If you’ve been using your iPhone 13 for a while, you’ve probably noticed that Safari is set as the default browser for opening links, emails, and search results. While Safari is fast and privacy-focused, you might prefer using another browser like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox — especially if you use those on your laptop or PC.
The good news? Since iOS 14, Apple allows users to change their default web browser. So, if you want to make Chrome or any other app your go-to browser on the iPhone 13, it only takes a few taps.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you exactly how to change the default iPhone 13 web browser, plus tips on choosing the right one, troubleshooting common issues, and switching back to Safari anytime you like.
1. Why Change the Default Browser on iPhone 13?
Safari works perfectly fine for most users, but switching browsers can make your experience smoother — especially if you’re part of an ecosystem that relies on another browser.
Here’s why you might want to switch:
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🌐 Sync bookmarks and passwords: If you use Chrome on your desktop, syncing with your iPhone keeps everything consistent.
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⚙️ More customization: Browsers like Firefox and Brave offer advanced privacy and design options.
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🔒 Enhanced privacy: DuckDuckGo and Brave focus on blocking trackers and cookies automatically.
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📱 Familiarity: You might simply prefer the interface and shortcuts of another browser.
Whatever your reason, Apple makes it quick and easy to switch.
2. What Is a Default Browser?
A default browser is the app your iPhone automatically uses to open links from:
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Emails
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Text messages
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Social media apps
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Search results
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Documents or notes
So, if you tap a link in a WhatsApp message, the default browser determines whether it opens in Safari, Chrome, or another app.
3. Requirements to Change Default Browser on iPhone
Before we dive in, make sure your device meets these basic requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| iOS Version | iPhone 13 must be running iOS 14 or later |
| Browser Type | The browser app must support “default browser” functionality |
| App Update | Ensure the browser is updated to the latest version |
| Installation | The browser must be downloaded from the App Store |
If your browser doesn’t appear in the default settings, update it through the App Store and restart your iPhone.
4. Popular Alternative Browsers You Can Set as Default
Apple allows many third-party browsers to become your default. Here are the most popular options:
| Browser | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Google ecosystem users | Syncs bookmarks, history, and passwords across devices |
| Mozilla Firefox | Privacy enthusiasts | Enhanced Tracking Protection and customization |
| Microsoft Edge | Windows users | Cross-device sync and built-in reading tools |
| Brave Browser | Privacy + Ad blocking | Blocks ads and trackers automatically |
| DuckDuckGo | Anonymous browsing | Doesn’t collect or store personal data |
| Opera Touch | One-handed use | Minimalistic interface for mobile users |
5. How to Change the Default iPhone 13 Web Browser (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the main process to change your iPhone’s default browser to any app of your choice.
Step 1: Download your preferred browser
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Open the App Store.
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Search for your desired browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
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Tap Get or the download icon to install it.
Step 2: Open iPhone Settings
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Go to your Home Screen.
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Tap the Settings app (gear icon).
Step 3: Locate the browser app
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Scroll down until you find your browser’s name (e.g., Chrome).
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Tap to open its settings.
Step 4: Tap “Default Browser App”
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Under the browser’s settings, look for Default Browser App.
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Tap it — you’ll see a list of available browsers.
Step 5: Select your preferred browser
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Tap the browser you want to use as default (e.g., Chrome).
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Exit Settings — changes are saved automatically.
✅ That’s it! From now on, all links will open in your chosen browser.
6. How to Change It Back to Safari
If you ever want to switch back to Safari as your default:
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Go to Settings.
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Scroll down and tap Safari.
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Tap Default Browser App.
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Choose Safari from the list.
You’re now back to Apple’s original setup.
7. How to Set Chrome as Default Browser on iPhone 13
Chrome is one of the most popular alternatives for iPhone users who also use Android or Windows.
To make Chrome your default:
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Install Google Chrome from the App Store.
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Open Settings → Chrome.
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Tap Default Browser App.
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Select Chrome.
✅ Tip: Sign in with your Google Account inside Chrome to sync bookmarks, history, and passwords.
8. How to Set Microsoft Edge as Default Browser
Edge has gained popularity among Windows users thanks to its speed and integration with Microsoft accounts.
Here’s how to set Edge as default:
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Install Microsoft Edge from the App Store.
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Go to Settings → Edge.
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Tap Default Browser App → Select Edge.
