change safari as default browser iphone

How-To Geek

How to change your default browser on iphone and ipad.

For the first time, Apple is allowing iPhone and iPad users (that run iOS 14 or iPadOS 14) to change their default web browser app. Here's how.

Safari is a great web browser, but there's a reason why Google Chrome has the largest market share . Thankfully, as long as you're running iOS 14 , iPadOS 14 , or higher, you can set any third-party browser as the default on your iPhone or iPad.

First, open the "Settings" app. If you've lost it in a sea of icons, use Apple's built-in  Spotlight Search  to find the application.

In the Settings menu, locate the section for the browser you'd like to set as your default. For example, navigate to Settings > Chrome to set Google Chrome as your default web browser.

If the third-party browser has been updated to support Apple's default browser switching feature, you will find a "Default Browser App" option in its settings. Tap it.

Next, you'll see a list of every web browser app installed on your device that supports the default browser feature. Tap the name of the browser you'd like to use as your default.

After that, tap the "Back" button once and exit "Settings." From now on, whenever you tap a web address link, it will open in the browser app you chose.

Note that, at the time of writing, rebooting your iPhone or iPad will reset the default setting . It's not clear yet if this was designed to reset or it's a bug.

Related: How to Change Your Default Email App on iPhone and iPad

Also, if you prefer to use a third-party email client, you can change your default email app on iPhone or iPad.

iOS 14 allows you to change the default web browser on an iPhone to your favorite browser's app — here's how to do it

• You can change the default web browser on an iPhone running iOS 14, if you want to use a browser other than Safari, such as Google Chrome.
• Once you've set your default browser, links you click will open in that browser's app.
• If you've tried to set your default browser before and it kept reversing, make sure your software is up to date.

Clicking on a link only to have it open in a browser you never use is one of those small annoyances iPhone users have had to just live with. But with iOS 14 , Apple built in an easy way to change your default browser. 

With your preferred web browser set as the default, you won't have to worry about links from texts or emails opening in the wrong one.

Be aware — Apple released software update 14.0.1 to fix a bug that undid this setting, so make sure you have the latest software installed.

How to change the default browser on an iPhone running iOS 14

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Scroll down to find your favorite browser and tap it. It will likely be fairly far down the list, in the section right below "TV Provider."

3. Tap the "Default Browser App" option.

4. A list of any browsers you've installed other than Safari will appear. Tap your preferred browser. A check mark should appear next to it.

Now, any link you click will open in your preferred browser.

Related coverage from  Tech Reference :

How to make google chrome the default browser on your android phone in 5 simple steps, how to change your default web browser on windows 10, where you can install and switch between different browsers, how to update the safari browser on your mac computer by installing the latest version of macos, how to change your default browser on mac, through the system preferences menu or the new browser's settings, how to clear the cache on a safari browser to make it run more efficiently, watch: i've used the iphone for 10 years and these are my favorite tips and tricks.

• Main content

How to Change the Default Web Browser on Your iPhone

What to know.

• You can easily change your default browser on iPhone in the Settings app.
• Simply tap the browser (such as Firefox or Chrome), and then select the Default Browser option.
• Select whichever browser you want to use as the default option.

On Apple devices, Safari is the default browser. However, many people prefer to use other browsers instead of Safari. It's frustrating to have to constantly manually switch browsers when opening links on your iPhone, but you can change the default web browser on your iPhone to your preferred one. This article will show you how to set your default browser so that your preferred browser opens when you tap on a link. This is especially helpful if you use a different browser on your MacBook than you do on your iPhone, or if you just find a different browser easier to use.

• Change the Default Browser on iPhone

How to Change the Default Browser on iPhone

Interested in changing the default browser on your iPhone? A default browser can make things much easier, so you don't have to remember what features the browser you're using has, for example, searching for that pesky back button on your iPhone . If you’re wondering how to make Google Chrome the default browser on your iPhone or if you just don’t like using Safari as your default browser, follow this step-by-step guide on how to change the default browser.

And you're done! Now that you know how to change your default browser on your iPhone, you can more easily open links in your preferred web browser, whether it's Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or another browser. Are you having trouble deciding which browser is best? Read this Safari vs. Chrome article to see the pros and cons of each one. And for more advice on customizing your iPhone, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

• How do I get to my browser settings on my iPhone? If you want to change Safari's settings, you'll have to go into the Settings app, then tap Safari. If you want to change another browser's settings, just find the browser in the app list at the bottom of the Settings app. Most browsers also have more in-depth options within the app itself.
• How to make Safari the default browser again? You can follow the same steps above and simply select Safari instead. Alternatively, if you install the browser app that is set as default, your iPhone will automatically switch back to Safari.

Author Details

Hannah Nichols

Hannah Nichols is a freelance marketing consultant and writer. She is obsessed with audiobooks and podcasts and always asks people for recommendations. Hannah loves going to the gym and taking really long walks with friends. She enjoys traveling with her partner and her eight-year-old son.

Article Spotlight

New podcast episode: all about apple's latest ipad drop.

In the 211th episode, David and Donna cover all the new iPads that Apple announced at its online 'Let Loose' event on May 7. From the AI-focused M4 chip to a haptic touch-enhanced Apple Pencil Pro, listen in to find out if you should buy one of the new supercharged iPads!

Featured Products

Get your ultra-precise body assessment with the new Body Scan from Withings. The Body Scan from Withings offers a revolutionary body assessment directly from your home in just 90 seconds. Through a simple weigh-in, the Body Scan helps you reach your weight goals quicker and build muscle mass faster. It can even detect cardiac anomalies. See Withings deals!

Most Popular

How to Tell If Someone Blocked Your Number on iPhone

How to Tell If a Dead iPhone Is Charging

How to Schedule a Text Message on iPhone

10 Best AI Apps for iPhone in 2024

How To Find My iPhone From Another iPhone

How to Record a Phone Call on an iPhone for Free

How To Put Two Pictures Together on iPhone

How to Refresh AirTag Location Manually & More Often

iPhone Notes Disappeared? Recover the App & Lost Notes

10 Simple Tips To Fix iPhone Battery Drain

Answered: Can iPhones Get Viruses?

How To Get an App Back on Your Home Screen

Featured articles, why is my iphone battery draining so fast 13 easy fixes.

Identify Mystery Numbers: How to Find No Caller ID on iPhone

Apple ID Not Active? Here’s the Fix!

How to Cast Apple TV to Chromecast for Easy Viewing

Fix Photos Not Uploading to iCloud Once & for All (iOS 17)

There Was an Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server: Fixed

iPhone Charging but CarPlay Not Working? Here's the Fix!

Check out our sponsors.

• Each email reveals new things you can do with your phone (and other devices) with easy-to-follow screenshots.
• Enter your email to get your first tip immediately!

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

How to change the default browser in iOS 14

Maybe Safari isn't your preferred mobile browser of choice and you'd rather use a different one. As it turns out, you can change your default browser on iOS 14 in just a few quick steps. And, if it turns out you don't want to try your new browser, you can switch back to Safari just as easily.

• Open Settings
• Scroll down and tap on the browser you wish to use (eg: Chrome)
• Tap on Default Browser
• Tap on the browser you wish to use (eg: Chrome)

And that's it! If you ever wish to switch back to Safari, you can follow the steps below.

How to set Safari as the default browser in iOS 14

• Scroll down and tap on Safari
• Tap on Safari

Sponsored Content

How to convert YouTube to MP3 on Mac with iTubeGo

Top stories.

iOS 18 Freeform app getting giant navigation & object positioning upgrades

iOS 18 Project Greymatter will use AI to summarize notifications, articles and much more

Apple and OpenAI allegedly reach deal to bring ChatGPT functionality to iOS 18

Apple's AI plans involves 'black box' for cloud data to guarantee privacy

Bigger and brighter: iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Pro rumored screen changes

Featured deals.

