How to Choose Your Default Apps on the iPhone

What are default apps on the iPhone?

Default apps on the iPhone are the pre-installed applications that the device uses to perform specific functions. These apps are automatically set as the default option for certain tasks, such as web browsing, email management, mapping, and more. When you tap on a link or perform a particular action that requires a specific app, the iPhone will open the default app associated with that task.

For example, when you tap on a link in an email or a message, the default web browser will launch and open the webpage. Similarly, when you tap on an email address, the default mail app will open to compose a new message. The default apps are set by Apple, but you have the option to change them according to your preferences.

By default, Apple chooses apps like Safari for web browsing, Mail for email management, Maps for navigation, and so on. However, you may have your own preferences and might prefer using other apps that provide better functionality, features, or personalization options. In such cases, you can change the default apps on your iPhone to suit your needs and enhance your user experience.

Changing the default apps on your iPhone allows you to customize your device and tailor it to your preferences. It gives you the freedom to use the apps that you find more convenient, efficient, or appealing. Whether it’s browsing the web, checking emails, navigating, listening to music, or any other task, having the ability to choose your default apps ensures that you have a more personalized and enjoyable experience on your iPhone.

Why you may want to change your default apps

While the default apps on the iPhone serve their purpose well, you may find yourself wanting to change them for various reasons. Here are a few common scenarios where changing your default apps can be beneficial:

Personal preference: Every individual has unique preferences when it comes to how they interact with their devices. You may have a preferred web browser, email client, or mapping app that you find more user-friendly or feature-rich. Changing your default apps allows you to use the ones that align with your personal taste.
Enhanced functionality: Third-party apps often offer additional functionality that may be lacking in the default apps. For example, if you’re a power user or need advanced features for productivity, you might choose a different note-taking app or calendar app that provides better organization or integration capabilities.
Improved user experience: Some default apps may not provide the best user experience for your specific needs. You may prefer a different music or video player with a more visually appealing interface or smoother playback. By changing your default apps, you can enjoy a more seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Integration with other services: If you rely heavily on specific productivity tools, cloud services, or communication platforms, you may want to use apps that integrate seamlessly with these services. For instance, you might prefer a different email client that integrates with your work email or a maps app that syncs with your preferred ride-sharing service.

Changing your default apps empowers you to customize your iPhone according to your specific needs and preferences. It ensures that you have access to the apps that align with your workflow, enhance your productivity, and provide a more enjoyable overall user experience.

How to change your default web browser

By default, the Safari browser is set as the default web browser on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different web browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default web browser:

Make sure you have the alternative web browser installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Safari”.
Scroll down again and tap on “Default Browser App”.
You will see a list of available web browsers installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default browser.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected web browser as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default web browser, any actions that require opening a browser, such as tapping on links in emails or messages, will now open in your selected browser instead of Safari.

It’s important to note that changing your default web browser only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you use a specific app that has its own internal web browser, it may still default to using Safari. However, most apps that utilize the system-wide browser functionality will respect your new default web browser setting.

Changing your default web browser gives you the freedom to use the browser that best suits your needs, whether it’s for compatibility, performance, or personal preference. It allows you to seamlessly browse the web and enjoy the features and functionality provided by your chosen browser on your iPhone.

How to change your default email client

By default, the Mail app is set as the default email client on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different email client like Outlook or Gmail, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default email client:

Make sure you have the alternative email client installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Mail”.
Scroll down again and tap on “Default Mail App”.
You will see a list of available email clients installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default email client.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected email client as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default email client, any actions that require opening the email client, such as tapping on email addresses or using the share sheet to send emails from other apps, will now open in your selected client instead of the Mail app.

When you switch to a different email client, you may need to set up your email accounts within that app. Most email clients have an easy-to-follow setup process where you enter your email address and password, and the app will automatically configure the necessary settings for your account.

Changing your default email client allows you to use the email app that best fits your needs and preferences. Whether it’s for its interface, features, integration with other services, or simply personal preference, having the ability to choose your default email client ensures that you have a more tailored and convenient email experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default maps app

By default, the Maps app developed by Apple is set as the default maps application on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different maps app like Google Maps or Waze, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default maps app:

Make sure you have the alternative maps app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Maps”.
Tap on “Default Browser App”.
You will see a list of available maps apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default maps app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected maps app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default maps app, any actions that require opening a maps application, such as tapping on map links or requesting directions from other apps, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Maps app.

It’s important to note that changing your default maps app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you ask Siri for directions, it will still use Apple Maps by default. However, if you use other apps or manually initiate map-related actions, they will respect your new default maps app setting.

Changing your default maps app allows you to use the app that suits your preferences and provides the features and functionality you desire. Whether it’s for accurate navigation, real-time traffic updates, or integration with other services, having the ability to choose your default maps app ensures a smoother and more customized map experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default music app

By default, the Music app developed by Apple is set as the default music player on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different music app like Spotify or Pandora, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default music app:

Make sure you have the alternative music app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Music”.
Tap on “Default Music App”.
You will see a list of available music apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default music app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected music app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default music app, any actions that require opening the music player, such as tapping on song links or using the Control Center music controls, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Music app.

