How to Change Your Default Apps on iPhone (iOS 18.2 +)

2 days ago

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You can finally change your default apps on iPhone!

Ever wish tapping a link would launch Chrome instead of Safari, or that “Mail” links would open Gmail? With iOS 18.2, Apple finally lets you swap many of its built-in apps for the third-party tools you actually use: email, messaging, phone calls, call filtering, web browsing, password managers, and keyboards. Below is an approachable, step-by-step guide so you can make your iPhone feel truly yours.

1. Check Your Requirements

What you need	Why it matters
iOS 18.2 or later	The “Default Apps” menu only appears on 18.2+. Update first: Settings ▸ General ▸ Software Update.
A compatible third-party app is installed	Only apps that declare themselves “default-capable” show up in the menu. Install (or update) the app before you look for it in Settings.

2. The One-Stop Menu for Every Default

Open Settings
Tap Apps
Choose Default Apps (top of the list)

You’ll now see tiles for each feature Apple currently supports:

Email
Messaging
Calling
Call Filtering
Web Browser
Passwords & Codes
Keyboards

This page shows you the default apps you have set up for each type of activity

Tip: If a tile is missing, your region or app may not yet be supported—or you might still be on an older iOS version.

3. Set a New Default (Example: Web Browser)

Tap Browser App.

Pick your preferred app (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Arc).

Follow any on-screen prompts—some apps request extra permissions or a quick restart.

You can change your default browser from Safari to Chrome, for example

Test it: tap a web link in Mail or Messages and confirm it opens in your chosen browser.

The same steps apply to Email, Messaging, and Calling. For Call Filtering apps (think spam-blockers) you may also need to toggle the app on in Settings ▸ Phone ▸ Call Blocking & Identification after selecting it as default.

4. Special Cases & Pro Tips

Category	Extra step worth knowing
Passwords & Codes	iOS will ask if you want the third-party manager to handle both Password AutoFill and Passkeys. Confirm both for a seamless sign-in experience.
Keyboards	After choosing a new default, long-press the globe icon on the keyboard to reorder or hide others. The first spot is the true default.
Messaging & Calling	If family members stay on Apple Messages/FaceTime, leaving iMessage enabled inside your new app’s settings can reduce “green bubble” headaches.
EU vs Global	Apple initially previewed these controls for the EU, bu (Change your default apps for features on iPhone and iPad) release they’re available worldwide.

5. How to Revert or Troubleshoot

Want to go back to Apple’s apps? Return to Settings ▸ Apps ▸ Default Apps, tap the feature, and select the Apple option (e.g., Safari, Mail).

Missing an app in the list?

Make sure it’s updated.
Open the app at least once—some register only after first launch.
Developers may still be rolling out default-app support; check the App Store release notes.

6. Why Custom Defaults Matter

Workflow efficiency: Launch directly into the tools you actually prefer.
Privacy & security: Pick a password manager you trust or a browser with stronger tracking protection.
Personalization: Match your communication style—say, Signal for messaging or Proton Mail for encrypted email.

Changing your defaults sounds small, but it adds up to an iPhone that works the way you do—no extra taps, no context switching, just instant familiarity.

Exploring Tech together,

Paul

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