Last call: Apple's MacBook Air with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD drops to record low $1,239

Latest news.

System Settings getting shuffled again in macOS 15, among other UI tweaks

Apple is going to rearrange menus and app UIs across macOS 15, with System Settings seeing the biggest reorganization since the app was redesigned.

Apple loses to Samsung in Q1 global smartphone shipments

Apple isn't on top of the worldwide smartphone market in 2024 so far, though the iPhone did benefit from customers buying more premium models.

New emoji in iOS 18, iPad Pro, and patented Apple Store trees, on the AppleInsider Podcast

Apple is slowly adding more to watch on Apple Vision Pro, it's gearing up for AI, emoji, and more at WWDC, and yet another Apple Store has opened — but it's made out of Lego.

This TikTok user got conned by fake AirPods Pro, but you don't have to get fooled

Fake AirPods and AirPods Pro are continuing to be a problem, with one TikTok user only discovering they were counterfeit when seeking help in an Apple Store.

In iOS 18 and macOS 15, Apple's Freeform app will receive an entirely new navigation feature called Scenes, as well as new options for object alignment. Here's what to expect.

France could get Apple Vision Pro at end of June

Leaked internal announcements from Apple Retail heavily suggest that Apple Vision Pro will launch in France on July 29, 2024.

How to set up and manage a guest user to your Mac

On occasion, you may want to allow other people in your home to access your Mac, but not your personal account. We'll show you how to set up and manage temporary guest users.

The absolute best apps for creating digital art on your iPad

If you're a digital artist looking to transition to using your iPad more, here's a collection of the best creative apps to help you get started.

If you had an iPhone 7 with audio problems, your settlement deadline is soon

Earlier in 2024, Apple agreed to settle a class action suit over audio issues with the iPhone 7 — but conditions are very limited and the time to apply is almost over.

Torras 360 Spin Stand Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max has a MagSafe-compatible ring stand

The Torras 360 Spin Stand iPhone 15 Pro Max case has a built-in ring stand that folds flat and maintains MagSafe compatibility with military-grade drop protection.

Latest Videos

Retro gold rush: which emulators are on the App Store, and what's coming

More Metal: Apple's iPad Pro Magic Keyboards, compared

iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro buyer's guide May 2024: which iPad to buy for any budget

Latest reviews.

TerraMaster D8 Hybrid drive enclosure review: Lots of data, not enough bandwidth

Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: A compact digital art masterpiece

Waterfield Shield Case for Apple Vision Pro review: Way better for travel than Apple's case

{{ title }}

{{ summary }}

How to Change Your iPhone's Default Browser

You don't need to stick to using Safari with your iPhone. In fact, there are good reasons not to. Here's how to change it.

The default browser on your iPhone can be changed by following a few simple steps. By changing it, any URL or web-based file you tap on will open in your browser of choice, as long as your phone supports it.

Here's how to change the default browser on your iPhone.

How to Switch the Default Browser on iPhone

To be able to change the default browser on your iPhone or iPad for ease of use and access to additional features, there are some pre-requisites:

• Make sure your device has iOS 14, iPadOS 14, or a newer version of iOS.
• Check if the desired browser app supports iOS or iPadOS.
• Download the preferred app from App Store and install it.

To change your default browser, follow the steps below.

• Go to Settings and scroll down. You will find your browser app.
• Tap on the browser app and tap on Default Browser App .
• Select the new web browser you want to set as. A tick appears to confirm that it is the default app.

That's about it. It is that easy to change the default browser on your iPhone.

Related: Safari vs. Chrome for Mac: Reasons You Shouldn't Use Chrome

Remember, to use the new browser app as your default browser, you do not have to delete Safari. In the future, if you regret your decision to switch to a new app, you can always revert to Safari by following the steps above.

Also, if you uninstall the new browser app after you decide you don't need it, your phone will automatically revert to using Safari as your default web browser.

In case you uninstall Safari, you will have to reinstall it again to use it as your browser app.

Why Should You Change Your Default Browser on iPhone?

Many people have switched to other iOS browsing apps ever since Apple rolled out the iOS 14 update, and there are many reasons for doing so. The primary reason for this is user-friendliness and more features than Safari.

Here are some other reasons people are switching to browsers other than Safari:

• Safari has a lot of security flaws, such as address bar spoofing, arbitrary code execution, and cross-site scripting attacks, as reported by CVE Details . Also, Flash does not work well with Safari.
• Safari has a lack of customization options that other competitor browsers offer.
• Safari doesn't offer the option to automatically delete cookies when you exit the app.
• Safari doesn't have a restore session feature.

Related: iOS Settings to Change If You Want Better Privacy in Safari

Switch to a Different Web Browser and Enjoy Its Many Features

To sum up, changing your default browser on the iPhone is quite easy. Switching to a new browser will allow you to explore and experience different features of other web browsers.

With this simple guide, you can also switch back to Safari when you want to circle back to it!

How to change the default web browser on iPhone or iPad

You don't have to settle for Safari

When you set up a new iPhone or iPad, you may notice that Safari is the default web browser. And while many users are fine with that, some others may prefer having a different default. Fortunately, with iOS and iPadOS 14, Apple started allowing users to change the default web browser. So, for example, if you're now running iOS 17 on an iPhone 15 Pro Max , you can change the web browser that the system defaults to when you click a link.

What's a default web browser?

As mentioned above, a default web browser is an app that iOS or iPadOS automatically directs to when you hit a link on your iDevice. Before OS version 14, users would have to copy the link and paste it into a third-party web browser if they were unsatisfied with Safari. So, now, after changing the default web browser, the OS will automatically launch and load the URL in the chosen app.

How to change the default web browser on iOS or iPadOS

To change the default web browser on an iPhone or iPad running OS version 14 or later:

• Go to the App Store and click on the Search tab in the bottom right corner.
• Tap the Search field on top and search for web browser .
• View the list of results and choose the one that appeals to you the most.
• Download it and wait for it to install on your iPhone or iPad.
• Click on Default Browser App .
• Choose the app you just installed.
• Now, whenever you click a link, it'll automatically load in the newly set default web browser.

Changing the default web browser can save you a lot of time

Choosing a default web browser spares you from needing to copy and paste a certain link in the browser of your choice. This way, you just click on a certain link, and it launches the browser you prefer instead of defaulting to Safari. However, keep in mind that third-party iOS web browsers utilize Apple's WebKit engine, so they're essentially Safari with the developers' additional layers and features.

How to set Chrome or Edge as your default browser on the iOS 14 beta

More choices for ios web browsing.

By Chaim Gartenberg

Share this story

iOS 14 brings one of the most long-awaited features to Apple’s operating system in years: the ability to change the default browser from Apple’s Safari to a third-party option like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox. But you don’t have to wait for Apple to release iOS 14 this fall to break free of Safari. If you’ve got the iOS 14 beta installed, you can already switch to another default browser today. Here’s how to do it.

To start, you’ll need to be running the latest iOS 14 beta. (To install that , check out our guide here .) Once that’s set up, you’ll need to have a compatible third-party browser installed.

For Google Chrome, simply download the regular Chrome app from the App Store; Google’s already updated its app with support for iOS 14, so you’re good to go right out of the box.

Microsoft Edge is a little more complicated. Right now, Edge has only added iOS 14 default browser support for beta testers. In a related coincidence, iOS beta tracker Departures notes that the Microsoft Edge TestFlight beta has completely filled up as of earlier today (although you can monitor here for when slots free up). The process will remain the same, though, whenever Microsoft updates the final version of Edge, which presumably should be coming soon.

