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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 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Install your preferred browser

    ~15s
    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

    Open the browser's settings in iPhone Settings

    ~18s
    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

    Change the default browser

    ~15s
    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 immediately.
    4

    Test that it worked

    ~22s
    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.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Change the Default Browser on Your iPhone

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    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 14 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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    Official Resources

    Apple Support — iPhoneGoogle Help — AndroidSamsung Support

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Change the Default Browser on Your iPhone — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure