Google is already your default browser on Chromebook

If you own a Chromebook, Google Chrome is the only browser that comes installed and the only one that can be your default. Chromebooks run Chrome OS, an operating system built around Chrome itself. You cannot change to Firefox, Safari, or Edge as your default because those browsers do not run on Chrome OS.

What you can do instead is install alternative browsers through the Google Play Store — the same place you get Android apps. These alternatives include Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave. Once installed, you can set any of them as your default browser, and links from emails, documents, and other apps will open in whichever one you choose.

The process of changing your default browser takes less than a minute and requires only a few taps in your Chromebook's settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome comes pre-installed on every Chromebook and cannot be removed, but you can install other browsers from the Google Play Store if your Chromebook supports Android apps.
  • To change your default browser, open Settings, select Apps, then Default Apps, and choose which browser opens links from other applications.
  • Not all Chromebooks support the Google Play Store, so check your device's specifications before trying to install a different browser.
  • Changing your default browser does not remove Chrome — it only changes which browser opens when you click a link outside the browser itself.

Check whether your Chromebook supports the Google Play Store

Before you can install a different browser, you need to know if your Chromebook can run Android apps. Older Chromebooks and some budget models do not have this capability. To check, open your Chromebook's Settings app by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then selecting the gear icon.

In Settings, look for "Apps" or "Google Play Store" in the left menu. If you see a Google Play Store section and it shows a blue Play Store icon, your Chromebook supports Android apps. If you do not see this option, your device cannot install alternative browsers, and Chrome will remain your only choice.

If your Chromebook does support the Play Store, you will need to sign in with a Google account to read apps. Most Chromebooks are already signed in, so you can proceed directly to installing a browser.

Install an alternative browser from the Google Play Store

Open the Google Play Store app on your Chromebook — you can find it by clicking the launcher (circle icon) in the bottom left and typing "Play Store." Once the store opens, search for the browser you want. Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave are all available and free to read.

Click the browser name in the search results, then tap the blue "Install" button. The read and installation usually take one to two minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, you will see an "Open" button instead of "Install."

You do not need to open the browser when ready after installation. You can close the Play Store and move on to changing your default settings.

Change your default browser in Settings

Open Settings by clicking the time in the bottom right corner and selecting the gear icon. In the left menu, click "Apps," then look for "Default Apps" or "Default Applications." This section shows which app handles different types of links and files.

Find the line that says "Browser" or "Web Browser." Click on it, and a dropdown menu will show every browser installed on your Chromebook, including Chrome. Select the browser you want to use as your default. The change takes effect when ready.

From this point forward, when you click a link in an email, document, or any other app, it will open in the browser you selected. Chrome remains installed and available — changing your default does not remove it.

What happens when you change your default browser

Setting a different browser as your default changes only where links open when you click them outside of a browser window. If you click a link inside Chrome itself, it still opens in Chrome. If you click a link in Gmail, your email app, or a document, it opens in your new default browser.

You can still open Chrome anytime by clicking its icon on your shelf or in the app launcher. Many people keep Chrome installed even after switching their default, because some websites or services work better in Chrome, and you can always open them manually when needed.

Switching back to Chrome as your default is just as straightforward — return to Settings, go to Default Apps, and select Chrome again.

Troubleshooting if your default browser will not change

If you set a different browser as your default but links still open in Chrome, restart your Chromebook. Sometimes the change does not take effect until the device reboots. Click the time in the bottom right, then click the power icon and select "Restart."

If the problem continues after a restart, check that the browser you installed is actually running on your Chromebook. Some older or less common Chromebook models have compatibility issues with certain browsers. Try installing a different browser — Firefox and Microsoft Edge work on most devices that support the Play Store.

If no alternative browser will install, your Chromebook may not fully support Android apps even though the Play Store appears in Settings. In this case, Chrome is your only option, and you can use Chrome profiles or extensions to customize your browsing experience instead.

Using Chrome profiles if you cannot change your default browser

If your Chromebook cannot run alternative browsers, you can still organize your browsing by creating multiple Chrome profiles. Each profile has its own bookmarks, extensions, and settings, so you can use one profile for work and another for personal browsing.

To create a new profile, click your profile picture in the top right corner of Chrome and select "Add." Give the profile a name and choose an icon. You can then switch between profiles by clicking your picture again and selecting the one you want.

Profiles do not change which browser opens links, but they let you keep your browsing organized and separate without installing a different browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall Chrome from my Chromebook?

No. Chrome is built into Chrome OS and cannot be removed. You can hide it from your app launcher or stop using it, but the browser itself will always be present on your device. This is by design — Chrome OS needs Chrome to function.

Will changing my default browser slow down my Chromebook?

No. Changing your default browser does not affect your Chromebook's speed. Having multiple browsers installed uses a small amount of storage space, but modern Chromebooks have enough storage that this is not noticeable. You can uninstall any browser you are not using to free up space.

What if I want to use different browsers for different tasks?

You can only set one default browser at a time. However, you can keep multiple browsers installed and open them manually depending on what you need. For example, you might set Firefox as your default but open Chrome when you need to use a service that works better in Chrome.

Do I need to sign in to a different browser with my Google account?

No, but you can if you want to sync your bookmarks and settings across devices. Most alternative browsers offer this option during setup, but it is not required. You can use any browser without signing in to a Google account.

Can I change my default browser back to Chrome?

Yes, anytime. Return to Settings, select Apps, then Default Apps, and choose Chrome from the browser list. The change takes effect when ready, and all your Chrome bookmarks and history remain unchanged.