Unsurprisingly, Apple has buried the option to switch your default browser pretty deeply. To find the menu, you’ll have to go to the Settings app, then scroll down (or search) to find your browser’s app-specific settings. Once there, tap the new Default Browser App option, and then select your browser of choice from the list that appears. Obviously, only browsers that support iOS 14’s new feature will be listed, so expect that list of options to grow over time as more developers update their apps in the coming weeks.

Once you’ve set that, all links you tap on your phone will automatically open in Chrome (or whatever other browser you’ve selected). To switch back, simply follow the process listed here, but select Safari instead of a third-party option. Additionally, iOS 14 is still in beta, which means Apple may change this process as it finalizes its software before the final release; we’ll continue to update this post should that happen.

Of course, choosing your default browser on iOS is largely a symbolic gesture. Given that Apple forces all third-party browsers to use Safari’s WebKit browser engine, all iOS browsers should work more or less the same. That makes it largely a cosmetic choice built around which app has nicer features layered on top rather than something that will drastically change how you use the internet on your phone. Still, it’s nice to at least have the option.

Google confirms the leaked Search documents are real

All of microsoft’s macbook air-beating benchmarks, the biggest announcements from playstation’s summer state of play, anthropic’s ai now lets you create bots to work for you, google zero is here — now what.

More from Tech

Here are the best Apple Watch deals right now

OpenAI can’t register ‘GPT’ as a trademark — yet

Sony’s portable PlayStation Portal is back in stock

The Nintendo Switch 2 will now reportedly arrive in 2025 instead of 2024

Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How to set a default browser on iOS

Apple supplies its own Safari web browser with every iPhone, but you don’t have to use it to surf the web. There are plenty of third party alternatives on the App Store, and now it’s possible to make such a browser your default browser on iOS.

While Apple has long allowed you to download an alternative web browser for your iPhone, it’s only with iOS 14 in 2020 that you could make one of those your default web browser.

This means that any time you hit a link in an email or on a document, it’s this third party web browser that will open rather than Safari. Here’s how to set a default browser on iOS.

What you’ll need: 

We used the iPhone 13 Pro , but these methods will work on any iPhone

The Short Version 

Download your preferred browser, find your browser in settings.

• Set default browser

Set your default browser

Troubleshooting

Follow the above steps, but select Safari when you reach Step 3.

If you delete your new preferred web browser at any point, the default selection will return to Safari. The opposite is true if you delete Safari.

You might like…

How to easily delete photo albums on an iPhone

How to change your Apple ID email

How to collaborate on a playlist in Apple Music

How to enable Stolen Device Protection on iOS

How to get Apple Music Replay 2023

How to cancel subscriptions on an iPhone

Jon is a seasoned freelance writer who started covering games and apps in 2007 before expanding into smartphones and consumer tech, dabbling in lifestyle and media coverage along the way. Besides bein…

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the best of Trusted Reviews delivered right to your inbox.

Newsroom Update

Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities.  Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

How to change google browser back to safari iPhone 11 Pro Max

How to change google browser back to safari iPhone 11pm max

Posted on Nov 9, 2021 11:53 AM

Posted on Nov 9, 2021 12:04 PM

Hello. If you want to change your iPhone's default web browser back to Safari, you can do so by following the steps here . If you instead want to change the search engine for Safari, you can change this on your iPhone at Settings  > Safari > Search Engine .

Similar questions

• get safari back? My Browser on my iPhone12Pro Max has changed to google. How do I get safari? 381 1
• How do I get my Safari browser back on my iPhone? How do I get my Safari browser back to my IPhone? [Re-Titled by Moderator] 420 1
• safari goes to Google How to I get Safari back instead of it going to Google in my iOS Safari Browser. iPhone 13 504 3

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Nov 9, 2021 12:04 PM in response to karijw1

Nov 9, 2021 12:08 PM in response to karijw1

Go to Settings>Browser Name>Default Browser App>Safari.

iOS 17: How to Set a Default Browser Other Than Safari

The iOS 17 update makes it easier for users to change their default browser. Apple is seemingly encouraging users to try other browsers. Although this change is currently exclusive to those from EU countries, it could become a permanent feature once newer public iOS versions are available.

How to Set a Default Browser Other Than Safari in iOS 17

Time needed:  2 minutes

Apple will automatically show a choice screen the first time you open Safari after upgrading to iOS 17. The pop-up displays the most popular browsers in your region. Here’s how to change your default browser engine through it:

In an email to the Apple Developer Program members, Apple shared which web browsers it will display to EU users. The list included:

• Aloha Browser
• Brave Browser
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Onion Browser
• Opera Touch
• Private Browser Deluxe
• Vivaldi Browser
• You.com AI Search Assistant

Apple’s letting other web browser engines in as well. So browsers like Chrome won’t be stuck using just the WebKit engine.

Can We Change the Default Browser in Other iOS Versions?

I want to clarify that iPhone users have been able to change their default browser settings since iOS 14 launched in 2020 .

Apple made this change in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements in the European Union (EU). Users outside its regions won’t see this pop-up yet. But don’t fret too much because nothing changed in terms of functionality—it’s merely a mandatory pop-up for fair trade compliance. You can still explore the best alternatives to Safari .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Jose Luansing Jr.

How To : Change Your Default Browser in iOS 14 from Safari to Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Another App

For the longest time, we were simply stuck with Safari on the iPhone. Sure, you could install a third-party browser, but Safari was always the default, so tapping on links would always open Apple's app. Times have changed, however, and now you can set third-party browsers like Chrome , Firefox , and Edge as your iPhone's default choice.

"But I don't see a way to set Chrome as my default browser," you might say, and you're not the only one. First, you need to have an iPhone running iOS 14 , so update your system if you haven't already. However, there was a bug in iOS 14.0 that would reset your chosen default browser back to Safari whenever your iPhone would reboot. Apple patched the issue in iOS 14.0.1 , so really you'll want to update to iOS 14.0.1 or later so that it works smoothly.

Compatible Third-Party Browsers

After updating to iOS 14.0.1 or later, you need a compatible browser. So far, these are the browsers that work with iOS 14's default browser setting. We'll update the list if any others pop up.

• Brave Private Web Browser VPN
• Cake Web Browser
• DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser
• Firefox Focus: Privacy browser
• Firefox: Private, Safe Browser
• Ghostery Privacy Browser
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Opera Touch web browser
• Smooz Browser
• Yandex Browser

Changing the Default Browser in iOS 14

With any of those apps installed, open Settings, but don't go to "Safari." You won't find any options there. At least, not yet. Instead, scroll down until you find the browser that you want to be the new primary browser on your iPhone. Tap it, then select "Default Browser App." Here, you can choose from any of the supported browsers on your device, not just the one you opened the settings for.

• Don't Miss: Change Your Default Mail App in iOS 14 to Outlook & More

Activating the New Default Browser in Other Apps

The next time you tap on a link, iOS will open it in your chosen browser, not Safari. The first time you do it, however, you will receive a pop-up from iOS saying that the app you're currently in wants to open your third-party browser. Just tap "Open," and you'll be set. Tapping on links from now on in that app should skip the "Open" pop-up, making it a seamless experience.

The only caveat is with other third-party apps that have their own in-app browser settings. For example, my Apollo for Reddit app was set to use an in-app Safari browser before updating to iOS 14. After the update, and after I changed my default browser to DuckDuckGo, Apollo still remembers my in-app preference.

Switching Back to Safari

To switch back to Safari, you don't need to go to a third-party app's settings. Instead, go to "Safari" in the Settings app, choose "Default Mail App," then pick "Safari." When Safari is the default on your system, this menu item will not appear in Safari's settings — only in the settings for third-party browsers. This is, no doubt, Apple's way of silently discouraging you from moving away from its own app.

