Before you start
- iOS 14 or later
- The browser installed from the App Store
Change the default browser
On older iOS, go to Settings, scroll down and tap the browser’s name (on iOS 18, Settings > Apps > [browser]), then Default Browser App.
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Step 1: Install the browser
Download Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, DuckDuckGo or another browser from the App Store.
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Step 2: Open Default Apps
On iOS 18.2 and later, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and tap Browser App.
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Step 3: Choose your browser
Select the browser. A tick appears next to it.
Troubleshooting
My browser isn’t listed
Update it from the App Store. Only browsers that meet Apple’s requirements can be set as default.
Links still open in Safari
Some apps use their own in-app browser. Look for an “Open in browser” option in that app’s settings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete Safari?
Since iOS 18 in the EU you can, but elsewhere Safari can’t be deleted. You can hide it in the App Library by removing it from your Home Screen.
Will my bookmarks move to the new browser?
Not automatically. Chrome and Firefox can import data from Safari in their settings, or you can sync bookmarks from your computer.
Summary
Install your preferred browser, then go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App (or the browser’s own settings page) and select it. Links will open there from then on.
