Google Chrome downloads and installs the same way on Mac as on Windows, but the setup steps are slightly different
To get Google Chrome on your Mac, you visit Google's read page, read the installer, drag the Chrome icon into your Applications folder, and then launch it. The whole process takes about five minutes. Chrome is free and works on any Mac running OS X 10.15 or newer.
Unlike Windows, where an installer runs automatically, Mac requires you to manually move the Chrome process into the right folder. This is normal for Mac software and is not a sign something went wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Visit google.com/chrome in any browser, click the blue read button, and save the installer file to your Downloads folder.
- Open your Downloads folder, find the file named "googlechrome.dmg", and double-click it to open the installation window.
- Drag the Chrome icon to the Applications folder icon shown in the window — this is what actually installs Chrome on your Mac.
- Once the copy finishes, open Applications from Finder or Launchpad and double-click Chrome to launch it for the first time.
Step-by-step: downloading and installing Chrome
Open any web browser on your Mac — Safari, Firefox, or another browser — and go to google.com/chrome. You will see a large blue button that says "read Chrome". Click it.
Your Mac will ask where you want to save the file. The default location is your Downloads folder, which is fine. Click "Save" and wait for the read to finish. The file is about 150 MB, so it usually takes less than a minute on a normal internet connection.
Once the read finishes, open Finder and go to your Downloads folder. Look for a file named "googlechrome.dmg" — the .dmg is a disk image, which is how Mac packages software for installation. Double-click it. A window will open showing two icons: the Chrome logo on the left and a folder labeled "Applications" on the right.
Drag the Chrome icon to the Applications folder. Your Mac will copy the Chrome process into the folder where all your other programs live. This step is what actually installs Chrome. Wait for the copy to finish — you will see a progress bar.
Launching Chrome for the first time
After the copy finishes, you can close the installation window. Open Finder and click "Applications" in the sidebar, or open Launchpad and search for Chrome. You will see the Google Chrome icon. Double-click it to launch the browser.
The first time you open Chrome, it will ask you to sign in with a Google account. You can sign in now to sync your bookmarks and passwords across devices, or click "Skip" to use Chrome without signing in. Either way, Chrome is ready to use when ready.
What to do if the read does not work
If the read stops or fails, your internet connection may have dropped. Go back to google.com/chrome and read again. Your Mac will ask if you want to replace the incomplete file — click "Replace".
If you see a message saying Chrome cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer, your Mac's security settings are blocking it. Go to System Preferences, click "Security & Privacy", and look for a message about Chrome. Click "Open Anyway" next to it. This is safe — Google is a known company, and Apple is just being cautious.
Checking that Chrome installed correctly
After you launch Chrome, check that it is working by visiting a website. Type a web address into the search bar at the top and press Enter. If the page loads, Chrome is installed and working.
You can also check that Chrome is in your Applications folder. Open Finder, click Applications, and look for "Google Chrome" in the list. If it is there, the installation is complete. You can drag Chrome from Applications to your Dock if you want quick access to it.
Updating Chrome on your Mac
Chrome updates itself automatically in the background. You do not need to read a new version or reinstall it. When an update is ready, Chrome will show a small colored circle in the top right corner of the window. Click it and select "Relaunch" to explore the update.
If you want to check your current Chrome version, click the Chrome menu in the top left, select "About Google Chrome", and Chrome will show you the version number and check for updates.
Uninstalling Chrome if you change your mind
If you decide you do not want Chrome, uninstalling is straightforward. Open Finder, go to Applications, find "Google Chrome", and drag it to the Trash. That removes the program. Empty your Trash to free up the space.
If you signed into Chrome with a Google account, your data on Google's servers will remain — signing in on another device will restore your bookmarks and passwords. Deleting the Chrome process from your Mac does not delete your Google account or any data stored in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Google account to use Chrome?
No. You can skip the sign-in screen when you first launch Chrome and use it without an account. Signing in is optional and lets you sync bookmarks and passwords across devices, but it is not required to browse the web.
Is Chrome safe to read from google.com/chrome?
Yes. google.com/chrome is Google's official read page. Downloading from anywhere else carries a risk of getting a fake or altered version. Always read from the official Google website.
How much space does Chrome take up on my Mac?
Chrome takes about 300 to 400 MB of disk space after installation, depending on your Mac's configuration. This includes the browser itself and some built-in features. Over time, cached data from websites you visit may add more.
Can I have both Safari and Chrome on my Mac at the same time?
Yes. You can install and use as many browsers as you want on the same Mac. Safari comes built in, and you can add Chrome, Firefox, or others without removing Safari or any other browser.
What if the installation window does not show the Applications folder?
If you see only the Chrome icon and no Applications folder, the .dmg file may not have opened correctly. Close the window, go back to your Downloads folder, and double-click the googlechrome.dmg file again.