It’s important to note that changing your default music app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you use Siri to play music, it will still use Apple Music by default. However, if you use other apps or manually select songs to play, they will respect your new default music app setting.

Changing your default music app allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes and playlists on the app that suits your preferences and provides the features and functionality you desire. Whether it’s seamless integration with your curated playlists, personalized recommendations, or support for third-party music streaming services, having the ability to choose your default music app ensures a more personalized and enjoyable music experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default messaging app

By default, the Messages app developed by Apple is set as the default messaging app on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different messaging app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default messaging app:

Make sure you have the alternative messaging app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Messages”.
Tap on “Default Messaging App”.
You will see a list of available messaging apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default messaging app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected messaging app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default messaging app, any actions that require opening a messaging app, such as tapping on message links or initiating conversations from other apps, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Messages app.

It’s important to note that changing your default messaging app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you use Siri to send messages, it will still use the default Messages app. However, if you use other apps or manually initiate messaging actions, they will respect your new default messaging app setting.

Changing your default messaging app allows you to communicate with your contacts using the app that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether it’s for its features like end-to-end encryption, a more intuitive user interface, or the ability to communicate with friends who use the same app, having the ability to choose your default messaging app ensures a more tailored and convenient messaging experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default video player

By default, the Videos app developed by Apple is set as the default video player on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different video player like VLC or MX Player, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default video player:

Make sure you have the alternative video player app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “TV” or “Videos”, depending on your iPhone model.
Tap on “Default Video Player”.
You will see a list of available video player apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default video player.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected video player app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default video player, any videos that you play from other apps or the Files app will now open in your selected app instead of the default Videos app.

It’s important to note that changing your default video player only affects certain actions within the system. For example, some video streaming apps may have their own built-in player and may not use the default video player you have set. However, if you manually open video files or use other apps that rely on the system-wide video player functionality, they will respect your new default video player setting.

Changing your default video player allows you to enjoy your videos through the app that offers the features and functionality that align with your preferences. Whether it’s support for different video formats, customizable playback options, or advanced subtitle handling, having the ability to choose your default video player ensures a more personalized and enjoyable video-watching experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default camera app

By default, the Camera app developed by Apple is set as the default camera app on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different camera app like ProCamera or Halide, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default camera app:

Make sure you have the alternative camera app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Camera”.
Tap on “Default Camera App”.
You will see a list of available camera apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default camera app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected camera app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default camera app, any actions that require opening the camera from other apps or from the lock screen will now open in your selected app instead of the default Camera app.

It’s important to note that changing your default camera app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, pressing the physical camera button on your iPhone or using Siri to open the camera will still use the default Camera app. However, if you manually open the camera from the home screen or through other apps, they will respect your new default camera app setting.

Changing your default camera app allows you to capture photos and videos using an app that provides the features and functionality you desire. Whether it’s manual controls, advanced shooting modes, or integrated editing options, having the ability to choose your default camera app ensures a more tailored and creative photography experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default photo editing app

By default, the Photos app developed by Apple is set as the default photo editor on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different photo editing app like Adobe Lightroom or Snapseed, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default photo editing app:

Make sure you have the alternative photo editing app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Photos”.
Tap on “Default Photo App”.
You will see a list of available photo editing apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default photo editing app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected photo editing app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default photo editing app, any actions that require editing a photo, such as tapping on the “Edit” button in the Photos app or using the edit option in other apps, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Photos app.

It’s important to note that changing your default photo editing app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, some third-party apps may have their own built-in photo editing tools and may not use the default photo editing app you have set. However, if you manually select the edit option or use other apps that rely on the system-wide photo editing functionality, they will respect your new default photo editing app setting.

Changing your default photo editing app allows you to enhance and alter your photos using an app that offers the features and tools that align with your editing style and preference. Whether it’s advanced editing options, filters, or artistic effects, having the ability to choose your default photo editing app ensures a more personalized and creative editing experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default note-taking app

By default, the Notes app developed by Apple is set as the default note-taking app on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different note-taking app like Evernote or Microsoft OneNote, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default note-taking app:

Make sure you have the alternative note-taking app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Notes”.
Tap on “Default Note App”.
You will see a list of available note-taking apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default note-taking app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected note-taking app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default note-taking app, any actions that require creating or viewing notes, such as tapping on the Notes app or using the share option in other apps, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Notes app.

It’s important to note that changing your default note-taking app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you use Siri to create a note, it will still use the default Notes app. However, if you manually create notes or use other apps that rely on the system-wide note-taking functionality, they will respect your new default note-taking app setting.

Changing your default note-taking app allows you to organize and manage your notes in a way that suits your workflow and preferences. Whether it’s rich formatting options, advanced organization capabilities, or seamless integration with other apps or services, having the ability to choose your default note-taking app ensures a more personalized and efficient note-taking experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default weather app

By default, the Weather app developed by Apple is set as the default weather app on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different weather app like AccuWeather or The Weather Channel, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default weather app:

Make sure you have the alternative weather app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Weather”.
Tap on “Default Weather App”.
You will see a list of available weather apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default weather app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected weather app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default weather app, any actions that require checking the weather, such as tapping on the Weather app or using the Today View widgets, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Weather app.

