To change your default app on iOS, primarily for web browsing and email, you can easily do so through your iPhone or iPad's settings.
Changing your default browser or email app on iOS is a straightforward process that allows you to customize your iPhone or iPad experience by setting your preferred applications for specific tasks. This means that whenever you tap a web link or an email address, it will automatically open in the app you've chosen as your default, rather than Apple's built-in Safari or Mail app.
Why Change Default Apps?
Users often choose to change their default apps for several reasons:
- Feature Preference: Other apps might offer features not available in the default iOS apps, such as advanced privacy controls in a browser or specific organizational tools in an email client.
- Cross-Device Consistency: If you use a particular browser or email app on other devices (like a Mac, Windows PC, or Android phone), setting it as default on your iOS device provides a consistent experience.
- Workflow Integration: Some users find that third-party apps integrate better with their professional or personal workflows.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Default Browser and Email Apps
As of iOS 14 and later, Apple allows users to change default web browser and email applications.
Here's how to do it:
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your iPhone or iPad's Home screen.
- Scroll to App Settings: Scroll down the list of settings until you find the specific browser app (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge) or the email app (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, Spark) that you wish to set as default. These will appear in the main list below Apple's system apps.
- Tap the App: Select and tap on the desired app's name from the list.
- Access Default Option:
- For browsers, tap Default Browser App.
- For email clients, tap Default Mail App.
- Select Your Preferred App: A list of eligible installed apps will appear. Tap the name of the web browser or email app you want to set as the default. A checkmark will appear next to your selection, confirming the change.
Example: If you prefer using Google Chrome for browsing, you would go to Settings > Chrome > Default Browser App > Chrome. Similarly, for email, if you use Gmail, you'd navigate to Settings > Gmail > Default Mail App > Gmail.
Types of Default Apps You Can Change
Currently, iOS provides the flexibility to change defaults primarily for:
| App Category | Changeable | Examples of Default Options |
|---|---|---|
| Web Browser | Yes | Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave |
| Email Client | Yes | Mail, Gmail, Outlook, Spark, Hey |
Limitations
It's important to note that while Apple has opened up default app settings for browsers and email, not all app categories allow you to change their default status. For instance, you cannot currently change the default Maps app, Camera app, or Calendar app to a third-party alternative like Google Maps, Halide, or Fantastical. These remain tied to Apple's native applications for system-level actions.
If you don't see the "Default Browser App" or "Default Mail App" option for a particular app in Settings, it means that app type currently does not support changing its default status on iOS. Ensure your device is updated to iOS 14 or later, as this functionality was introduced in that version.
Finding and Installing New Apps
If you want to use a different browser or email client as your default but don't have it installed, you can easily download it from the App Store. Simply search for the app by name (e.g., "Firefox," "Outlook") and download it to your device. Once installed, it will appear in your Settings menu, allowing you to follow the steps above.
