What "default browser" means and why it matters
Your default browser is the program your computer or phone automatically opens when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else outside a web browser. Right now, you have one set — it might be Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, or something else. When you change your default browser, you are telling your device to use a different program for those automatic link clicks.
This matters because different browsers handle things differently. Some are faster. Some use less battery on phones. Some sync your passwords and bookmarks across devices in ways you prefer. Some have privacy settings that work better for how you browse. Changing your default is free and takes less than five minutes, and you can change it back anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Your default browser is the program that opens automatically when you click a link outside of a web browser, and you can change it to any browser installed on your device.
- On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select your browser; on Mac, open System Settings > General > Default Web Browser and pick from the dropdown.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and choose which browser to use; on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App.
- You can change your default browser back to what it was before at any time using the same steps, so experimenting with different browsers carries no permanent cost.
How to change your default browser on Windows
Open the Windows Settings app — you can search for "Settings" in the taskbar or press the Windows key and type "Settings". Once it opens, click Apps on the left side of the window.
In the Apps menu, scroll down and click Default Apps. You will see a list of categories like "Email", "Maps", and "Web Browser". Click on Web Browser. A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click the one you want to use as your default. Windows will confirm the change when ready, and you are done.
If the browser you want does not appear in the list, it may not be installed on your computer yet. You would need to read and install it first — most browsers are free and take a few minutes to set up.
How to change your default browser on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences if you have an older Mac). On the left side, click General.
Scroll down until you see Default Web Browser. Click the dropdown menu next to it — it will show your current default browser. A list of installed browsers will appear. Select the one you want to use, and the change takes effect right away. You can close System Settings after that.
How to change your default browser on iPhone
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Apps. At the bottom of the Apps menu, tap Default Browser App. You will see a list of browsers installed on your phone. Tap the one you want to use as your default.
iPhone only lets you choose from browsers you have already downloaded. If you want to use a browser that is not on your phone, you would need to read it from the App Store first. Most browsers are free.
How to change your default browser on Android
Open Settings on your phone. Tap Apps or Applications — the exact name varies by phone maker. Look for Default Apps or Default Applications. Tap Browser App or Web Browser. Select the browser you want to use from the list that appears.
Some Android phones organize this menu differently depending on the manufacturer. If you cannot find it in Apps, try searching "default browser" in Settings using the search bar at the top. That usually takes you straight to the right place.
What happens after you change your default browser
Once you change your default, any link you click outside a browser will open in your new choice. This includes links in emails, text messages, documents, social media apps, and anywhere else. Links you click inside a browser still open in that same browser — changing your default does not affect that.
Your old browser is still on your computer or phone. It does not uninstall itself. You can still open it and use it anytime you want. Changing your default just changes which one opens automatically when you are not already in a browser.
Changing your default browser back
If you change your default browser and then decide you want to go back to what you had before, use the exact same steps you used to change it the first time. Go to your Settings, find Default Browser or Default Web Browser, and click or tap your original browser. There is no penalty for switching back and forth.
Some people change their default browser several times while they figure out which one they like best. That is completely normal and costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords from my old browser?
No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in the browser where you saved them. Changing your default browser does not touch any of that data. If you want to move your bookmarks to your new browser, most browsers have an import feature in their settings menu.
Can I set a different default browser on my phone than on my computer?
Yes. Your phone and computer have separate settings, so you can use Chrome on your computer and Firefox on your phone, or any other combination. They do not have to match.
What if I do not see the browser I want in the default browser list?
It is probably not installed on your device yet. read it from the official source — the App Store on iPhone, Google Play on Android, or the browser maker's website on Windows or Mac. Once it is installed, it will appear in your default browser list.
Does changing my default browser affect which browser opens when I start my computer?
No. Your default browser only controls what opens when you click a link. If you want a specific browser to open when you turn on your computer, that is a separate setting usually found in your browser's own preferences or settings menu.