How To Stop Default Browser & Mail Client From Reverting Back To Factory Settings (iOS 14 Bug)

iOS 14 bug resets default apps to factory settings

iOS 14 bug resets default apps to factory settings.


iOS 14 premiered a highly expected feature, allowing iPhone and iPad owners to edit the default web browser and mail client. Yes, you can now replace Safari with any compatible web browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, DuckDuckGo. The same goes for the stock Mail app. Microsoft Edge can be now set as default mail client on your iPhone, and soon other third-party apps will update with support too.

However, a glitch has found its way in the initial version of iOS 14, that resets Safari and Mail back to being default apps on iPhone. We’ve noticed that the bug occurs whenever the iOS or iPadOS device is rebooting. Any restart causes Safari and Mail to revert back as primary browser and mail client!

How To Avoid The Default App Setting Reset

The temporary fix for preventing default app settings from being reset back to Safari and Mail is to avoid rebooting your iPhone or iPad. Apple has already acknowledged the issue and confirmed that a fix will be included in the upcoming iOS 14 software iteration.

How To Configure Default Browser And Mail App

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If you do end up shutting down or force restarting your device you have to reconfigure your preferred web browser and mail client.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll for the desired web browser or mail client and tap on its name
3. Open ‘Default Browser App’ or ‘Default Mail App’.
4. Tap on the app’s name to select it as main browser or mail app.

Default Browser / Mail App Not Showing Up?

If the chosen app doesn’t include the option to set it as default browser / mail app, you have to update the app to the latest version.
How To: Open App Store -> tap on your Profile -> swipe-down to refresh the Available App Updates -> tap Update All.
Return to the Settings app on your iPhone and search again for the app in question. IF the web browser or mail app still does not display the ‘Default Browser / Mail App’ option it means that the app’s developer hasn’t uploaded it yet compatibility for this iOS 14 feature.

Conclusion
Although some might think that Apple has intentionally configured iOS 14 to reset the default apps when the iPhone reboots, the Cupertino-based tech giant has confirmed that this is not the intended operating mode and the bug will be fixed in the upcoming software update. You’ll just have to refrain from turning off or rebooting your iPhone or iPad until then.

Are you using a third-party web browser or mail client on your iPhone or iPad?