iPhone can open certain links, email addresses, calls, messages, password fields, and keyboards with apps you choose instead of Apple’s defaults. The available categories depend on your iOS version and whether the app supports being a default.
On iOS 18.2 and later, default choices are centralized in Settings. On iOS 14 through iOS 18.1, browser and email defaults are managed from each app’s own settings page.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want links to open in Chrome or Firefox, email addresses to open in Gmail or Outlook, or other supported categories to use third-party apps by default.
Use Default Apps on iOS 18.2 or Later
- Install the app you want and open it once.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Default Apps.
- Choose a category such as Email, Messaging, Calling, Browser App, Passwords & Codes, Call Filtering, or Keyboards.
- Select the app you want. A checkmark confirms the default.
- Test by opening a link, email address, or other item for that category.
Set Browser or Email Defaults on Older iOS
- Install and set up the browser or email app.
- Open Settings and scroll to that app, such as Chrome, Firefox, Gmail, or Outlook.
- Tap Default Browser App or Default Mail App.
- Choose the app from the list and confirm the checkmark.
Default App Notes
Not Every Category Is Changeable
Apple supports only certain categories. If Maps, music, or another category is not listed, iOS does not currently allow changing that default in the same way.
App Must Register Itself
If an app does not appear as an option, open it once and check for updates. If it still does not appear, the developer may not support that default category.
After Updates
An iOS update can occasionally reset defaults. If links or emails return to Safari or Mail, set the default again.
Sources
- Apple Support: Change default apps on iPhone
- Apple Support: Change your default web browser on iPhone
- Apple Support: Change the default email app on iPhone