How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on iOS 14

How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on iOS 14 - As someone who loves exploring new tech features, I was thrilled when Apple announced that iOS 14 would allow third-party apps to be set as default applications. 

This means that if you’re like me and prefer using Google Chrome over Safari, you can now make Google Chrome your default browser on your iPhone or iPad. 

For years, I’ve been using Chrome for its seamless syncing across devices and user-friendly interface, so this update was a game-changer for me.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps I took to set Google Chrome as my default browser on iOS 14. I’ll also share some important things to keep in mind before making the switch. Let’s dive in!

Read Also Step-by-Step: How to Watch 4K YouTube Videos on Your iPhone

Why I Wanted to Make Google Chrome My Default Browser

Before we get into the "how," let me explain why I wanted to make this change in the first place. Safari is a great browser, but I’ve always been a fan of Google Chrome. Here’s why:

• Cross-Platform Syncing: I use Chrome on my laptop, tablet, and Android devices, so having it as my default browser on my iPhone ensures all my bookmarks, history, and passwords are synced seamlessly.
• User-Friendly Interface: Chrome’s interface feels more intuitive to me, and I love features like tab grouping and the ability to send tabs between devices.
• Google Ecosystem: Since I use Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services, Chrome integrates better with my workflow.

If you share similar reasons or simply prefer Chrome over Safari, this guide is for you.

Important Notes Before You Begin

Before I show you how to make Google Chrome the default browser on iOS 14, there are a few things you need to know:

iOS 14 Was in Public Beta When I Did This

 At the time I wrote this article, iOS 14 was still in public beta. This means that while the feature to change default apps is available, the system might not be fully stable. I experienced a few random restarts and app crashes during my testing, so keep that in mind if you’re using the beta version.

Update Google Chrome

To ensure everything works smoothly, make sure you’re using the latest version of Google Chrome. If you’re not sure, you can check for updates in the App Store.

Backup Your Data

Since beta versions can be unpredictable, I highly recommend backing up your iPhone or iPad before making any changes. This way, if something goes wrong, you won’t lose your important data.

How I Made Google Chrome My Default Browser on iOS 14

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how I set Google Chrome as my default browser on iOS 14

Step 1: Update Google Chrome

The first thing I did was make sure I had the latest version of Google Chrome installed. Here’s how I checked for updates:

• I opened the App Store on my iPhone.
• I tapped on my profile picture in the top-right corner.
• I scrolled down to see if there was an update available for Google Chrome. If there was, I tapped Update.

Step 2: Open Settings

Once I confirmed that Chrome was up to date, I opened the **Settings** app on my iPhone. This is where all the magic happens.

Step 3: Find Google Chrome in the Settings Menu

In the Settings app, I scrolled down until I found Google Chrome in the list of installed apps. I tapped on it to open the settings specific to Chrome.

Step 4: Set Chrome as the Default Browser

Inside the Chrome settings, I saw an option called **Default Browser App**. I tapped on it, and a list of available browsers appeared. Since I wanted to use Chrome as my default browser, I selected Google Chrome from the list.

Step 5: Test It Out

After completing these steps, I wanted to make sure everything worked as expected. I opened a link from an email, and voilà! It opened in Google Chrome instead of Safari. It felt so satisfying to see my preferred browser take the lead.

What About iPadOS 14?

Since I also use an iPad, I was curious if the same steps would work on iPadOS 14. Spoiler alert: they do! The process is identical to the one I followed on my iPhone.

If you’re an iPad user, you can make Google Chrome your default browser by following the same steps outlined above.

Read Also How to Clear Cache on iPhone, and Why You Should!

Why This Feature Is a Big Deal

For me, the ability to change default apps on iOS 14 is a huge step forward. It gives users like me more control over our devices and allows us to customize our experience to suit our preferences. 

While this feature is currently limited to browsers, I’m hopeful that Apple will expand it to other categories, like email and maps, in the future.

Making Google Chrome my default browser on iOS 14 was a simple process, but it made a big difference in how I use my iPhone. 

If you’re someone who prefers Chrome over Safari, I highly recommend giving this a try. Just remember to update Chrome, back up your data, and be prepared for potential bugs if you’re using the beta version of iOS 14.

I’m excited to see how Apple continues to improve iOS with features like this. For now, I’m enjoying the convenience of having Chrome as my go-to browser on my iPhone and iPad. If you have any questions or run into issues while trying this out, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy browsing!

By following these steps, you can make Google Chrome your default browser on iOS 14 and enjoy a more personalized browsing experience. 

Whether you’re using an iPhone or iPad, this feature is a small but meaningful change that can make a big difference in your daily tech life.

Share this post