How To Fix Change The Default Web Browser On Iphone

by

Changing the default web browser on your iPhone or iPad is a straightforward process that allows you to customize your browsing experience to your preferences. With the latest updates in iOS, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of third-party browsers.

System Requirements

Before you begin, ensure that your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 14 or later. This version introduced the ability to set a custom default browser, providing users with more control over their browsing experience.

Downloading Your Preferred Browser

To change your default browser, you first need to download and install the browser of your choice from the App Store. Popular options include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and DuckDuckGo.

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Search for the browser you want to use (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
  3. Download and install the browser.
  4. Launch the browser to complete the initial setup.

Setting the Default Browser

Once you have installed your preferred browser, follow these steps to set it as the default:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and find the name of the browser you just installed (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
  3. Tap on the browser name to open its settings.
  4. Tap on "Default Browser App".
  5. Select your preferred browser from the list of available options.

Troubleshooting and Reverting Changes

If you decide you want to revert back to Safari or change to a different browser, you can do so easily:

  • To revert to Safari: Follow the same steps as above and select Safari when you reach the "Default Browser App" option.
  • If you delete the browser: Deleting the browser will automatically revert the default back to Safari. Conversely, deleting Safari will not affect the default browser setting, but you will need to set a new default if you reinstall Safari.

Additional Considerations

  • Embedded Safari Views: Some apps, such as Twitter, Reeder, and Slack, use an embedded Safari View Controller. Links opened in these apps will still use Safari, regardless of your default browser setting. However, you can tap the Safari icon in the embedded view to open the link in your default browser.
  • WebKit Engine: All third-party iOS browsers use Apple's WebKit engine, which means they share some underlying features with Safari. This ensures a consistent browsing experience across different browsers.

By following these steps, you can easily customize your iPhone or iPad to use your preferred web browser, enhancing your overall browsing experience.

Leave a Comment