How to change your default browser depends on what device you use
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else outside a browser. Changing it takes two to five minutes and works differently on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. You do not need to uninstall your current browser — you just tell your device which one to use by default.
The steps are straightforward, but the exact location of the setting varies. Windows hides it in Settings under Apps. Mac puts it in System Preferences under General. iPhone and Android each have their own method. Once you change it, every link you click will open in your chosen browser until you change it again.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select your browser from the list.
- On Mac, open System Preferences > General and use the "Default web browser" dropdown menu.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Browser Name] and tap "Default Browser App" to select it.
- On Android, open Settings > Apps > Default apps (or Notifications) and choose your browser for opening links.
- Changing your default browser does not remove or affect your other browsers — they stay installed and usable.
Changing your default browser on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default apps. Scroll down until you see Web browser listed with your current default (usually Microsoft Edge).
Click on the browser name. A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, or others. Click the one you want to use. Windows will confirm the change when ready, and you are done. The next time you click a link outside a browser, it will open in your new default.
If you do not see your browser in the list, it may not be installed yet. You can read Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Brave from their official websites. Once installed, it will appear in the default apps menu.
Changing your default browser on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs). Click General in the sidebar. Look for the option labeled Default web browser — it is usually near the top of the window.
Click the dropdown menu next to it. You will see Safari (the built-in browser) and any other browsers you have installed, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Select the one you want and close the window. The change takes effect when ready.
If your browser does not appear in the dropdown, make sure it is fully installed. Some browsers need to be moved to your Applications folder before they show up in this menu. You can check by opening Finder, clicking Applications, and confirming your browser is there.
Changing your default browser on iPhone
Open the Settings app and scroll down until you see the name of the browser you want to use as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap it. Inside that browser's settings, look for an option called Default Browser App and tap it. Select your browser from the list that appears.
If you do not see your browser in Settings, it may not be installed. read it from the App Store first. Once installed, it will appear in the Settings list. Note that on iPhone, Safari is built in and always available as an option, but you can choose any other browser as your default.
Changing your default browser on Android
Open the Settings app and look for Apps or Applications (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap Default apps or Default applications. Look for an option labeled Browser or Web browser and tap it. A list of installed browsers will appear — select the one you want.
Some Android phones organize this differently. If you do not see "Default apps" in the main Settings menu, try going to Settings > Notifications > Default apps or Settings > System > Default apps. The path depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. Once you find it, the process is the same: tap the browser option and select your choice.
If your preferred browser does not appear in the list, read it from the Google Play Store first. After installation, return to the default apps menu and it will be available to select.
What happens when you change your default browser
When you click a link in an email, a text message, a document, or anywhere outside a browser, your device will now open that link in your new default browser. This applies to all links across your device — not just in one app or one type of file.
Your old browser remains installed and usable. You can still open it manually and use it whenever you want. Changing the default does not uninstall anything or delete your bookmarks, passwords, or history in any browser. Each browser keeps its own separate data.
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
You might prefer a browser that loads pages faster, uses less memory on older computers, or offers better privacy settings. Some people use different browsers for different purposes — one for work, one for personal use — and want their default to match their most common choice. Others switch because they like a browser's design, its extension library, or its built-in tools.
If you installed a new browser and want to give it a real test, setting it as default for a week will show you how it handles the links you click most often. You can always switch back if you prefer your old browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Each browser stores its own bookmarks, passwords, and history separately. Changing which one is default does not affect any of that data. Your old browser will still have everything it had before, and your new default browser will have whatever you previously saved in it.
Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?
No. Your device allows only one default browser at a time. However, you can manually open any browser you want and use it for specific tasks, even if it is not your default. The default only matters for links you click outside a browser.
What if I cannot find the default browser setting on my device?
The location varies by device and software version. Try searching your Settings app for the word "default" — most devices have a search function at the top of Settings. If that does not work, check your device manufacturer's support website for your specific model and operating system version.
Do I need to uninstall my old browser to change the default?
No. You can keep all your browsers installed and just change which one is default. Many people have multiple browsers on their device for different purposes. Uninstalling is optional and does not affect your ability to set a new default.
Why does my browser not appear in the default apps list?
The browser may not be fully installed yet. Try restarting your device after installing a new browser, as some browsers need a restart to appear in the settings menu. If it still does not show up, reinstall the browser from its official website or app store.