Just updated your iPhone? You'll find new features for Podcasts, News, Books, and TV, as well as important security improvements and fresh wallpapers. Find out what's new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.5 update.

Be the First to Comment

Share your thoughts, how to : 16 harry potter spells for siri that turn your iphone into a magical elder wand, how to : make siri say whatever you want every time you connect your iphone to a charger, how to : dial these secret codes to see if someone is hijacking calls & texts on your iphone, how to : clear your frequently used and recent emoji from your iphone's keyboard, warning : sensitive info you black out in images can be revealed with a few quick edits on your iphone, how to : your iphone's status bar can actually be customized — here's how, how to : add unsupported cards and passes to apple wallet for quick, easy access on your iphone, how to : 100+ secret dialer codes for your iphone, how to : enter dfu mode on your iphone 11, 11 pro, or 11 pro max, how to : save youtube videos directly to your iphone's camera roll, how to : turn any website into a full-screen app on your iphone, how to : if 'messages' consumes too much iphone or icloud storage, don't delete your conversations just yet, how to : the simple way to stop your iphone from sending unwanted audio messages, how to : use a different apple id for apple music without using family sharing, how to : 20 hidden calculator tricks for your iphone, how to : there's an easy way to see all the unsent messages in your imessage conversations, how to : disable the imessage typing bubble indicator so others don't know you're currently active in the chat, how to : can't find an app on your iphone's home screen its icon is likely hiding from you, how to : 20 surprisingly practical uses for apple airtags, how to : your iphone's hidden field test mode finally lets you bookmark network measurements for easy reference.

• All Features
• All Hot Posts

• 🤩 Trending:
• iOS 17.4 Features: What’s New?
• iOS 18: Everything We Know
• iPhone 16: Everything We Know
• iPhone 16 Pro: Everything We Know

GeeksChalk is the leading source for all things iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and more

• Apple Watch

Popular Post

How to fix mail not working on iphone after ios 17 update, how to fix iphone speakers not working after ios 17 update issue, how to fix airdrop not working on iphone after ios 17 update, iphone 14 pro max not charging past 80 percent fix, how to change the default browser on iphone to chrome or back to safari.

You can set Chrome or any other third-party browser as the default on your iPhone or iPad

When you tap on a web address link on your iPhone or iPad, it will open in whichever browser you have set as default. The default default browser is, of course, Safari. Many third-party browsers now support the ability to become the default app, including Chrome, Firefox, and DuckDuckGo, so you can choose your preferred browser and it will be used to automatically open web page links that are tapped in other apps. In this article, we’ll tell you how to change the default browser on your iPhone or iPad.

How to change the default browser to Chrome (or another browser)

If your iPhone’s default browser is Safari (or anything other than what you want it to be), you can easily change it to Chrome (or your browser of choice).

• If you haven’t already, download Chrome from the App Store.
• Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Scroll down to the third-party apps list and tap on Chrome or any other browser you wish to use.
• Tap on Default Browser App .
• Tap on Chrome to make it default browser.

After you’ve completed these steps, any app that tries to open a web page will launch Chrome instead of Safari.

How to change the default browser back to Safari

If you have changed your default browser to something other than Safari, then anytime you tap on a weblink, it will open in that browser. To go back to using Safari, you can reset Safari as your default web browser on your iPhone.

• Scroll down and tap on Safari .
• Tap on Safari to make it default web browser.

From now on, whenever you tap a web address link, it will open in Safari browser.

Switch to a Different Web Browser and Enjoy Its Many Features

To sum up, changing your default browser on the iPhone is quite easy. Switching to a new browser will allow you to explore and experience different features of other web browsers.

With this simple guide, you can also switch back to Safari when you want to circle back to it!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent News Flash

A complete list of gas stations that take apple pay in 2024, how to remove, update or change your apple payment method, how to print text messages from iphone in 2 ways, how to fix airprint not working after ios 17 update, trending now, iphone system haptics, what they are, turn on or off, how to fix iphone not sending text messages to android in ios 17, iphone won’t make calls but will text here’s how to fix it.

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

How to change the default web browser on iPhone and iPad

Although Apple’s Safari is the default browser on iPhone and iPad, you have the option to choose a third-party browser. If you’d like to use a web browser other than Safari, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, etc., as the default on your iPhone or iPad, we will guide you through the steps to make the switch.

Before you begin

• Make sure your iPhone or iPad is on a recent version of iOS.
• Install the third-party web browser app on your device and open it once to finish the initial setup. Here are the links for some of the most popular iOS browsers: Chrome , Firefox , Edge , Opera , Brave , DuckDuckGo , and Aloha .

Set Chrome, Firefox, or another app as the default web browser on iPhone and iPad

• Open the Settings app.
• Scroll down towards the end and tap a third-party browser name.
• Tap Default Browser App .
• Select Chrome , Firefox , Edge , or any installed third-party app as your default web browser.

That’s all. From now on, tapping a link in any iPhone or iPad app, such as Mail, Spark, Instagram, and so forth, will launch the selected third-party web browser instead of Apple’s Safari.

Note: Your newly selected default web browser choice has no bearing on the embedded Safari View Controller in certain apps that use it, including Twitter, Reeder, and Slack. For instance, tapping a link in Twitter for iOS opens an embedded Safari web view within the app, regardless of the default web browser. That said, you can tap the Safari icon in any embedded Safari Web Controller view if you’d like to open the link externally, which would open in the default web browser you set.

Related: How to open Safari links in Chrome on iPhone and iPad

Go back to using Safari as the default web browser

Method 1: Follow the above steps and choose Safari in step 4.

Method 2: Delete the app , which is your current web browser, and iOS will immediately revert back to using Safari as the default browser.

On the same note:

• Apple publishes developer guidelines for setting default email and browser apps
• How to change the default email app on iPhone and iPad
• Quick ways to change the default web browser on Mac

Search results for

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

How to change the default browser on an iPhone

Published on April 24, 2023

With previous iPhone models, you could choose what default browser you could use. You either use Safari , Safari , or Safari . It was a very broad choice. But then Apple decided to broaden your choices even further by allowing you to choose a third-party browser as your default iPhone browser. Suddenly, all phone browsers were in play — even Edge . Here’s how to change the default browser on your iPhone so you don’t always feel you’re stuck with Safari .

QUICK ANSWER

There are a couple of different methods to change your iPhone's default internet browser. The first is to go into the built-in Safari browser settings and change the default browser to whatever you want. The second is to go into the settings of your preferred installed browser and change the default setting there. They both lead to the same settings page.

There are two ways to reach the same destination for changing your iPhone’s default browser.

• The first is to access Safari’s settings by going to Settings > Safari .
• Tap Default Browser App .

• The other is to go into the settings of your preferred installed browser (in this case, Settings > Chrome ).
• There, you will also see the Default Browser App option.

• Tapping on that will bring you to the next screen. This is where you’ll see a list of your currently installed browsers.
• Tap the one you want to be the default browser.
• Then come out of the settings — your choice will be immediately saved.

Obviously, if you change your mind, you can always go back and choose another browser. Any other browsers you install will also appear on this screen.

You might like

• a. Send us an email
• b. Anonymous form
• Buyer's Guide
• Upcoming Products
• Tips / Contact Us
• Podcast Instagram Facebook Twitter Mastodon YouTube Notifications RSS Newsletter

iOS 14: How to Set Google Chrome as the Default Browser on iPhone and iPad

Apple made a change in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 that enables third-party browsers and email clients to be used as default apps, meaning users who don't get on with Safari or Apple's native Mail app can choose an alternative and it will be opened automatically whenever the system requires it.

Note that these steps will only work if you have iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 installed.

• Download the latest version of Google Chrome from the App Store [ Direct Link ] or update the app if you already have it.
• Launch the Settings app.
• Scroll down and select Chrome .
• Tap Default Browser App .
• Tap Chrome .

