How to Change Default Apps on iPhone (Calls, Messages, Email & Browser Guide)

Wish your iPhone would open your preferred apps by default? Now it can. iOS lets you swap Apple’s built-in apps for the ones you already use, whether that’s Gmail, WhatsApp, Chrome or Google Maps. Setting your own defaults removes extra steps and makes your iPhone feel more personal.

Here’s how to change your default apps so your iPhone works the way you want.

What Are Default Apps on iPhone?

Back in August 2024, Apple announced that users in the European Union would soon be able to change their default messaging and calling apps. At the time, this freedom seemed limited to EU users due to regulatory pressure. Apple has since expanded the capability worldwide, giving everyone more control over how their iPhone handles everyday tasks.

The Default Apps section in the Settings app lets you choose the apps you want to use for common actions in one place. No more searching through different menus or switching tools manually.

Which Default Apps Can You Change in iOS?

Apple’s support for third-party defaults was previously limited to categories like browsers and email clients. The list has since expanded significantly, giving you far more control over how your iPhone handles everyday tasks. Here is everything you can change now.

Supported Default App Categories:

• Email: Set Gmail, Outlook, or any email app as the default instead of Apple Mail.
• Messaging: Use apps like WhatsApp for messaging instead of the built-in Messages app.
• Calling: Choose VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime for placing calls.
• Call Filtering: Select spam-blocking apps like RoboKiller for caller ID and call blocking.
• Browser: Use Chrome, Firefox, or DuckDuckGo instead of Safari for web browsing.
• Translation: Swap Apple’s Translate app with Google Translate.
• Passwords & Codes: Use third-party password managers like 1Password or Chrome.
• Contactless App: Select Google Wallet or another NFC app for tap-to-pay.
• Keyboards: Replace Apple’s native keyboard with Gboard, SwiftKey, or others.

Extra Options Available in the EU

In addition to the above global features, Apple offers a few extra options specifically for users in the European Union:

• App Installation: Set a non-App Store marketplace as the default for opening app links.
• Navigation: Change the default navigation app to Google Maps or another app.

How to Change Default Apps on Your iPhone

Ready to switch your default apps? Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
3. At the top, tap Default Apps.
   
4. Choose either Calling or Messaging, depending on what you want to change.
5. Select the app you want to set as the new default.

Currently, only a few third-party apps support this functionality. WhatsApp is one of the first to allow itself to be set as the default for messaging and calling actions on iPhone. More apps are expected to support this soon.

Final Thoughts

The ability to customize your iPhone experience by choosing default messaging, calling, browser, and other apps is a significant shift from Apple’s traditionally closed system. While the current app support is limited, it marks a positive step toward greater user freedom and flexibility.

We’re excited to see how developers respond and how this evolves in future iOS updates.

What do you think about Apple’s new Default Apps feature? Would you switch from iMessage or the Phone app to WhatsApp or Zoom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Also read:

• How to Use Priority Notifications on iPhone
• How to control someone’s screen on iPhone
• How to Photograph the Northern Lights with an iPhone