iOS 14: How to Set Google Chrome as the Default Browser on iPhone and iPad

[MacRumors]

Apple made a change in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 that enables third-party browsers and email clients to be used as default apps, meaning users who don't get on with Safari or Apple's native Mail app can choose an alternative and it will be opened automatically whenever the system requires it.

The latest version of Google Chrome now supports this ability, so anyone on iOS 14 can set Google's app as their default browser and it will be used to automatically open web page links that are tapped in other apps.

Note that these steps will only work if you have iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 installed.

1. Download the latest version of Google Chrome from the App Store [Direct Link] or update the app if you already have it.
2. Launch the Settings app.
3. Scroll down and select Chrome.
4. Tap Default Browser App.
5. Tap Chrome.

After you've completed these steps, any app that tries to open a web page will launch Chrome instead of Safari. To change this behavior, simply repeat the steps and select Safari in the Default Browser Apps screen.

As of writing, no other third-party web browser provides an option to set it as the default browser for the iOS, but give it some time and the option will surely arrive for Firefox, Opera, and others.

Apple is expected to release iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 for all users later this month, and we could even see them announced next week at Apple's "Time Flies" event on Tuesday, September 15, where it is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 6 and new iPads.

Article Link: iOS 14: How to Set Google Chrome as the Default Browser on iPhone and iPad

 

[Chlloret]

I only need iCab mobile. But I trust they will do it.

 

[wwinter86]

How do you change the default music service for HomePods?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I don’t trust Google.
Only trust in Apple.

 

[JosephAW]

After a major security incident with another browser these customization options will go away.

 

[iGeek2019]

How do you change the default music service for HomePods?

I no longer have one but am 99.9% certain I read here on MacRumors you have to say “Hey Siri play XXX on Spotify” when iOS 14 lands for HomePod.

 

[fredrik9]

It was finally time to give us this option. Won't switch from Safari though as it's still an amazing browser.

 

[canned_tuna_og]

I just want Apple to fix the webpage crashing. "A problem occurred with this webpage.." It's 2020. Why is this still an issue? The solution fixes are pages long and never work for me.

 

[jcoochlucchese]

I don’t trust Google.
Only trust in Apple.

View attachment 951987

Same here!

 

[Powerguru]

Why would I change to chrome?

 

[JKAussieSkater]

I assume Firefox will also be an option.

I see from the screenshots of this MacRumors article that it wasn’t available, but I wonder if that’s because Firefox wasn’t installed on the system?

 

[lolrepeatlol]

I assume Firefox will also be an option.

I see from the screenshots of this MacRumors article that it wasn’t available, but I wonder if that’s because Firefox wasn’t installed on the system?

AFAIK Firefox will get this capability once iOS 14 releases and they push the update to the store. I’m waiting on it too

 

[JKAussieSkater]

Won't switch from Safari though as it's still an amazing browser.

🙄 Amazing?

 

[katbel]

Don’t trust Google, if I did I would have bought a cheaper phone with android

 

[Rodney Dangerfield]

I don’t trust Google.
Only trust in Apple.

View attachment 951987

Agree...However, since Google owns YouTube, assume you don't use YouTube?

 

[ghostface147]

What's the point of changing default browsers, minus sync info, since they all have to use the Safari engine?

 

[TroyBoy30]

rather have the new edge as an option, but anything is better than safari

 

[31 Flavas]

What's the point of changing default browsers, minus sync info, since they all have to use the Safari engine?

Rather what I'm thinking.

 

[drcre8tive]

Great, so now you can switch from a giant business-gobbling company's browser to a data-hoarding monster's browser. This is progress.

 

[johannnn]

I just want Apple to fix the webpage crashing. "A problem occurred with this webpage.." It's 2020. Why is this still an issue? The solution fixes are pages long and never work for me.

On iOS? I have literally never seen this on my current iPhone 11 or iPad Pro. You’re sure it’s not on your end?

 

[grantew1]

Great, so now you can switch from a giant business-gobbling company's browser to a data-hoarding monster's browser. This is progress.

If you dont like the options, you should make a browser....

 

[Fynd]

Agree...However, since Google owns YouTube, assume you don't use YouTube?

I see what you're getting at here but there's a big jump from consuming videos on their video platform and funnelling all of your web traffic through them.

 

[Picard J.L.]

Why would a sane person want chrome on an apple device.

 

[Scipster]

Great, so now you can switch from a giant business-gobbling company's browser to a data-hoarding monster's browser. This is progress.

You can support indie developers with this as well! I'm excited to use this feature with Mimestream that MacRumors spotlighted the other day... native Apple look and feel with all the Gmail features -- best of both worlds! Once it comes out for iOS, of course

 

[mikeleeuk]

Is there any way to stop it adding shortcuts to frequently visited sites on the new tab page?

I want to use Chrome but I don’t want it to announce my top sites to strangers on the bus. 🙄

I’m sure there used to be something in chrome://flags but now I can’t find it, help!