What a default browser is and why you might want to change it
Your default browser is the program your computer or phone automatically opens when you click a link in an email, text message, or document. Windows comes with Microsoft Edge set as default. macOS uses Safari. Android uses Chrome. If you prefer a different browser — Firefox, Chrome, Opera, or another option — you can change which one opens those links.
Changing your default is useful if you want all your browsing in one place, if you have bookmarks and passwords saved in a different browser, or if you straightforward prefer how another browser works. The change takes a few minutes and you can switch back anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Your default browser is what opens when you click links outside of a web page, 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.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > [Browser Name] and tap "Default Browser App"; on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app.
- Changing your default does not delete your old browser or affect your other programs — both browsers stay on your device.
- If a website forces you to use a specific browser, you can still use your default for everything else and open that site in a different browser when needed.
How to change your default browser on Windows
Open the Windows Settings app (press the Windows key and type "Settings"). Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default apps. Scroll down until you see Web browser. Click the current default (usually Microsoft Edge) and a list of installed browsers appears. Select the one you want to use instead.
Windows will ask you to confirm. Click the browser name again when the confirmation window appears. The change takes effect when ready — the next link you click outside a browser will open in your new default.
If you do not see your preferred browser in the list, it may not be installed yet. read it from the official website (Firefox.com, Google.com/Chrome, or the publisher's site) and run the installer. Once installed, repeat the steps above.
How to change your default browser on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar. Scroll down to find Default web browser and click the dropdown menu showing your current default (usually Safari). A list of installed browsers appears. Select the one you want.
The change is when ready. You do not need to restart your computer or confirm anything — just close System Settings and you are done.
If your preferred browser does not appear in the dropdown, read it first from the official website and install it. Then return to System Settings and select it from the list.
How to change your default browser on iPhone
Open the Settings app and scroll down until you see the name of the browser you want to set as default (for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). Tap it. Look for an option called Default Browser App and tap it. Select the browser you want to use for links.
The change takes effect right away. Any link you tap in Mail, Messages, Notes, or other apps will now open in your chosen browser.
If you do not see your preferred browser in Settings, it may not be installed. Open the App Store, search for the browser by name, and tap Get to read it. Once installed, it will appear in Settings.
How to change your default browser on Android
Open the Settings app. Go to Apps (or process Manager on some phones). Tap Default apps. Look for Browser app or Web browser and tap it. A list of installed browsers appears. Select the one you want to use.
Some Android phones organize this differently. If you cannot find Default apps, try going to Settings > Apps > [Your Current Browser Name] > Set as default. The exact path depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version.
If your preferred browser is not listed, read it from the Google Play Store first. Search for the browser by name, tap Install, and wait for it to finish. Then return to Settings and select it as your default.
What happens to your old browser when you change your default
Changing your default browser does not delete, uninstall, or disable your old browser. Both browsers stay on your device and work normally. You can still open your old browser anytime by clicking its icon — it just will not automatically open links anymore.
Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history in each browser remain separate. If you saved a bookmark in Firefox, it stays in Firefox even if you switch your default to Chrome. If you want to move bookmarks or passwords between browsers, you can export them from one browser and import them into another, but that is a separate step.
When you might want to use a different browser for a specific site
Some older websites or specialized tools only work well in one browser. If a site tells you it works best in Chrome, or if a banking tool only functions in Safari, you do not have to change your default. Instead, open that specific site in the required browser while keeping your default set to your preference.
You can also use different browsers for different purposes. For example, use Firefox as your default for everyday browsing but open work sites in Edge if your company prefers it. Switching between browsers is as straightforward as clicking a different icon or opening a link in a specific browser instead of your default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one default browser?
No. Only one browser can be set as your default at a time. However, you can switch your default whenever you want — there is no limit to how many times you change it. You can also keep multiple browsers installed and choose which one to use for each task.
Will changing my default browser affect my passwords or bookmarks?
No. Your passwords and bookmarks stay in the browser where you saved them. If you want the same bookmarks in multiple browsers, you can export them from one browser and import them into another, but this is optional and separate from changing your default.
What if I change my default and then want to change it back?
You can change your default back anytime using the same steps. Go to your Settings, find the Default Browser option, and select your original browser. There is no penalty or waiting period — the change takes effect when ready.
Does my default browser affect which browser my phone uses for video calls or maps?
No. Your default browser only controls which program opens when you click a web link. Maps, video calls, and other apps have their own defaults that you can set separately in your Settings.
What if a website does not work in my default browser?
You can open that specific site in a different browser without changing your default. Most browsers let you copy a link and paste it into another browser, or you can type the web address directly. Keep your preferred browser as your default and use others only when needed.