When you set up a new iPhone or iPad, you may notice that Safari is the default web browser. And while many users are fine with that, some others may prefer having a different default. Fortunately, with iOS and iPadOS 14, Apple started allowing users to change the default web browser. So, for example, if you're now running iOS 17 on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can change the web browser that the system defaults to when you click a link.

What's a default web browser?

Credit: iPhone 15 Pro Max screen (left) and Pixel 8 Pro screen (right)

As mentioned above, a default web browser is an app that iOS or iPadOS automatically directs to when you hit a link on your iDevice. Before OS version 14, users would have to copy the link and paste it into a third-party web browser if they were unsatisfied with Safari. So, now, after changing the default web browser, the OS will automatically launch and load the URL in the chosen app.

How to change the default web browser on iOS or iPadOS

To change the default web browser on an iPhone or iPad running OS version 14 or later:

  1. Go to the App Store and click on the Search tab in the bottom right corner.
  2. Tap the Search field on top and search for web browser.
  3. View the list of results and choose the one that appeals to you the most.
  4. Download it and wait for it to install on your iPhone or iPad.
  5. Launch it.
  6. Head to the Settings app and scroll down to the app you just installed.
  7. Click on Default Browser App.
  8. Choose the app you just installed.
  9. Now, whenever you click a link, it'll automatically load in the newly set default web browser.
  10. If you change your mind, you could always revert to Safari by following the same steps.

Changing the default web browser can save you a lot of time

Choosing a default web browser spares you from needing to copy and paste a certain link in the browser of your choice. This way, you just click on a certain link, and it launches the browser you prefer instead of defaulting to Safari. However, keep in mind that third-party iOS web browsers utilize Apple's WebKit engine, so they're essentially Safari with the developers' additional layers and features.