Now any link you open on your iPhone will launch in Edge instead of Safari.
9. How to Set Firefox as Default Browser
If you care about privacy and open-source software, Firefox is a great pick.
To set Firefox as default:
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Download Firefox from the App Store.
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Open Settings → Firefox.
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Tap Default Browser App.
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Choose Firefox.
You can also sync your browsing data using your Firefox Account.
10. How to Set Brave or DuckDuckGo as Default
Privacy-conscious users love these browsers for blocking ads and trackers automatically.
For Brave:
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Install Brave Browser.
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Go to Settings → Brave → Default Browser App.
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Tap Brave.
For DuckDuckGo:
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Install DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser.
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Navigate to Settings → DuckDuckGo.
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Tap Default Browser App → DuckDuckGo.
Both provide superior privacy and minimal tracking.
11. What to Do If “Default Browser App” Option Is Missing
If you can’t find the “Default Browser App” option, try these fixes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Browser not updated | Go to App Store → Update browser |
| iOS not updated | Go to Settings → General → Software Update |
| App not downloaded from App Store | Delete and reinstall from official App Store |
| Restart needed | Restart your iPhone and check again |
Once the browser supports default settings, the option will appear automatically.
12. How to Test If the Default Browser Has Changed
Want to confirm your change worked?
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Open the Mail or Messages app.
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Tap on any hyperlink.
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See which browser opens it.
If your chosen browser launches instead of Safari, it’s working perfectly.
13. How to Manage Default Apps on iPhone 13
Besides your browser, you can also change default apps for other functions.
| Default App Type | Example Apps You Can Replace |
|---|---|
| Email App | Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail |
| Web Browser | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave |
| Music Player | Spotify, YouTube Music (via Siri prompts) |
To change them, follow the same process: Settings → App Name → Default App Setting.
14. Privacy and Performance Considerations
When switching browsers, it’s good to understand their pros and cons:
| Browser | Privacy | Speed | Battery Usage | Ecosystem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari | Excellent | Fast | Optimized for iOS | Apple |
| Chrome | Moderate | Fast | Slightly higher | |
| Firefox | High | Moderate | Average | Cross-platform |
| Edge | Moderate | Fast | Efficient | Microsoft |
| Brave | Very High | Fast | Efficient | Independent |
| DuckDuckGo | Very High | Moderate | Light | Privacy-focused |
✅ Recommendation: If privacy is your top priority, use DuckDuckGo or Brave. For cross-platform syncing, Chrome or Edge works best.
15. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some quick solutions to frequent problems:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Default browser keeps reverting to Safari | Reinstall the browser and set it again |
| Option doesn’t appear | Update both iOS and the browser |
| Links still open in Safari | Clear cache or restart iPhone |
| Default browser greyed out | Ensure app supports default browser function |
16. Conclusion
Changing the default web browser on iPhone 13 is easy and only takes a few taps. Whether you prefer Chrome’s ecosystem, Firefox’s privacy, or Brave’s speed, iOS gives you full control to personalize your browsing experience.
So, take a moment to explore your favorite browser and make it your go-to for everyday browsing — your iPhone will work exactly how you like it.
17. FAQs About Changing Default Browser on iPhone 13
1. Can I set any browser as default on iPhone 13?
No, only browsers that support Apple’s “Default Browser” API (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave) can be set as default.
2. Does changing the default browser affect Safari bookmarks?
No. Your Safari data stays safe and unchanged — the change only affects link behavior.
3. Can I have more than one default browser?
No. iOS allows only one default browser at a time.
4. Why does Safari still open some links?
Certain Apple system apps (like the App Store or Settings) may still open links in Safari for security reasons.
5. Can I remove Safari from my iPhone?
No, Safari can’t be uninstalled, but you can hide it from the Home Screen if you don’t plan to use it.
18. Key Takeaways
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download a new browser | Install Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc. |
| 2 | Open iPhone Settings | Locate the browser app |
| 3 | Tap “Default Browser App” | Choose your preferred browser |
| 4 | Test it | Open a link to confirm the change |
| 5 | Change anytime | You can switch back to Safari easily |
In Summary
Knowing how to change the default iPhone 13 web browser helps you personalize your iOS experience. Whether it’s syncing across devices, protecting your privacy, or enjoying better speed, the process takes less than a minute.
So go ahead — download your favorite browser, set it as default, and enjoy a browsing experience tailored to your needs.