iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 Bug Resets Default Apps to Safari and Mail After Every Reboot

Apple in iOS and iPadOS 14 allows users to set third-party apps as alternatives to the default mail and browser apps on iPhone and iPad, but a widespread bug appears to revert these settings to Apple's default apps whenever the user's device is rebooted.

ios14 and default outlook feature 1
The issue was discovered by several users who reported it on social media, and Apple has since confirmed the bug's existence in a statement given to CNET.

"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 a statement.

Until Apple resolves the issue, suffice to say if you've set a preferred third-party browser or mail app over Safari or Apple Mail, you should probably avoid shutting down or restarting your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌, otherwise you'll have to re-select your preferences again each time you boot up your device. Of course, that's unavoidable if your device runs out of battery.


Currently, Chrome, Edge, DuckDuckGo, and Firefox can be set as default browsers, while Spark and Microsoft Outlook can be set as default Mail apps. Users who don't get on with Safari or Apple's native Mail app can choose an alternative and it will be opened automatically whenever the system requires it. As long as they haven't restarted their device, that is.

Related Forum: iOS 14

Top Rated Comments

markfc Avatar
40 months ago
"Bug"
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
40 months ago
"Bug, feature... potato, potato" - Apple :D
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12643 Avatar
40 months ago
This does not bode well for iOS 14. A very basic bug, very easy to find, not caused by some weird, uncommon device usage. And they didn’t catch it before release?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
markgpearse Avatar
40 months ago
The Apple giveth and the Apple taketh away!
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Brandon Edling Avatar
40 months ago

Just shows they didn’t really want people using another browser or email client
Or maybe it’s just a bug? Doesn’t have to be nefarious.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PBG4 Dude Avatar
40 months ago
Come on people, it’s obviously Apple’s first attempt at jail breaking iOS. With any luck, they’ll have an untethered solution that survives reboot within a few months.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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