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Set Google apps to open by default using Chrome for iOS

You can now automatically launch Google Maps, YouTube, and other Google apps directly from Chrome. Here's how to set it up.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
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Jason Cipriani

Jason Cipriani/CNET

Google is continuing its efforts to replace the core apps on iOS devices with the latest Chrome for iOS update.

Beyond the ability to browse Web pages in full-screen, users can now set Chrome to open Google-related links in other Google apps by default. So when you tap on an address while using Chrome, Google Maps will launch with that location plotted on the map. In the past Chrome would have directed you to the Web version of Google Maps.

The same can be said for Google+, YouTube, and Google Drive.

To set Chrome for iOS to launch these apps by default, make sure you install the latest update from the App Store.

  • Once you have it installed, launch the app and tap on the menu icon next to the address bar.
  • Select Settings from the list of options.
  • Tap on Google Apps.

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

  • Toggle the app or apps you'd like Chrome to default to and then tap Done.

Henceforth, any links associated with those respective services will launch the proper app, assuming you have it installed on your iOS device.