After you've completed these steps, any app that tries to open a web page will launch Chrome instead of Safari. To change this behavior, simply repeat the steps and select Safari in the Default Browser Apps screen.

As of writing, no other third-party web browser provides an option to set it as the default browser for the iOS, but give it some time and the option will surely arrive for Firefox, Opera, and others.

Apple is expected to release iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 for all users later this month, and we could even see them announced next week at Apple's " Time Flies " event on Tuesday, September 15, where it is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 6 and new iPads.

Get weekly top MacRumors stories in your inbox.

Top Rated Comments

I don’t trust Google. Only trust in Apple.

Great, so now you can switch from a giant business-gobbling company's browser to a data-hoarding monster's browser. This is progress.

Popular Stories

Apple Releases New AirPods Pro 2 Firmware

Apple Confirms Time for June 10 WWDC Keynote, Shares Full Schedule

Apple TV: The Latest Rumors About a New Model and Possible $99 Price

What to Expect From CarPlay on iOS 18

Apple Green-Lights iPhone 16 Pro Display Production

Report: These 10 New AI Features Are Coming in iOS 18

Next article.

Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 17, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.

Apple News+ improvements, cross-platform tracker alerts, website app downloads for the EU, and more.

Get the most out your iPhone 15 with our complete guide to all the new features.

A deep dive into new features in macOS Sonoma, big and small.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference will kick off with a keynote on June 10.

Expected to see new AI-focused features and more. Preview coming at WWDC in June with public release in September.

AI-focused improvements, new features for Calculator and Notes, and more.

Action button expands to all models, new Capture button, camera improvements, and more.

Other Stories

1 day ago by MacRumors Staff

1 week ago by Tim Hardwick

1 week ago by Juli Clover

How to Change the Default Browser on iPhone to Chrome or Back to Safari

When you tap on a website link on your iPhone or iPad, the site will open in whichever browser you have set as default. The default default browser is, of course, Safari. You may prefer Chrome, Firefox or another browser.

If you don’t like Safari or you have previously changed your default browser and now want to change it back to Safari, it is pretty simple to change it. Once you choose a new default browser, whenever you tap on a weblink in Messages, Mail or another app, the link will open in your default browser. Note some apps will open a link in the app’s own browser(like) window .

In this article, we’ll tell you how to change the default browser on your iPhone or iPad. The choice of default browser will only affect opening website links from other apps. You can always open and use any of your browser apps, no matter which browser app is the default.

How to change the default browser to Chrome (or another browser)

If your iPhone’s default browser is Safari (or anything other than what you want it to be), you can easily change it to Chrome (or your browser of choice).

• If you haven’t already, download Chrome from the App Store .
• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and find Chrome (or your preferred browser) in the list of apps, then tap on it.
• Tap on Default Browser App .
• Tap on Chrome to select it.

How to change the default browser back to Safari

If you have changed your default browser to something other than Safari, then anytime you tap on a weblink, it will open in that browser. To go back to using Safari, you can reset Safari as your default browser on your iPhone.

• Scroll down and find Safari in the list of apps and tap on it.
• Tap on Safari to select it.

Related articles

• How To Change Your Default Browser in macOS
• How to Change your Default Search Engine on iPhone
• How To Change Default Search Engine in Safari (iOS and macOS)
• How to Delete All Google Search History on iPhone, iPad or Mac
• Safari kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork Error, Blank Page Fix

Dr. Stacey Butler is a tech writer at macReports covering news, how-tos, and user guides. She is a longtime Mac and iPhone user and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She is a former faculty member and a math teacher. Here is her LinkedIn profile , Google Scholar profile and her ResearchGate profile . Email Stacey Butler .

Similar Posts

How to show or hide the location services icon in the menu bar on your mac.

Many apps, websites, and system services may use your location on your Mac. You can know when Location Services are being used. You can show or hide the Location Services icon in the…

Blocked Number Still Calling? How to Fix Number Block Not Working

Sometimes you may receive phone calls or text messages from contacts even after they are blocked. Obviously, this may create a serious problem for you. You blocked that number for a reason, and…

How To View Recently Closed Tabs (iOS Safari)

You may want to reopen your recently closed tabs for various reasons. For instance, if you close a tab accidentally, you can quickly view and reopen them. Here is how you can do…

Yahoo Mail Not Working on iPhone or iPad, Fix

This article explains how you can fix if Yahoo Mail is not working properly on your iPhone or iPad. Are you experiencing issues with sending or receiving email messages using the iOS or…

How to Watch Two YouTube Videos Simultaneously on iPad

Did you know you can watch two YouTube videos simultaneously, side-by-side, on your iPad? There may be various reasons you would want to do this. For example, you may want to play a…

What to Do if your Apple Cash Account is Restricted or Locked

If your Apple Cash account has been restricted or locked, you may want to regain access to your Apple Cash quickly. Some people rely on Apple Pay to send or receive money. If…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. How we test phones

23 Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your iPhone Experience

Learn how to save battery with dark mode and activate the hidden button on the back of your iPhone.

Spending a few minutes with these iPhone settings can reap big rewards.

If you just got a new iPhone , you can make the most of it by tweaking a few settings. Some of your options for improving battery life and enhancing privacy are buried pretty deep in the settings or they aren't so intuitive. We'll show you how spending a few minutes on customization can result in a much more satisfying iPhone experience.

Maybe you're set up but discover you're burning through battery life too quickly, or you want to save some time and  set up a shortcut  to turn on your favorite workout playlist as soon as you walk into the gym. Hacks and quick fixes are at your disposal -- you just need to know where to look for them. 

You're bound to find some cool customization options, including some that you know and others that you might have never heard of. Want to  declutter your home screen ?  Use your battery a little less  throughout the day? You can do all that and more with these 23 iOS settings to optimize your phone's performance. 

If you want to take a look at other iOS features, check out how to unlock your iPhone's hidden trackpad  along with the rest of our iOS 17 tips and tricks .

Take a Closer Look at the iOS Settings You Should Change Right Now

1. Stop apps from tracking your exact location

Apps like Doordash and Postmates require your exact location to deliver food to the right location or directly to you. But that doesn't mean every application on your iPhone needs to know precisely where you are at every moment. That's why you have the ability to prevent an app from tracking your exact location. 

In the Settings app, choose an application (like Instagram, for example), tap Location and then toggle off Precise Location . Any app with Precise Location off will only know your approximate location, within a few miles.

Read more :  Why You May Want to Revoke Precise Location Permissions From Instagram

Don't toggle this feature off for apps that require exact location, like food delivery and navigation services.

2. Turn the back of your iPhone into a button

The back of your iPhone can be used as a secret button to activate certain actions such as taking a screenshot, enabling low power mode or running a shortcut that can automatically play music when you arrive at the gym. The Action Button on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max , iPhone 15 and 15 Plus , and iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models does the same, but if you have an older model, the back of your iPhone works.

However, the option is hidden deep in your settings -- here's how to find it.

In the Settings app, go to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and choose one of two options: double tap or triple tap. You should see a list of actions you can run by tapping the back of your iPhone, like opening your camera, turning on the flashlight and scrolling up and down. Tap an action or shortcut to enable it with Back Tap.

Tap on the back of your phone to do all kinds of fancy tricks. 

3. Enable Live Voicemail to get real-time voicemail transcriptions

You get a call and don't want to necessarily pick up, unless it's important. Unfortunately, the only way you'll know is if you listen to a voicemail left after the call. With iOS 17, however, you can read a real-time transcription of any voicemail being left. That's right: If someone is leaving you a voicemail, you can read it on your phone and choose to pick up the call, connecting you with the person leaving the voicemail.

The Live Voicemail feature isn't on by default, so go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail and turn it on. That's it!

