How to change the default browser and other default apps on an iPhone

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Apps and tap Default Apps at the top of the list. Tap Browser App and choose the browser you want, for example Chrome or Firefox. The same page changes the default app for email, calls, navigation and more.

Links open in Safari and addresses open in Apple Maps until you choose something else. An iPhone lets you replace several of these standard apps. The other app must be installed first.

These screens are from iOS 26 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows are in the same place, with a slightly different look.

Step by step

  1. Install the app you want to use

    Download the browser, mail app or maps app from the App Store and open it once.

  2. iPhone screen: Open Settings and tap Apps

    Open Settings and tap Apps

    Apps is near the bottom of the main Settings list.

  3. iPhone screen: Tap Default Apps

    Tap Default Apps

    It is the first entry, above the alphabetical list of your apps.

  4. iPhone screen: Tap the feature you want to change

    Tap the feature you want to change

    For the browser, tap Browser App. The other rows work the same way.

  5. Choose the app

    Tap the app in the list. A tick shows the new default. Some choices ask you to confirm on screen.

  6. Test it

    Tap a link in an email or a message. It now opens in the browser you chose.

Good to know

Apple lists these features: Browser App, Email, Calling, Call Filtering, Messaging, Keyboards, Navigation, Passwords & Codes, Translation, Contactless Apps and App Installation.

Not every row appears on every phone. Navigation, Contactless Apps and App Installation depend on your country. App Installation, for other app marketplaces, exists in the European Union and Japan.

A row only offers apps that are installed and support the feature. If your app is missing from the list, update it in the App Store.

If the Default Apps entry is missing, update the iPhone to the latest iOS version.

The same on a computer: how to change the default browser on a Mac.

In short: Settings, Apps, Default Apps, Browser App, choose the app.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Change your default apps for features on iPhone and iPad

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.