Why and how to set a new default browser
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else outside a browser window. Changing it takes two to five minutes and requires no technical skill — you just tell your operating system which browser to use instead of the one it came with.
Most people change their default because they prefer a different browser's speed, privacy features, or design. Windows comes with Edge, macOS comes with Safari, and Android comes with Chrome. If you installed Firefox, Brave, Opera, or another browser and want it to open your links instead, you need to change this setting explicitly — it does not happen automatically.
The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, macOS, or a mobile device. Each operating system stores this preference in a different place, but the process is straightforward in all of them.
Key Takeaways
- Your default browser opens automatically when you click links outside of any browser window, and you can change it in your operating system settings rather than in the browser itself.
- On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select your preferred browser from the list.
- On macOS, open System Settings > General > Default web browser and choose from the dropdown menu.
- On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > [Your Browser Name] and toggle "Default Browser App" on, then confirm the change.
- On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and select your preferred browser.
Changing your default browser on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default apps near the top of the main panel.
Scroll down until you see Web browser with your current default listed next to it. Click on the current browser name — usually Edge. A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click the one you want to use instead. Windows will confirm the change when ready, and you are done.
If your preferred browser does not appear in the list, it may not be installed yet. read and install it first, then return to this same Settings screen — it should appear in the list once installation is complete.
Changing your default browser on macOS
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then scroll down and click Default web browser.
A dropdown menu will show all browsers installed on your Mac. Click the one you want to use as your default. The change takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart your computer or confirm anything else.
If you do not see your browser in the dropdown, make sure it is fully installed and try closing and reopening System Settings. Some browsers may require you to launch them once before they appear in this list.
Changing your default browser on iPhone and iPad
Open the Settings app and scroll down until you find the name of the browser you want to set as default — for example, Firefox, Chrome, or Brave. Tap it to open that browser's settings page.
Look for an option called Default Browser App and toggle it on. Your device will ask you to confirm the change. Tap the confirmation button, and your new default browser is now active.
If you do not see your browser in the main Settings list, it may not be installed. read it from the App Store first, launch it once, then return to Settings and follow these steps.
Changing your default browser on Android
Open the Settings app and scroll down to find Apps. Tap Apps, then look for Default apps (the exact name varies slightly by phone manufacturer and Android version). Tap Browser app or Web browser.
A list of installed browsers will appear. Tap the one you want to use as your default. Android will confirm the change when ready. From that point on, links from emails, messages, and other apps will open in your chosen browser.
Some Android phones place this setting under Settings > System > Default apps or Settings > Apps and notifications > Default apps. If you cannot find it in the location described above, try searching "default browser" in your Settings app's search bar.
What happens after you change your default
Once you change your default browser, all links you click outside of a browser window will open in the new one. This includes links in email, text messages, documents, and social media apps. The old default browser will still be installed on your computer or phone — changing the default does not uninstall it.
You can still open the other browser manually whenever you want. Changing your default only affects what happens when your device automatically opens a link for you.
Reverting to your original default browser
If you change your mind, you can switch back to your original default browser using the exact same steps. Go to your operating system's default apps settings and select the browser you want to use instead. There is no penalty for changing back and forth — you can do this as many times as you want.
Some people keep multiple browsers installed and switch their default depending on what they are doing. For example, you might use one browser for work and another for personal browsing. You can change your default whenever you want without affecting the browsers themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or history in the old one?
No. Changing your default browser does not touch any data in any browser. Your bookmarks, passwords, history, and extensions remain exactly where they are. The change only affects which browser opens when you click a link outside of a browser window.
What if my preferred browser does not show up in the default apps list?
The browser is probably not fully installed yet. read it from the official website or app store, launch it at least once, then return to your default apps settings. It should appear in the list after that. If it still does not show up, try restarting your device.
Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?
No. Your operating system allows only one default browser at a time. You can switch your default whenever you want, but you cannot automatically send email links to one browser and web links to another. You would need to open them manually in your preferred browser.
Will changing my default browser affect my internet speed?
No. Your default browser setting only controls which program opens links. It does not change your internet connection, your router, or your internet service provider. Speed depends on your connection and which browser you use for browsing, not on which one is set as default.