What changing your default browser means
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else on your computer. Right now, one browser is set as the default — probably the one that came with your device. Changing it means picking a different browser to be the one that opens those links instead.
This is different from just installing a new browser. You can have Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all on your computer at the same time. But only one can be the default. When you change the default, you are telling your operating system which one to use when a link needs to open.
The steps to change your default browser depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a mobile device. The process takes less than a minute once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Your default browser is the one that opens automatically when you click a link — you can change it to any browser you have installed.
- On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select your browser from the list.
- On Mac, open System Settings > General > Default Web Browser and choose from the dropdown menu.
- On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Browser Name] and select it as your default.
- Changing your default browser does not delete your other browsers or affect your bookmarks and passwords in them.
How to change your default browser on Windows
Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. In the Settings window, click Apps on the left side, then click Default Apps.
Scroll down until you see Web Browser. Click on whatever browser is currently listed there — it will probably say "Microsoft Edge" or "Google Chrome". A menu will pop up showing all the browsers you have installed on your computer. Click the name of the browser you want to use as your default.
Windows will confirm the change when ready. You can close the Settings window. The next time you click a link, it will open in the browser you just selected.
How to change your default browser on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. On the left side, click General. Scroll down to find Default Web Browser.
Click the dropdown menu next to "Default Web Browser". You will see a list of every browser installed on your Mac. Select the one you want to use. The change takes effect right away — you do not need to restart your computer or confirm anything.
How to change your default browser on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app. Scroll down until you find the name of the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap on it.
Look for an option called Default Browser App or Default Browser. Tap it and select your browser from the list. Some browsers may ask you to confirm the change. Once you do, links will open in that browser.
How to change your default browser on Android
Open Settings on your Android phone or tablet. Tap Apps or Applications (the name varies by device). Look for Default Apps or Default Applications.
Find Browser App or Web Browser in the list. Tap it and select the browser you want to use. If you do not see a browser app option, go back to Settings, search for "default", and look for "Default Browser App" or "Browser" in the results.
What happens when you change your default browser
Changing your default browser affects only which program opens links. It does not delete any of your other browsers, erase your bookmarks, or move your passwords. Everything you saved in Chrome stays in Chrome even if you make Firefox your default. Everything in Safari stays in Safari.
You can still open any browser you want by clicking its icon. Changing the default just changes what happens when you click a link from somewhere else — an email, a text message, a PDF, or a web page.
If you change your mind later, you can switch back to a different default browser using the same steps. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.
Why you might want to change your default browser
Some people prefer one browser because it is faster on their device, or because it syncs bookmarks and passwords the way they want. Others switch because they like the privacy settings in a particular browser, or because they use a browser that works better with the websites they visit most.
You might also change your default if you use one browser for work and another for personal browsing. Setting your work browser as the default means work links open where you expect them, without you having to think about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser affect my passwords and bookmarks?
No. Your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history stay in whichever browser you saved them in. If you switch your default to a different browser, you will not see those passwords and bookmarks in the new default unless you import them or sign in to the same account.
Can I have more than one default browser?
No, only one browser can be the default at a time. But you can have as many browsers installed as you want, and you can switch which one is default whenever you like.
What if I do not see my browser in the default apps list?
The browser may not be fully installed yet. Try opening the browser from your Applications folder or Start menu to finish the installation. Then go back to your default apps settings and look again.
Does changing my default browser cost money?
No. Changing which browser is your default is free. Most popular browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — are also free to read and use.
Can I change my default browser on a work computer?
It depends on your company's policies. Some workplaces lock down these settings so employees cannot change them. If you cannot find the default apps option, your IT department may have restricted it. Ask them before trying to change it.