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    How to Change the Default Browser on Your iPhone

    iPhone lets you set Chrome, Firefox, or another browser as your default instead of Safari — so links you tap open in the browser you prefer.

    3 min read · 4 steps · Checked April 2026

    1. Step 1. Install your preferred browser

      If you have not already, download your preferred browser from the App Store. Search "Google Chrome," "Firefox," or "Microsoft Edge" and install the free app. Sign in to your account in the browser if you want your bookmarks and saved passwords.

    2. Step 2. Open the browser's settings in iPhone Settings

      Go to the iPhone Settings app (the gray gear icon). Scroll down the list until you find the browser app you installed — for example, "Chrome" or "Firefox." Tap it.

      Quick Tip

      The browser's settings appear near the bottom of the Settings list, in the section where third-party apps are listed alphabetically.

    3. Step 3. Change the default browser

      Inside the browser's settings page in Settings, look for "Default Browser App." Tap it. A list of installed browsers appears. Tap your preferred browser to select it. A checkmark appears next to it. Tap the back arrow — the change takes effect right away.

    4. Step 4. Test that it worked

      Open the Messages app or Mail app. Tap any web link. It should now open in your chosen browser instead of Safari. If it still opens in Safari, go back and double-check the setting — make sure the checkmark is on your preferred browser, not Safari.

      Quick Tip

      Quick Tip: You can change back to Safari any time by going to SettingsSafariDefault Browser AppSafari.

    By default, all links you tap on your iPhone — in emails, text messages, social media, and other apps — open in Safari, Apple's built-in browser. If you prefer using Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or another browser, you can change the default so links always open in your preferred browser.

    This feature was added in iOS 14 (released 2020). Any iPhone running iOS 17 or later can change the default browser.

    What "default browser" means: when you tap a link anywhere on your phone — not just inside a browser — your iPhone decides which browser app to open automatically. Changing the default means tapping a link in Messages opens Chrome (or your chosen browser) instead of Safari.

    You still have Safari installed and can open it manually any time — changing the default does not remove Safari.

    This is a simple setting change that takes about 30 seconds. You can change it back to Safari any time the same way.

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