4. Bring back full-screen incoming call alerts

If your iPhone is unlocked and you receive a phone call, a banner-style notification appears at the top of your screen, with a small photo and name or number of the person calling, and the options to pick up or deny the call. 

This wasn't always the default option. In the past, incoming calls would take over your entire display when your iPhone was unlocked. It was disruptive, sure, but it also got the job done. The banner may be a welcome change for many because it's more discreet and allows you to use your phone while receiving a call. 

However, if for any reason you're not a big fan of the banner and want to revert to the more attention-grabbing full-screen alert, go to  Settings  >  Phone  >  Incoming Calls  and tap  Full Screen .

This incoming call alert isn't ideal for everyone. 

5. Turn off 5G coverage you don't want or have

Apple touts a Smart Data feature that's specific to its 5G phones that will automatically switch between 4G LTE and 5G networks based on how you're using your device. However, you may find that your iPhone's battery drains faster than it did before. If you don't want to sacrifice battery life for faster 5G speeds, shut it down. You can always turn 5G back on when you want it, or when service in your area improves.

To turn off 5G on your iPhone , forcing it to always use 4G LTE (even if you have 5G coverage), open the Settings app, then go to Cellular > Primary  >  Voice & Data and tap LTE . Alternatively, if you want your iPhone to exclusively use a 5G connection when available, you can select 5G On .

5G is nice if you have access, but it can also be a battery hog. 

6. Fine-tune how much data is used by a 5G connection

If you're happy with your 5G performance, here's a network-related setting you should check out. Go to Settings > Cellular >  Primary  >  Data Mode , where you'll find three options: Allow More Data on 5G, Standard and Low Data Mode.

Even though you can read brief descriptions below the three settings, they don't paint a complete picture for the first option. According to an Apple support document , allowing more data on 5G will give you high-quality video and FaceTime calls. It also lets your phone download software updates and stream high-definition Apple TV and Apple Music content, and it allows third-party developers to improve their respective apps.

The default setting on this page will depend on your carrier and data plan, so it's a good idea to check your iPhone  and make sure it's correctly set to your preference.

7. Stop apps from cluttering up your home screen

The App Library is a place where you can quickly find and access all of your applications. And while apps are housed here, all newly downloaded apps also appear on your home screen. This may not be a problem if you download apps sparingly, but if you're installing new apps on a consistent basis, they can quickly clutter up your home screen.

To stop downloaded apps from appearing on your home screen, go to  Settings  >  Home Screen & App Library  and select  App Library Only . If you want to find the app, you'll have to swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.

This setting will prevent your home screen from getting too messy.

8. Unlock your phone while wearing a face mask

If you wear a mask in public, unlocking your iPhone with Apple's Face ID technology can be frustrating. Because half of your face is covered, Face ID just doesn't work. And while entering your passcode to unlock your phone works, it's not as convenient. 

With iOS, you have the option to turn on a face unlock feature that makes it easy to unlock your iPhone when you're wearing a face mask. Before the update, you could only unlock your iPhone if you owned an Apple Watch . 

To unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch, open the Settings app on your iPhone and then open the Face ID & Passcode option. Scroll down until you find the Unlock with Apple Watch section (you must be connected to an Apple Watch for the setting to appear), where you can turn on the feature for any watches linked to your iPhone. 

If you have an iPhone running iOS 15.4 or later, you can unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask without an Apple Watch. Go to the Settings app and open Face ID & Passcode . From there, you can toggle on the  Face ID With a Mask option. It's pretty awesome. 

You can unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch if Face ID isn't working.

9. Put the address bar in Safari back on top

The address in Safari migrated to the bottom of the screen a few years back -- welcome for those with smaller hands who had difficulty reaching it with one hand at the top. While this move might feel more natural, since it's closer to the keyboard and where you typically place your thumbs, it can be off-putting since some people are used to seeing the URL bar near the top of the screen.

If you want to put the address bar back at the top of the screen, go to Settings , tap  Safari  and choose the Single Tab option under the Tabs subheading.

10. Add features that can be used when your iPhone is locked

There are times when you might want to have certain info handy even when your phone is locked. That's why Apple allows you to enable some features without having to unlock your device, such as the notification center, Control Center, the ability to reply to messages and the Wallet app.

To customize the features you'd like to access on the lock screen, launch the Settings menu, tap Face ID & Passcode  and enter your passcode when prompted. Scroll down until you see the Allow Access When Locked section, and toggle the sliders based on your preferences. 

You can decide which features you want to access when your phone is locked. 

11. Make your favorite email app or web browser your default

It's not all about Safari. On your iPhone, you have the ability to choose your own default apps -- at least for email and web browsing. That means that when you tap a link or an email send button, your iPhone will automatically launch the web browser or email provider of your choosing rather than Safari or Mail. 

To get started, open the Settings menu and select the app you'd like to set as a default (such as Google Chrome or Outlook). You should then see a button that says Default Mail App or Default Browser App . Tap that option and select the app of your choosing instead of Safari or Mail.

You no longer have to use Safari or Mail as default apps. 

Read more :  If You Care About Your Privacy, You Need to Change These Browser Settings

12. Get full notifications on your lock screen

The first time you experience Apple's Face ID tech, you'll notice that you can't see the content of new alerts and notifications on the lock screen. For example, instead of seeing who sent you a text message and what it says, you'll only see a generic Messages alert.

By default, all iPhones with Apple's Face ID tech will hide the content of an alert until you pick up your phone and unlock it. It's a privacy feature that I rather enjoy, but I also understand how it could be annoying (I've heard a few complaints from readers and family members alike).

You can change how notifications appear on your lock screen by going to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews and selecting  Always . Conversely, you can select Never if you want to keep the content of your notifications always hidden from the lock screen.

13. Turn off (or on) HDR video for sharing videos

The iPhone can record high dynamic range (HDR) video with Dolby Vision. That means your videos are typically brighter, with more accurate colors and improved contrast. That may be ideal for some, but if you don't want videos that are automatically adjusted, because you want to do it on your own, there is a way to disable the feature.

You can turn off HDR video by going to  Settings  >  Camera  >  Record Video  and turning the switch next to  HDR Video  to the  Off  position. Going forward, all videos will be captured in standard dynamic range.

HDR video looks great, but it doesn't work everywhere yet.

14. Customize your home screen with fancy wallpaper

Another home screen tweak you should make involves your wallpaper or background . Apple has many wallpapers of its own, with a pretty cool twist. 

Open the  Settings  app on your iPhone and select  Wallpaper  from the list. Make sure the switch labeled "Dark Appearance Dims Wallpaper," which you'll see below the two thumbnail previews of your wallpaper, is turned on. Now, tap  Choose a new wallpaper  and select either Stills or Live. See the circle near the bottom of each wallpaper? It's half black, half white. 

That circle means that the wallpaper has both light and dark mode versions and will change automatically based on the system status of your phone. 

You can also set live wallpapers as your background if you're not sold on dark and light mode.

On an iPhone with 3D Touch, you can use a third-party app to play longer-duration "Live" photos on your lock screen.

15. Turn on dark mode to save your battery

Speaking of dark mode, if you don't want to have to repeatedly adjust your screen's brightness, you can use your phone's dedicated dark mode. Dark mode converts all of the white backgrounds in apps to, more often than not, a black background. In turn, your phone is able to save battery power thanks to the darker colors. 

Turn it on by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and selecting the Dark option at the top of the screen. You can also just swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone and tap the Dark mode icon in the Control Center.

Apple's apps will automatically switch to a dark color scheme, and most third-party apps have also adopted the feature . 

Dark Mode on the iPhone sure looks good. 

