back to Safari, follow the same steps and select Safari as your default.
Use the same browser on all devices – If you use Chrome on your Mac and iPhone, setting it as default helps keep your bookmarks and passwords in sync.
Test with a link – After changing, tap a link in an email or a website to confirm it opens in your chosen browser.

Troubleshooting

If the default browser option doesn’t appear or doesn’t stick, try these fixes:

Update iOS – Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it – older iOS versions may not support this feature.
Update the browser app – Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll to see pending updates. Update the browser to the latest version.
Restart your iPhone – Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. Turn it back on and try again.
Delete and reinstall the browser – If the option still doesn’t show, delete the browser app and reinstall it from the App Store. You’ll need to log in again, but this often fixes glitches.
Reset all settings (last resort) – Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t erase your data, but it will reset Wi-Fi passwords and other preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set Chrome as default on my iPhone?

Yes, if you have Chrome installed and iOS 14 or later, you can set it as default using the steps above.

Why can’t I find the “Default Browser App” option?

This option only appears for browsers that support the feature. Make sure the app is updated and that you’ve opened it at least once. Also check that your iPhone is running iOS 14 or newer.

Will changing the default browser affect Safari?

No, Safari will still be installed and accessible. It just won’t open links automatically anymore. You can still use Safari whenever you want by opening the app directly.

Does this change affect links inside apps like WhatsApp or Instagram?

Some apps have their own built-in browser and will ignore your default setting. For example, links in WhatsApp often open inside WhatsApp’s own browser. This is controlled by the app, not by iOS.

How do I change back to Safari?

Go to Settings > Safari > Default Browser App and select Safari. Or go to the current default browser’s settings and choose Safari from the list.

Can I set a different default browser for different types of links?

No, iOS only allows one default browser for all links. You cannot set, for example, Chrome for news links and Firefox for shopping links.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.