Apple’s iOS now allows users to set a third-party email app—like Gmail, Outlook, Spark, or Yahoo Mail—as their default email client, replacing Apple’s native Mail app for actions like tapping email links, composing messages, or sharing content via email. This feature was introduced in iOS 14 and continues to be available in all newer versions, including iOS 17.
If you prefer the Gmail app over Apple Mail, or want to use Outlook for work, you can customize your iPhone to launch your preferred email app by default.
This complete guide walks you through how to change the default email app on your iPhone, including compatibility requirements, step-by-step setup, troubleshooting tips, and app-specific considerations.
📱 What Is the Default Email App?
Your default email app is the app your iPhone uses when:
- You tap on an email address (mailto link)
- You share content via the Share Sheet and choose “Email”
- You tap “Email This” from within another app
By default, iPhones use the Mail app by Apple, but you can replace it with supported third-party apps.
✅ Which Email Apps Can Be Set as Default?
The app must be:
- Installed on your iPhone
- Updated to the latest version
- Approved by Apple to support default app behavior
Popular compatible apps include:
- Gmail
- Outlook
- Spark
- Yahoo Mail
- BlueMail
- Hey
- Zoho Mail
📝 Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later to use this feature.
📲 Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Default Email App
Step 1: Download Your Preferred Email App
If you haven’t already, install your preferred email app from the App Store:
- Go to the App Store
- Search for the app (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)
- Tap Download or Open
Step 2: Open iPhone Settings
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down to find your email app (e.g., Gmail)
- Tap on the app
Step 3: Set as Default Email App
- Tap Default Mail App
- Select the app (e.g., Gmail) from the list
Once selected, this app becomes your default for composing new emails, sharing items, and tapping on email links.
🔄 How to Revert to Apple Mail as Default
Want to switch back?
- Go to Settings > [Your Email App] > Default Mail App
- Tap Mail
Your iPhone will now use Apple Mail for all future email-related tasks.
🧠 Tips for Best Experience with Default Apps
- Keep your chosen app updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Sign in to your email account within the app before setting it as default.
- Restart your iPhone after setting the new default, if changes don’t take effect immediately.
- Test by tapping a mailto link (e.g., from Notes, Safari, or Contacts) to ensure it opens in your chosen app.
🛠️ Troubleshooting: Default Email App Not Changing
Problem 1: “Default Mail App” option not appearing
Solutions:
- Update iOS to the latest version: Settings > General > Software Update
- Make sure the app is compatible (some email apps may not support this feature)
- Reinstall the email app
Problem 2: App keeps reverting to Mail
This was a known iOS 14.0 bug, fixed in later updates.
Fix:
- Update your iPhone to iOS 14.1 or later
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Problem 3: Mailto links still open in Mail app
Fixes:
- Double-check default setting: Settings > [App] > Default Mail App
- Restart your iPhone
- Ensure that the link isn’t from a third-party app that bypasses system defaults
📧 App-Specific Considerations
Gmail:
- Offers notifications, custom swipe gestures, and categories like Promotions & Social
- Syncs with Google Contacts and Calendar
- You can use multiple accounts easily
Outlook:
- Great for Microsoft 365, Exchange, or work accounts
- Combines email + calendar + file access
- Strong Focused Inbox feature
Spark:
- Ideal for users who want email scheduling, smart inbox, and integrations with other tools
- Good for team collaboration
Choose the app that best matches your email habits and ecosystem (Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc.)
🔒 Privacy and Security Considerations
When changing your default email app, consider:
- Data storage: where does the app store your emails?
- Encryption: is it end-to-end encrypted?
- Permissions: some apps may ask for access to contacts or calendar
You can review privacy settings in:
- Settings > Privacy & Security
📋 Summary Table
| Task | Action |
| Change default email app | Settings > [Email App] > Default Mail App |
| Apps supported | Gmail, Outlook, Spark, Yahoo, Hey, Zoho, etc. |
| Revert to Apple Mail | Settings > [Email App] > Select “Mail” |
| Troubleshooting | Update iOS, reinstall app, restart iPhone |
| Test it | Tap a mailto link and check which app opens |
✅ Final Thoughts
Changing the default email app on your iPhone gives you more control and flexibility over how you manage your email. Whether you prefer Gmail’s search power, Outlook’s calendar integration, or Spark’s productivity features, you can now make the app that best suits your needs the primary one on your device.
With just a few taps, you’ll streamline your communication flow and customize your iPhone to work better for you.
Meta Description:
Learn how to change the default email app on your iPhone. Use Gmail, Outlook, or Spark instead of Apple Mail with this easy step-by-step guide. Compatible with iOS 14+.
