What changing your default app means, and why you'd want to
A default app is the program your iPhone automatically opens when you click a link or perform a certain action. By default, Safari opens web links, Mail handles email addresses, and Apple Maps shows directions. Starting with iOS 14, Apple let you change these defaults to other apps you've installed — so you can make Chrome your web browser, Gmail your email client, or Google Maps your navigation app instead.
You might want to change defaults if you prefer a different browser's speed or features, use Gmail for work email, or have a maps app that works better in your region. Once you set a new default, your iPhone remembers it across most actions: tapping a link in Messages, clicking an email address on a website, or asking Siri for directions.
The process is straightforward but lives in an unexpected place in your settings. Apple doesn't call it "default apps" — it's buried under the name of the app you want to set as default.
Key Takeaways
- You change defaults by opening the Settings app, scrolling to the app you want to set as default, and tapping "Default Browser App" or "Default Mail App" depending on what you're changing.
- Not every app can be set as a default — only browsers, email clients, messaging apps, maps, and a few others that Apple allows.
- Once you set a default, your iPhone uses it automatically when you click links or email addresses, but you can still open other apps manually.
- Changing defaults back to Apple's apps works the same way — open Settings, find Safari or Mail, and select it as the default again.
How to set a different browser as your default
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down until you find the name of the browser you want to use — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap it to open that app's settings page.
Look for a button or option that says "Default Browser App" (the exact wording varies slightly by app). Tap it, and you'll see a list of browsers installed on your phone. Select the one you want. Your iPhone will confirm the change and return you to that app's settings.
From that moment on, when you tap a link in Messages, Mail, Notes, or any other app, your chosen browser opens instead of Safari. You can still open Safari manually if you need it — changing the default doesn't remove the app.
How to set a different email app as your default
The process for email is identical to browsers. Open Settings, scroll down to find the email app you want to use (Gmail, Outlook, Spark, or another), and tap it.
Look for "Default Mail App" on that app's settings page. Tap it and select your choice from the list. Now when someone sends you an email link or you tap an email address on a website, your chosen app opens instead of Apple Mail.
This change affects email links only — it doesn't change where your email actually goes or how your account syncs. You're just telling your phone which app to launch when you click an email address.
Other apps you can set as defaults
Beyond browsers and email, iOS lets you set defaults for maps, messaging, and phone calls on newer iPhones. Open Settings, find the app you want (Google Maps, Waze, WhatsApp, or another), and look for the relevant default option — "Default Maps App", "Default Messaging App", or "Default Phone App".
Not every app supports being a default, and Apple controls which categories allow it. If you don't see a default option in an app's settings, that app either isn't installed, doesn't support defaults, or isn't one Apple allows as a default yet.
Switching back to Apple's apps
If you change your mind and want to go back to Safari, Mail, Maps, or Apple's other built-in apps, the process is the same. Open Settings, find Safari (or Mail, or Maps), tap it, and select "Default Browser App" (or the equivalent for your app). Choose Safari from the list.
You don't need to uninstall the other app or do anything special. Apple's apps are always available as options in the default list, even if you've never changed from them before.
What happens if you don't see the default option
If you're looking for a default option and can't find it, check that you're in the right place. Open Settings, tap the app name directly (not a category like "Apps" or "General"), and scroll through that app's own settings page. The default option is usually near the top.
If it's still not there, the app may not support being a default. Some older apps or less common programs don't have this feature. You can still open them manually, but your iPhone won't automatically launch them when you click a link or email address.
Make sure you're running a recent version of iOS as well. Default app options were added in iOS 14 (2020) and expanded in later versions. If your iPhone is very old, you may not have access to this feature at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or saved passwords?
No. Your bookmarks and passwords stay in Safari even if you set Chrome or Firefox as your default. They're stored separately in each app. If you switch browsers, you'll need to import your bookmarks into the new app if you want them there too.
Can I set different defaults for different situations?
No. iOS only lets you set one default per category. You can't tell it to use Chrome for some links and Safari for others. Once you set a default, it applies everywhere.
If I set a new default, will it change on my iPad or Mac too?
No. Defaults are set per device. Your iPhone, iPad, and Mac each have their own default settings. You can set Chrome as default on your iPhone and keep Safari as default on your Mac.
What if an app I want to use as default isn't showing up in the list?
The app may not be installed, or it may not support being a default. read it from the App Store first if you haven't already. If it's installed and still not appearing, that app doesn't have the feature yet — you can still open it manually.
Do I need to restart my iPhone after changing a default?
No. The change takes effect when ready. The next time you click a link or email address, your new default app will open.