Change Your Default Web Browser and Other Apps
About this QuickTip
In this video, I’ll show you how to set your preferred web browser, password manager and more as the default options for your device. Whether you want to open links in Chrome or use 1Password instead of Apple Passwords, this setting lets you fine-tune your iPhone’s behaviour to suit your needs.
Transcript
With iOS 18.2 and later, you now have the option to really fine-tune the default apps you use on your device. This includes things like your default mail client, web browser, and more.
In the Settings app, simply scroll down to the very bottom and tap on Apps. At the top of this screen, you’ll see a new option to pick your default apps. There are several different categories to choose from, and any apps on your device that match these categories will show up as options.
For example, if I go into Web Browser, I can choose between Arc, Search, Google Chrome, or Safari. Let’s switch to Chrome for this example. Then, I’ll go back and do the same for my password app. I like using 1Password, so I’ll enable that one and turn off the Apple Passwords app. From now on, whenever I open a web link or need to autofill a password, it’ll use those apps for me.
Let’s test that quickly in Messages. Here, you can see I’ve got a link to what looks like a great website you should probably check out too. If I tap on it, it’s not going to open in Safari anymore. Instead, you’ll see it opens straight into Google Chrome. This has changed the default behaviour of my phone so any web link now opens in Chrome rather than Safari.
If you want to see what else your iPhone can do, please check out my channel down below!
Technical details: This QuickTip was recorded on an iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.2 in January 2025.
The content used in this video is intended for educational and informational purposes only. All rights to the images, music, clips, and other media used belong to their respective owners. I do not claim ownership over any third-party content used. This video has not been authorised, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. iPhone and Safari are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. iOS is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems Inc. Whilst I have done my best to list all applicable trademarks for this video, in the (hopefully unlikely) event that I have missed any you can find a full list of trademarks registered to Apple Inc. on their website. Finally, please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained within this video was correct at time of publication, please be aware that as future updates and software changes occur some or all elements of this video may become outdated. I will endeavour to remove videos which are completely obsolete so as not to cause confusion!