16. Manage your notifications with Focus Mode

We get a lot of notifications every day, but not all of them are relevant all the time. That's why  Apple introduced a feature called Focus Mode . Think of it as a custom Do Not Disturb feature that's tailored to specific circumstances. 

Focus Mode blocks less relevant alerts while allowing notifications from important people and apps to come through so that you don't miss anything. You can set up different types of Focus Modes for specific circumstances. 

Apple currently offers options for Do Not Disturb, personal, sleep, work, driving, fitness, gaming, mindfulness and reading, but you can also create your own custom mode. You can schedule Focus Modes so that they turn on automatically when needed and display your status in apps so that others know you have notifications silenced. 

To get started, open the Settings menu, tap Focus  and choose one of the available options to set up your notification preferences. Tap the plus (+) symbol in the top right corner to add a new Focus. 

17. Make your screen text bigger or smaller

With a couple of taps on your iPhone's screen, you can adjust the font size to make it easier to read. Open  Settings  and go to Display & Brightness > Text Size where you can use the slider until you're happy with the font size. For a little added oomph, you can turn on Bold Text (it's just below the Text Size button). 

18. Add an alternate appearance to Face ID

Apple's facial recognition feature,  Face ID , constantly learns different aspects of your face with each scan. If you're struggling to get Face ID to consistently recognize you, try the Alternate Appearance option. 

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > enter your PIN > Set Up An Alternate Appearance and go through the process of enrolling your face again. 

Face ID doesn't always get it right. 

19. Disable auto brightness for longer battery charge

Your iPhone's screen brightness level can have a big impact on battery life. By default, iOS will automatically adjust the display's brightness based on how much light its ambient sensor detects. But if you want to take complete control, you can disable auto brightness, meaning the brightness level will stay where you set it until you adjust it again. 

Open Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and at the bottom of the page, you'll find a switch to turn off Auto-Brightness . 

Now, whenever you want to adjust your screen, you can do so by opening Control Center with a swipe up from the bottom of the screen on a device with a home button, or a swipe down from the top-right corner on newer iPhones. 

Keep your screen dim to save battery life. 

20. Triage your privacy settings

The first time you set up an iPhone with all of your apps, you're bombarded with prompts asking for permissions to access personal information ranging from tracking your location to your Apple Health information or your camera roll. 

It's far too easy to get in the habit of approving everything just so you can use the app, but take a few minutes and go through your privacy settings to tailor what each app can and can't see.  We walk you through the whole privacy process in two quick steps . 

Apple has put all of its privacy controls in one place. 

21. Use Control Center to access apps with a swipe or tap

The iPhone's Control Center is a convenient spot to quickly change songs, turn on airplane mode, connect to Wi-Fi or start a timer, but there's so much more to it than that. You can quickly turn on your flashlight, check on a timer or start recording your screen with a quick swipe and tap. 

Customize which apps and features are available in Control Center by opening  Settings  > Control Center . Remove an option with a tap on the red minus button or add an option by selecting the green addition button. Drag features up or down using the three-line icon on the right side of the screen. 

Personally, I like having quick access to the Wallet app and toggles for low-power mode and dark mode. 

As a reminder, if you have an iPhone with a home button, like the  iPhone SE , you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, you'll need to swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen where the battery icon is. 

Control Center has a lot of potential; you just need to customize it. 

22. Organize alerts with Notification Summary

Apple wants to help you manage your notifications in iOS, starting with the Notification Summary feature. Rather than letting notifications pile up on your home screen, you can schedule alerts that aren't urgent to arrive in a bundle at a specific time of day. 

Important notifications like calls, direct messages and other time-sensitive alerts (like the status of your Uber or Lyft ride, for example) will still appear immediately.

To try this out, open  Settings , press  Notifications  and tap  Scheduled Summary . 

23. Change Siri's voice

If you've recently set up a new iPhone, you may have noticed that Siri no longer defaults to a female voice. Instead, you'll be asked which Siri voice you want to use, including several more recent options. Once you've made your selection, Apple will change Siri's voice across all of the devices linked to your Apple ID.

You can check out the voice options by going to  Settings  >  Siri & Search  >  Siri Voice . To learn more, check out our  complete guide to changing Siri's sound . Apple also  added a gender-neutral Siri voice option  for English speakers.

A pro iPhone battery tip

No matter how many settings you toggle off and on, battery life will always be an issue, especially if you're traveling and don't always have access to your fast charger. If you're constantly on the go and need some juice, consider getting this affordable and slim MagSafe charger that can charge your iPhone from zero to 50% in just 30 minutes.

For more, here are 17 hidden features on our iPhone you should know about and annoying iPhone features you can do something about.

Mobile Guides

• Best iPhone
• Best Galaxy S24 Deals
• Best iPhone Deals
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Review
• Best Android Phones
• Best Samsung Galaxy Phone
• Pixel 8 Pro Review
• iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max Review
• Best iPhone 15 Deals
• Best Foldable Phones
• Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review
• OnePlus Open Review
• Best Galaxy Z Flip Deals
• Best Wireless Earbuds
• Best Noise Canceling Headphones
• Best Headphones
• Best Over Ear Headphones
• Best Wireless Earbuds and Headphones for Making Calls
• Best Headphones for Work at Home
• Best Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds
• Best Sounding Wireless Earbuds
• Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds
• Best Wireless Headphones
• Best iPhone 15 Cases
• Best iPhone 14 Cases
• Best Power Bank for iPhone
• Best Airpods Pro Accessories
• Best Magsafe iPhone Accessories
• Best Speakerphone
• Best Wireless Car Charger and Mount
• Best iPhone Fast Charger
• Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Android
• Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 7
• Best Apple Watch Bands
• Best Android Smartwatch
• Apple Watch Ultra Review
• Best Smartwatch
• Best Prepaid Phone Plans
• Best Cheap Phone Plans
• Best Unlimited Data Plans
• Best Phone Plans
• Best Phone Plan Deals
• Best Senior Phone Plans
• Best Family Phone Plans
• Best Travel Phone Plans
• Best Verizon Plans

Android Police

How to make your android phone look and feel like an iphone.

People won't even know the difference ... at first glance

Android offers a strong level of customization, allowing you to control how your phone looks and feels. You can even make it look like an iPhone. There are many ways to customize your experience, from home screen replacements and app icon packs to custom fonts. Android 12 introduced a theming feature that allows system-wide dynamic colors to be applied automatically to all compatible apps. With Android 14 on the latest Google Pixel phones , you can expect more options to customize your device. Google will continue to expand its efforts to ensure Android remains as customizable as ever.

Can you make your Android device look like an iPhone?

Since you can customize an Android device as much as you want, you can make it look like an iPhone with a few changes. Using a third-party home screen replacement, icon packs, and custom themes from the Google Play Store help you achieve that. You can't install iOS, so this is your best option to give you the look of an iPhone. Apple doesn't redistribute its software to other manufacturers, as Google does with Android. Apple's software is designed only for its products in a closed ecosystem, while Android provides open source software.

What is open source software?

For example, iPhone home screen replacements can change the appearance of your Android phone but not how it works. Your web browser's icon may switch to Safari, but that doesn't mean Apple's browser is installed on your phone. It only changed the icon and name in the launcher. Your default browser still opens when you tap the icon.

Third-party launchers, apps, and themes from the Google Play Store don't require rooting or jailbreaking. However, they contain ads that can interrupt your experience. Turn off their permission to draw over other apps to block them on your Android device .

Some apps may require you to pay or donate to remove ads or access premium content. Additionally, launchers are limited to your home and lock screens and don't affect anything else. Your settings and file manager menus remain the same. To completely change the look of your Android device, download a theme. Use the following tips to give your phone an iPhone makeover.