It’s important to note that changing your default weather app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you ask Siri for the current weather, it will still use the default Weather app. However, if you manually check the weather or use other apps or widgets that rely on weather information, they will respect your new default weather app setting.

Changing your default weather app allows you to access weather information from an app that provides the features, accuracy, and level of detail that align with your preferences. Whether it’s extended forecasts, radar maps, or customizable widgets, having the ability to choose your default weather app ensures a more personalized and relevant weather experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default calendar app

By default, the Calendar app developed by Apple is set as the default calendar app on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different calendar app like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default calendar app:

Make sure you have the alternative calendar app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Calendar”.
Tap on “Default Calendar App”.
You will see a list of available calendar apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default calendar app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected calendar app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default calendar app, any actions that require accessing or creating calendar events, such as tapping on dates or using the share option in other apps, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Calendar app.

It’s important to note that changing your default calendar app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you use Siri to create a calendar event, it will still use the default Calendar app. However, if you manually create events or use other apps that rely on the system-wide calendar functionality, they will respect your new default calendar app setting.

Changing your default calendar app allows you to manage your schedules and events using an app that provides the features, integration, and user interface that suit your needs and preferences. Whether it’s syncing with your preferred email provider, offering advanced event reminders, or allowing seamless collaboration with others, having the ability to choose your default calendar app ensures a more personalized and efficient scheduling experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default contacts app

By default, the Contacts app developed by Apple is set as the default contacts app on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different contacts app like Google Contacts or Microsoft Outlook, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default contacts app:

Make sure you have the alternative contacts app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Contacts”.
Tap on “Default Contacts App”.
You will see a list of available contacts apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default contacts app.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected contacts app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default contacts app, any actions that require accessing or managing your contacts, such as tapping on contacts in other apps or using the share option, will now open in your selected app instead of the default Contacts app.

It’s important to note that changing your default contacts app only affects certain actions within the system. For example, if you use Siri to call or message contacts, it will still use the default Contacts app. However, if you manually access contacts or use other apps that rely on the system-wide contact functionality, they will respect your new default contacts app setting.

Changing your default contacts app allows you to manage your contacts using an app that provides the features, integration, and user interface that align with your preferences. Whether it’s syncing with your preferred email provider, offering advanced contact management tools, or allowing seamless integration with other apps, having the ability to choose your default contacts app ensures a more personalized and efficient contact management experience on your iPhone.

How to change your default voice assistant

By default, Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is set as the default voice assistant on the iPhone. However, if you prefer using a different voice assistant like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, you can easily change the default setting. Follow these steps to change your default voice assistant:

Make sure you have the alternative voice assistant app installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Siri & Search”.
Tap on “Siri & Dictation History”.
Tap on “Choose a Voice Assistant”.
You will see a list of available voice assistant apps installed on your iPhone. Tap on the one you want to set as your default voice assistant.
Exit the “Settings” app and start using the newly selected voice assistant app as your default.

Once you’ve changed the default voice assistant, any voice commands or actions that require a voice assistant, such as initiating voice searches or asking questions, will now use your selected voice assistant app instead of Siri.

It’s important to note that changing your default voice assistant only affects certain voice-related actions within the system. For example, if you use “Hey Siri” to activate voice commands, it will still use Siri as the default voice assistant. However, if you manually open the voice assistant app or use other apps that rely on voice commands or integrations, they will respect your new default voice assistant setting.

Changing your default voice assistant allows you to interact with your iPhone using an app that provides the features, capabilities, and integrations with services that suit your preferences. Whether it’s personalized assistance, deep integration with your smart home devices, or integration with specific platforms and services, having the ability to choose your default voice assistant ensures a more tailored and convenient voice-controlled experience on your iPhone.

How to reset all default app settings on your iPhone

If you want to revert all the default app settings on your iPhone back to their original state, you can reset them to the factory defaults. This can be helpful if you’ve made several changes to your default app settings and want to start fresh or if you’re experiencing issues with specific apps. Here’s how you can reset all default app settings on your iPhone:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “General”.
Scroll down again and tap on “Reset”.
Tap on “Reset All Settings”.
You may be prompted to enter your passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to proceed.
Confirm the action by tapping on “Reset All Settings” again.

Once you’ve performed these steps, all your default app settings, such as your preferred web browser, email client, maps app, and more, will be reset to their original factory defaults. This means that your iPhone will revert to using Apple’s default apps for these tasks.

It’s important to note that resetting all default app settings will not delete any of your personal data, such as photos, messages, or apps. However, it will remove any customizations you’ve made to the default app settings and restore them to the default configuration.

After resetting the default app settings, you can customize them again as per your preferences. You can follow the previous steps mentioned in individual sections of this article to change your default apps to the ones you prefer.

Resetting all default app settings can be a useful troubleshooting step if you’re encountering compatibility issues, glitches, or unintended behavior with a specific app. By resetting to the factory defaults, you can eliminate any conflicting settings and ensure a smoother overall app experience on your iPhone.