How Do You Replace Safari As The Default Browser On Your iPhone?

Safari has long been the default web browser on iPhones, and given how many people use Apple devices, it remains one of the most widely used mobile browsers. 

Many iPhone users are accustomed to tapping on links and having them open in Safari automatically.

Those who have upgraded to iOS 17 can take advantage of features like multiple browsing profiles, improved search functionality, and enhanced private browsing.

However, if Safari doesn’t meet your preferences—whether due to recurring issues, a preference for another browser, or simply curiosity about alternatives—you are not required to stick with it. 

Since iOS 14, Apple has allowed users to change the default web browser on their iPhones, making it possible to set a third-party browser as the primary choice for opening links.

Steps to Change Your iPhone’s Default Browser

If you want to set a different browser as your iPhone’s default, the first step is to ensure your iOS software is up to date. 

Keeping your device updated minimizes potential compatibility issues and ensures you can access the latest features.

Once your iPhone is running on the latest iOS version, follow these steps:

1. Download and install your preferred browser from the App Store.
2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
3. Scroll down to locate the browser you just installed.
4. Tap on the browser’s name to access its settings.
5. Select “Default Browser App.”
6. Choose your preferred browser from the available options.

After selecting the new default browser, a checkmark will appear beside it, indicating that it is now set as the primary web browser for opening links.

From this point forward, any link you tap on within apps or messages will open in the newly selected browser instead of Safari.

Troubleshooting Issues with Default Browser Selection

If the browser you installed does not appear in the list of available default browsers, it may not support this feature.

Not all third-party browsers can be set as the default, and some may function only as standalone applications. 

For example, while some privacy-focused browsers are great for secure browsing, they might not be listed as an option for default browser selection.

In such cases, you can still access and use the browser manually by opening the app whenever you want to browse the web.

Additionally, if you are also using an iPad and want to change the default browser there, you can follow the same steps as outlined above.

Can Safari Be Removed from an iPhone?

Apple does not allow users to delete the Safari app entirely from their iPhones.

However, if you no longer wish to see Safari on your Home Screen, you can remove its icon by following these steps:

1. Long-press the Safari app icon on the Home Screen.
2. Select “Remove App.”
3. Tap “Remove from Home Screen.”

This action will not delete Safari, but it will remove its icon from the Home Screen. You can still find the app in the App Library if you need to access it in the future.

Another option is to disable Safari using the Screen Time feature, which effectively hides the app and prevents access to it. To do this:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to “Screen Time.”
3. Select “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
4. Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
5. Enable “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
6. Tap on “Allowed Apps.”
7. Toggle off Safari to restrict access.

With this setting enabled, Safari will be hidden from both the Home Screen and App Library, making it inaccessible unless the restriction is lifted.

If you later decide to use Safari again, you can follow the same steps and turn the toggle back on.

Restoring Safari as the Default Browser

If you change your mind and want to set Safari as your default browser again, there are a couple of ways to do so.

If you had previously disabled Safari using Screen Time, make sure to re-enable it first.

Once Safari is available again, you can reset it as the default browser by removing the third-party browser you had previously set.

If you delete the app currently set as the default, your iPhone will automatically revert to using Safari.

Alternatively, you can manually restore Safari as the default browser by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Locate and tap on any installed web browser that supports the default browser feature.
3. Tap “Default Browser App.”
4. Select “Safari” from the list.

Once Safari has been selected, a checkmark will appear beside it, confirming that it has been reinstated as the default browser. From this point on, all links you tap on will open in Safari.

By following these steps, you can easily customize your browsing experience on your iPhone, whether by switching to a new browser or returning to Safari as the default option.