Install an iPhone home launcher for a quick transformation

Launchers allow you to personalize your phone's app gallery and home screens. You can change icons, add widgets, and rearrange the layout. Most launchers have lock screen personalization settings, the Control Center, and the Dynamic Island. You don't need to download a separate app. Nova and Apex Launcher Pro are among the best Android launchers on the market.

Making the third-party launcher your default home screen app ensures it works correctly. If you refuse, your phone prompts you to choose your primary home screen or revert to the default settings.

You may need to turn off the Digital Wellbeing app on your phone , as it can reset to the original home screen on some phones.

Most third-party launchers require access to specific device permissions before you can use them. After granting the proper app permissions, you can accept any terms and services agreement that might pop up. These apps automatically open the Default home app page, allowing you to select them as your primary home screen replacement app.

Download themes and icon packs to customize your experience

Themes are styles or designs that transform your phone's user interface (UI), including icons, wallpapers, and menus. The transformation may not be noticeable if your phone is in dark mode, so you may need to deactivate it. Custom launchers allow you to interact with the apps on your home and lock screens while having built-in themes. They let you configure page transitions, the layout, and quick settings. You can also add widgets to personalize the screen with unique new features or elements.

How to customize your Android 12 & Android 13 phone's Material You theme

If you don't want to completely overhaul your home screen or UI, consider using an icon pack. These packs make it easy to change the style, shape, and color of your icons. For those with the latest Samsung phones , download and change app icons from the Galaxy Themes app. Other devices may require built-in theme apps or the Google Play Store to download icon packs , themes, and wallpapers.

No theme can completely transform your main and quick settings menus to look like an iPhone.

Install iOS app lookalikes to offer similar functionality

Apple's closed ecosystem makes it impossible to install iOS apps without jumping through hoops. Although many websites claim to have official iOS apps for download, we don't recommend installing them as they commonly contain malware that can damage your device. For a safe alternative, try alternatives to Apple apps, which you'll find in the App Store.

AirMessage can work in a pinch to offer a limited iMessage experience. It has most of iMessage's features but isn't a direct one-to-one clone. As for utility apps, dozens of calculators and clocks on the Play Store emulate their iOS counterparts. Apple Music is also available on the Play Store, so you can access your library of songs and albums. As with all things Apple, you'll need an Apple ID.

Get a lock screen app to replicate that iconic look

With Apple's iOS 16 update came features that gave Android 13 a run for its money . One of those is the lock screen widgets. You can add widgets to your lock screen on iOS. This allows for quicker access and control and was not a feature on Android 13. Google apps were available as iPhone lock screen widgets despite not being available on Android. This is a rare example of iOS getting ahead of Android customization options. Android 14 tried rectifying this by giving devices that have the update some limited lock screen widget customization.

How to customize your Android 14 lock screen

Download a lock screen app from the Play Store to get widgets on your Android's lock screen. Depending on the app you download, you may be able to change your password or pattern style, date and time format, text size, lock sound, and more to resemble an iPhone's features.

Use Control Center and assistive touch apps

By default, Android phones have a Quick settings panel to view your app notifications and other details. You can access this feature by swiping down from the top of your screen. You can't replace it with a Control Center app, but you can configure it with similar functionality. For example, some apps allow you to swipe from the bottom, left, right, or upper-right corner of your screen. Some Control Centers apps can include the iPhone assistive touch button. You can move it to any position.

How to see which apps are running from Quick Settings

Most Control Centers have provisions for screenshots and recording. The feature only sometimes works, and your recordings can become corrupted. Some Control Centers may require you to download an in-app screen recorder or set an existing one as your default app within the Center.

Enjoy free iOS-style customization on your Android device

If you prefer to use Android but like the look of iOS on an iPhone, there are several ways to replicate that visual experience. You don't need to switch from Android to iOS or buy an iPhone. Instead, install an app from the Google Play Store. Installing a third-party launcher designed to mimic an iPhone's home screen is the easiest route since it has everything you need. You can also install other non-iPhone home screen replacement apps and use custom themes or icon packs to create a similar experience.

Microsoft Edge: How to change your default search engine

G oogle Chrome might be the default browser for many. However, Microsoft Edge is becoming a popular alternative. It packs features like Collections, Bing Chat integration, Vertical tabs, Sleeping tabs, Bing Image Creator , and more. You can access it from Android devices, iPhones, desktop PCs, laptops, and budget Chromebooks .

The Edge browser uses Bing by default. Despite introducing AI chat features, it isn't Google Search. So, if Bing isn't your jam, you may want to switch to your favorite search engine. This tutorial shows you how to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge, no matter what device you use.

How to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge for desktop

Microsoft Edge uses Bing as the default search engine in the address bar and search box. There isn't a way to change the search engine for the search box, but you can change it to Google, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo for the address bar.

The Edge browser uses the same user interface on Windows and Mac. We show the steps from the Windows app. You can do the same on the Mac to change the search engine.

• Launch Microsoft Edge on the desktop.
• Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
• Open Settings .
• Select Privacy, search, and services from the sidebar.
• Scroll to Address bar and search .
• Select Google from the Search engine used in the address bar drop-down menu.
• Select Address bar as the default search engine for new tabs. If you choose Search box , Microsoft Edge opens new tabs with a search box that uses the Bing search engine.

The Microsoft Edge browser also lets you manage search engines. You can add, edit, or delete search engines from the Settings page.

• Go to Address bar and search in Microsoft Edge settings (check the steps above).
• Select Manage search engines .
• Click the Add button in the upper-right corner.
• Type the Search engine , Shortcut , and URL .
• Select Add . You can also check the existing options based on your browsing history.
• Click the three-dot menu beside a search engine to edit, delete, or make it the default.

How to use Web select and Web capture in the Microsoft Edge browser

How to change your search engine in microsoft edge for android.

Microsoft Edge uses Bing as the default search engine on Android. While you can't add a new search engine on mobile, you can change it to Google using the steps below.

• Open Microsoft Edge on Android.
• Tap the three-dot menu at the bottom and select Settings . Close
• Select General . Close
• Tap Select search engine .
• Tap the radio button beside Google . Close

How to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge for iPhone

You can change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge for iPhone and set it as the preferred browser.

• Launch Microsoft Edge on iPhone.
• Tap the three-dot menu and open Settings . Close
• Open General and tap Select search engine . Close
• Select Google and tap Done in the upper-right corner. Close

It's easier than ever to use Microsoft Edge like a pro

Microsoft Edge didn't make a great impression when it debuted in 2015. However, it has become a viable alternative to Chrome, Firefox, and Opera since it adopted the Chromium project. With the step-by-step instructions listed above, you can change your search engine with ease.

Despite its redeeming qualities, the Edge browser isn't perfect. If you encounter issues during your web browsing experience, there are several things you can do when Edge doesn't respond .

Change the default web browser or email app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

With iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 and later, you can change which app opens when you click a website link or an email address as long as the app supports it.

Before you begin

Make sure that you have iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 or later, and that you have the app properly installed on your device.

Make sure that the web browser app or email app supports this feature. If you aren't sure, contact the app developer .

How to change your default web browser or email app

Go to Settings and scroll down until you find the browser app or the email app.

Tap the app, then tap Default Browser App or Default Mail App.

Select a web browser or email app to set it as the default. A checkmark appears to confirm it's the default.

If you don't see the option to set a web browser or email app as your default, the developer might not support it. Contact the app developer to learn more .

If you delete your default web browser app, your device will set Safari as the default browser app.

In countries or regions of the European Union on iOS 17.4 or later: after you choose a default browser from the web browser choice screen, if you want to change that setting, follow the steps to change your default browser .

If you delete your default email app, your device will set the Mail app as the default. If you delete the Mail app, your device will set one of your other email apps as the default. To use the Mail app again, you'll need to re-install it on your device.

Related topics

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.