How to Change Default Apps on iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When you tap a web link in an email message, your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch will open it in the default web browser. Until the release of iOS 14, Safari was the only app that could be set as the default. Now you can choose a different default web browser (Chrome fans, rejoice!), as well as a new default email if you're not crazy about the Mail app. This wikiHow teaches you how to change your default web browser and/or email app to the app of your choice.

1

Install the app you want to set as the default.

PDF download Download Article
  1. For example, if you want to switch your default email app to Outlook, you'll need to download Outlook from the app store. [1]
    • If you haven't yet updated your iPhone or iPad to iOS/iPadOS 14 or later, see How to Update your iPhone first.
    • Some browsers and email apps cannot be set as default apps. This is just because the developers of those apps haven't updated the app with this feature. Some popular apps that can be set as default for email are Spark, Outlook, and Gmail. Popular replacement browsers are Chrome and Firefox.
    2. Advertisement
2

Open your iPhone or iPad's Settings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you don't see it there, it'll be in the App Library's Utilities category.
3

Select the app you want to be the default.

PDF download Download Article
  1. For example, if you want Chrome to be your default browser, scroll down and tap Chrome .
    2. Advertisement
4

Select "Default Browser App" or "Default Mail App."

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll see a list of apps—the app with a blue checkmark is the one that's set as default.
    • If you don't see this option, the app cannot be chosen as the default. Since the feature is new, you may just have to wait a bit for the app to update.
5

Select a new default app.

PDF download Download Article
  1. The blue checkmark will move to your new default app.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • To switch back to the original default app, tap the replacement app's name in Settings, tap Default Mail/Web App , and select the desired app.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      • You can still use Safari and the Mail app even if they are aren't set as your defaults.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      5 Simple Ways to Set a Default Browser on Mac, Windows, iOS, & Android
      How to
      Make Google Maps the Default on iPhone
      How to
      Set Google Chrome As Your Default Browser
      How to
      Change the Default Web Browser on a Mac
      How to
      Set Google as Your Default Search Engine: 11 Easy Ways
      Change Your Default Search Engine in Any Web Browser or Device
      How to
      Set Up Outlook Email on an iPhone
      How to
      Send Email on the iPhone
      Change Email Password on iPhone: Quick & Easy Steps
      Switch Your Default Search Engine to Bing: Easy Steps
      How to
      Make Internet Explorer Your Default Internet Browser
      2 Simple Ways to Add an Email Account to Your iPad
      How to
      Access Email on a Computer, Phone, or Tablet
      How to
      Logout From Mail on iPhone: Complete Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211336

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Settings .
      2. Tap the app you want to set as default.
      3. Tap Default Browser/Mail App .
      4. Select the app.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 47,419 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement