What it means to set a default browser

Your default browser is the program that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, a text message, or another app. Setting Google Chrome as your default means Chrome will launch instead of whatever browser is currently set — usually Edge on Windows or Safari on Mac.

This is a one-time change. Once you set it, you do not have to choose which browser to use each time you click a link. The change stays in place until you deliberately switch to a different default.

The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a phone. Each section below covers one device type.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, you change the default browser in Settings under Apps, then Default Apps, then select Chrome for the http and https protocols.
  • On Mac, you open Chrome, go to Settings, find Default Browser, and click Make Default.
  • On iPhone, you go to Settings, scroll to Chrome, tap Default Browser App, and select Chrome.
  • On Android, you go to Settings, select Apps, find Chrome, tap Default Apps, and choose Chrome for opening links.
  • You must have Chrome installed on your device before you can set it as the default.

Setting Chrome as default on Windows

Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. In the Settings window, click Apps in the left sidebar.

Scroll down and click Default Apps. You will see a list of file types and protocols. Look for HTTP and HTTPS — these are the protocols that web links use. Click on the entry next to HTTP. A window will pop up showing all browsers installed on your computer. Click Google Chrome.

Repeat this for HTTPS. After you set both, Windows will route all web links to Chrome. You can close Settings. The change takes effect when ready.

Setting Chrome as default on Mac

Open Google Chrome. In the top menu bar, click Chrome, then select Settings. On the left sidebar, click Default Browser. You will see a button that says "Make Default" or "Chrome is your default browser" (if it is already set). Click Make Default.

Your Mac will ask you to confirm. Click the button to allow the change. Chrome is now your default browser. You can close Settings.

Setting Chrome as default on iPhone

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down until you find Chrome in the list of apps. Tap it. Tap Default Browser App. A list of available browsers will appear. Tap Chrome.

You will return to the Chrome settings page. The change is now active. Any link you tap in Mail, Messages, Safari, or another app will open in Chrome instead.

Setting Chrome as default on Android

Open the Settings app. Tap Apps or Applications (the exact name varies by phone model). Scroll down and tap Chrome. Tap Default Apps or Set as Default (again, the exact wording depends on your phone). Select Opening Links or Browser App, then tap Chrome.

Some Android phones ask you to confirm by tapping a checkbox or button. Once confirmed, Chrome becomes your default. Links from Gmail, Messages, and other apps will now open in Chrome.

What to do if Chrome does not appear in the default browser list

If you do not see Chrome as an option when you try to set a default, Chrome is not installed on your device. Visit the Chrome read page for your device type — google.com/chrome on a computer, or the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) on a phone — and install it first.

After installation is complete, return to the default browser settings and follow the steps above. Chrome should now appear in the list.

Switching back to a different default browser

If you later decide to use a different browser as your default, follow the same steps above but select a different browser name instead of Chrome. On Windows, you change HTTP and HTTPS. On Mac, you click Make Default in a different browser's settings. On phone, you go back to Settings and choose a different browser app.

You can switch your default browser as many times as you want. The most recent choice always takes effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will setting Chrome as default uninstall my other browsers?

No. Setting a default browser does not remove any other browsers from your device. Edge, Safari, Firefox, and any other browsers you have installed will remain. They straightforward will not open automatically when you click a link.

Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?

On Windows and Mac, no — you can only set one default browser for all web links. On Android, some phones allow you to choose a default for opening links separately from a default for searching, but most users have one default for both.

What if I want to open a link in a different browser just once?

You can long-press (or right-click on a computer) any link and select "Open with" or "Open in", then choose a different browser. This does not change your default — the next link will still open in Chrome.

Does setting a default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in each browser where you saved them. Changing the default browser does not move or delete any of that information.

Why does my browser keep switching back to the old default?

Some updates or installations can reset your default browser. If this happens, follow the steps above again to set Chrome as default. If it keeps resetting, check whether another program on your device is changing the setting automatically — some software does this during installation.