Device links
There are many browsers available for iPhone and Android users, in addition to the best ones. Some people even have personal favorites that they like to use because of their unique features. When you open links on your iPhone and Android, they appear in the default browser you’ve set up on your device.
But what if you don’t like your default browser? What if you want it to be exchanged for something else?
Fortunately, there is a way to do it easily. This article will guide you step by step to change your default browser on your iPhone or Android device.
How to change the default browser on Android
If you’re an Android user, chances are you have Chrome set as your default browser. However, this doesn’t have to be your only option. You can update your browser to use Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, or Brave if you wish.
Whichever browser you prefer to use on your Android device, setting it as the default option is a relatively simple process. This is what you should do:
- From your Home page, go to Settings.
- Select Applications.
- Tap the three dots icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Choose your default apps.
- In this section, find the browser app.
- To change it, find your preferred Android browser and tap on it.
- Your browser will then be reset.
If the browser you want to download is not already on your Android device, you will need to install it through the Google Play Store. To do this:
- From your Home screen, go to Google Play Store.
- Type the name of the browser you would like to use in the search bar.
- Select Install.
- Once this is completed, follow the steps above to change your default browser on your Android device.
It’s worth noting that any links opened using your social media accounts will automatically open using the default web browser.
How to change the default browser on an iPhone
It is a common misconception that Apple operates using a more compact system than Android devices. Unless you are using iOS 14 or higher, it is not possible to change your default browser. For this reason, before you begin, the first step is to make sure your iOS settings are updated to the latest version.
- From your Home screen, go to Settings.
- Scroll down until you see the app for your browser.
- Once you’ve tapped the browser, select Default browser app.
- Choose the browser you want to use as default settings; A check mark will appear next to the chosen browser to confirm.
Also, if you haven’t yet installed your chosen browser on your iPhone from the app store, here’s how to do it:
- From your Home screen, touch the App Store.
- In the search bar at the top, type the name of the browser.
- Once you have found your browser, tap the download button next to it.
- When the download is complete, follow the steps above to change your default browser successfully.
Additional FAQs
Can I remove Safari from my iPhone?
There is currently no option to remove Safari completely from any iOS device. However, the app can be disabled. To do this:
1. Of your Home screen, go to Settings.
2. Enter Screen time.
3. Tap Content and privacy restrictions.
4. Select Allowed applications.
5. Using the switch on your screen, change Safari to OFF either IN.
Simplified navigation
It is important that users are satisfied with the browser they use on their smartphones. And everyone may be looking for different things when looking for the right browser. Some may want to set up an anonymous browser to browse the web, while others’ goal may be to protect their children’s online identities.
Whatever the reason, it can be vital to know how to successfully modify the default browser settings on an iPhone or Android. Fortunately, the process is relatively simple to do.
However, users should note that the default browser can only be changed on specific versions of the iPhone (iOS 14 and above). At the same time, it is possible to update your default browser no matter which Android device you are using.
Have you tried changing your default browser on your smartphone? How did you find the process? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.
