iOS 14: Here's How To Change Default Browser And Email Apps

KEY POINTS

Apple now allows iPhone users to change their default browser and email apps with the iOS 14
Some iPhone users complained of their phones reverting back to the native apps after restarting their devices
Apple promised that a fix is coming in the near future

Apple iPhone users now have the freedom to choose the default browser and email apps they want to use on their smartphones.

Previously, though users can opt to use browsers such as Chrome and Firefox and email apps such as Gmail, they can never set these as the default apps on their devices. With iOS 14, however, Apple has decided to allow users to switch to whichever apps they feel suits their needs.

Users will now be able to replace Safari and the native Mail app with their preferred apps through a simple process. Here's how, as per CNet.

First, users must make sure that the app they want to set as default browser or email app has been updated for iOS 14. If it is, then proceed to the next step.
Second, users will need to launch Settings on their iOS 14-powered iPhone.
Third, users should look for the app they want to use, then tap on it.
Fourth, tap on the toggle to the right of either Default Browser App or Default Email App.
Fifth, users will then need to select their preferred app on the screen that follows, then exit Settings when done.

Users, however, should know that at the moment, there's a problem with this new feature.

Several netizens have reported an iOS 14 bug that causes the iPhone to replace whatever is set as default browser or email app with Safari and Mail every time the device is restarted. Basically, the iPhone will “forget” which app the user set as default and just return to Apple's native apps.

In a statement sent to CNet, Apple said it knows about the bug and assured users that a fix will be made available in the near future.

“We are aware of an issue that can impact default email and browser settings in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. A fix will be available to users in a software update,” Apple said in the statement.

But before the fix arrives, users should keep in mind that while they will be able to replace Safari and Mail with other apps, the device might revert back to the native apps if and when the device is rebooted.