Changing the default apps for certain file types on the iPhone

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With the advent of iOS 14 and later versions, Apple introduced the ability to change the default apps for certain file types on the iPhone. This guide will walk you through the process of setting your preferred apps as defaults for opening specific file types.

Understanding default apps

Default apps are the applications that your iPhone uses automatically to open certain types of files or links. For instance, Safari is the default browser and Mail is the default email app in iOS. Changing these settings can tailor your iPhone experience to your preferences and workflow.

Step 1: Update your iPhone

Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later, as earlier versions do not support changing default apps for certain file types. To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 2: Download your preferred apps

If you haven’t already, download the apps you want to use as defaults from the App Store. For example, if you want to use Chrome instead of Safari for web browsing, ensure Chrome is installed on your iPhone.

Step 3: Change default browser or email app

  1. Open settings: Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Select the app: Scroll down and find the app you want to set as a default. For example, select ‘Chrome’ to set it as the default web browser.
  3. Set as default: Tap on ‘Default Browser App’ or ‘Default Mail App’ and select the app you want to use as the default.

Step 4: Changing default apps for other file types

For other file types, such as PDFs or images, the process is slightly different:

  1. Find the file: Locate the file you want to open in the Files app or in an email, for instance.
  2. Long press the file: Tap and hold on the file until a menu pops up.
  3. Choose ‘Share’ or ‘Open With’: Select the ‘Share’ or ‘Open With’ option.
  4. Select your preferred app: Scroll through the list of available apps and select the one you want to use to open this file type. If you don’t see your preferred app, tap ‘More’ for additional options.

Additional considerations

  • Not All apps support default settings: Not every app allows you to set it as a default. This functionality depends on the app developer and Apple’s guidelines.
  • Repeat for different file types: You may need to repeat the process for different file types and different apps.
Author: user