On a current iPhone or iPad, go to Settings › Apps › Default Apps › Browser App, then choose the browser. If Default Apps is missing, update iOS or iPadOS and confirm that another eligible browser is installed.
What this covers
- iPhone and iPad updated to a current iOS or iPadOS release
- Installed browsers that support selection as the default
- Web links opened from other apps
What it does not cover
- ×Changing the search engine inside Safari
- ×Changing a Mac’s default browser
- ×In-app browsers that ignore the system default
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedInstall and open the browser once
ReversibleInstall the browser you want to use. Open it once so any first-run setup is complete and the app is eligible to appear in Default Apps.
Open the Default Apps panel
ReversibleOpen Settings, tap Apps, then tap Default Apps at the top of the apps list.
Choose Browser App
ReversibleTap Browser App, then select the browser you want to use. Follow any additional on-screen steps shown by iOS or the browser.
Test a web link
ReversibleOpen a web link from Mail, Messages or Notes. Confirm it opens in the selected browser rather than an in-app preview.
Update iOS or iPadOS first
ReversibleApple lists the latest version as the requirement; if Default Apps is missing, update before anything else.
Change other roles in the same panel
ReversibleThe same Default Apps screen reassigns email, messaging, calling, keyboards and passwords, so you can set all of them together.
Apple
Every default you can change in the Default Apps panel
The browser is one of several roles Apple lets you reassign, and availability varies by region.
- Requirement and path
- Update to the latest iOS or iPadOS, then go to Settings, Apps, Default Apps.
- Roles you can change
- Browser App (instead of Safari), Email (instead of Mail), Calling (alternatives to Phone or FaceTime), Messaging (instead of Messages), Keyboards for text entry systemwide, and Passwords & Codes (instead of Passwords).
- Other defaults
- Call filtering, navigation, translation, app installation and contactless apps, some with regional restrictions.
- After you choose
- You might have to follow additional onscreen steps.
- Regions
- Most features are available globally, some, such as app installation and certain calling and messaging options, only in some countries and regions. Users in the EU and Japan receive browser and search-engine choice screens.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Default Apps is missing after updating, check that your iPhone model and region support it before resetting any settings.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “How to change the default browser on iPhone or iPad”
Why can’t I see Default Apps on my iPhone?+
Apple says the Default Apps settings require the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Update the device and make sure an eligible alternative browser is installed.
Does changing the default browser remove Safari?+
No. It changes which eligible app opens web links by default; it does not uninstall Safari or erase Safari history.
Is the default search engine the same setting?+
No. Browser App chooses the app that opens links. Search Engine changes the provider used for searches inside a browser.
Which apps can replace Mail and Messages?+
Apple's Default Apps panel lets you choose another app instead of Mail for Email and instead of Messages for Messaging.
Why do I see a choice screen?+
Apple says users in the EU and Japan receive browser and search-engine choice screens.
Does this work the same in every country?+
Apple says most features are available globally, but some defaults are only offered in some countries and regions, and users in the EU and Japan receive browser and search-engine choice screens.
Why is Default Apps missing on my iPhone?+
Apple says to update to the latest iOS or iPadOS. Some defaults are also only offered in some countries and regions.
Can I change the passwords app?+
Apple lists Passwords & Codes as a role you can set to another app instead of the Passwords app.
Can I change my keyboard from here?+
Yes. Keyboards is one of the roles listed: choose an app for text entry systemwide.