Personalize your iPhone browsing experience It had never been so simple as now with the most recent versions of iOS. According to iOS 14, users can modify both their browser and their predetermined search engine, and with the arrival of iOS 17.4 All of this was still simplified, allowing more freedom of choice from the first moment.
If you have been using Safari for some time, without knowing that you can change the search engine or the default browser, or if you are just looking for a way to improve your confidentiality and your performance during navigation, you have a here Complete and updated guide on how to do it from your iPhoneIncluding all the available methods and the most recommended options.
What is the difference between the browser and the predetermined search engine?
Before entering work, it is important to clarify concepts. He navigator This is the application you use to access web pages, such as Safari, Chrome or Firefox. On the other hand, the researcher This is the service that appears when you put a word or a sentence in the browser search bar, such as Google, Bing or Duckdugo.
So you may have, for example, Google Chrome as a predetermined browser but using DuckDuckGo as default search engine. This personalization can help you improve your confidentiality and adapt the daily use of the iPhone to your preferences. If you want to know more about other browsers, you can read Microsoft Edge and see if you adapt to your needs.
Methods to modify the predetermined browser on iPhone
Apple allows you to modify the default browser from iOS 14, and with the update to iOS 17.4, a new more direct method has been added from safari.
Option 1: when opening Safari after updating iOS 17.4
Once you have updated your device to iOS 17.4, the First time you open safari You will get a welcome screen where Apple will offer you Choose a different browser.
This screen displays not only the browsers that you have already installed, but includes a selection of other popular browsers that you can download directly from the App Store, such as Brave, opera, firefox, chrome o duckduckgo. Even if you don't have them on the device, you can touch them on this list to install them and configure them in a single step.
Option 2: from iPhone settings
If you prefer to do it by hand or do not see the previous option, you can change the usual browser from the system settings. Here's how:
- Open the Adjustments Application On your iPhone or iPad.
- Show until you reach the section where installed applications appear.
- Look for the browser you downloaded (for example, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, etc.) and click on it.
- In the specific adjustments of this application, search for the option called “Application of the omission browser”.
- IT sweaters and a list will appear with installed browsers. Press the one you want to use by default.
From this moment, All links that open from applications such as WhatsApp, Mail or any other They will open automatically in the browser you have chosen. For those who prefer to explore many options, it is advisable to read on the Internet with Safari.
How to change the predetermined search engine in Safari
If you do not want to modify the browser but you want to modify the search engine that Safari uses by default, it is also possible to do so easily from the system settings.
Safari is configured with Google as a predetermined search engine, but you can modify it for options such as:
- Bing: Microsoft's alternative, which also provides quick and visually attractive results.
- DuckDuckGo: Popular for your approach to privacy, it does not follow your research or stores your online activity.
- Ecosy: An ecological search engine that allocates its advertising revenues to plant trees.
- Yahoo: Although it has lost popularity, it is always a valid option.
Step by step to modify your search engine in Safari
- Open adjustments On your iPhone.
- Slide down and click on Safari.
- Look for the section called “Research” and enter the option “Researcher”.
- Select your favorite search engine from the list that appears.
And that's it! From this moment, when you do a search in the Safari address bar, the search engine you have chosen will be used. For more information on other applications, you can read popular applications such as Garmin browsers.
Confidentiality and functionality: key aspects when choosing the browser and search engine
The choice of the browser and the search engine to use goes far beyond a simple visual preference. There are other criteria that you should take into account such as:
- Confidentiality: Browsers such as Duckdukgo or Brave focus on protecting your data and avoidance of monitoring.
- Extensions and personalization: Chrome and Firefox offer compatibility with extensions that can help you manage passwords, block ads or be more productive.
- Speed and design: Some people prioritize the load speed, while others bet on a more attractive or minimalist interface.
In addition, many browsers make it possible to modify aspects such as Eyelash, themes, automatic dark mode or navigation gestures. For those who wish to deepen the history of the browser they use, it may be useful to read the story of Safari.
Compatibility with other applications and limitations
It is relevant to emphasize that You cannot completely uninstall the safari. Although you decide to configure another default browser, Safari is always part of the system and is protected by Apple because it is a vital component for certain internal functions.
In addition, if there is an application specially designed to open links in Safari, you can continue to do so. However, most messaging, mail or social networks will follow your preferences and open in the browser you have selected by default.
Before going, we can recommend that you can also read how the anti-theft mode of the iPhone works, which is another aspect to take into account in the safety of the device.
How to change other predetermined applications in iOS
In addition to the browser, it is also possible to modify other default applications for different functions:
- Corner: You can use applications such as Gmail, Outlook or Spark instead of Apple mail.
- Messaging: Although Imessage is predetermined, some applications such as WhatsApp can be managed from links.
- Cards: In some regions, you can configure Google Maps or Waze to open the addresses.
- Passwords: You can use managers such as 1Password or Bitwarden for automatic entry of identification information.
To do this, just enter Settings → Applications → omission applications And from there, select the function you want to modify. If an option for a concrete application appears, it may not be compatible or that the developer has not yet activated this function.
Thanks to the latest iOS updates, the modification of the browser or the predetermined search engine on the iPhone no longer requires advanced knowledge or complicated steps. Either from adjustments or directly from safari, everything is available for a few keys. Bets on browsers who respect your privacy or adapt better to your navigation habits can mean a significant improvement in your daily experience with the iPhone. In addition, exploration of options such as extensions, follow -up orders or new interfaces can give you a much more comfortable, safe and efficient environment.
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