How to Set Chrome as Your Default Browser

What "default browser" means and why it matters

Your default browser is the program your computer or phone automatically opens when you click a link in an email, text message, document, or another app. If Chrome is not your default, Windows or macOS or Android will open links in a different browser instead — usually Edge on Windows, Safari on Mac and iPhone, or Samsung Internet on Android phones.

Setting Chrome as default takes two minutes and does not affect any other program on your device. You can change it back anytime. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, so find your device type below.

Key Takeaways

Your default browser is the one that opens automatically when you click links outside of a web browser.
On Windows, you change the default in Settings under Apps, then Default Apps, then select Chrome for HTTP and HTTPS links.
On Mac, open Chrome, go to Settings, scroll to Default Browser, and click Make Default.
On iPhone, open Settings, scroll to Chrome, tap Default Browser App, and select Chrome.
On Android, open Settings, go to Apps, select Default Apps, choose Browser App, and select Chrome.

Setting Chrome as default on Windows

Open the Windows Settings app (press the Windows key and type "Settings"). Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default Apps near the top of the list.

Scroll down until you see HTTP and HTTPS entries. These are the protocols that web links use. Click the entry next to HTTP. A menu will open showing all browsers on your computer. Select Google Chrome. Repeat the same step for HTTPS. Windows will now open all web links in Chrome by default.

If you do not see HTTP and HTTPS listed, your Windows version may be older. Instead, look for an entry called Web Browser and click it, then select Chrome from the menu.

Setting Chrome as default on Mac

Open Google Chrome. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Settings. In the left sidebar, click Default Browser. You will see a button that says Make Default. Click it.

Your Mac will ask you to confirm. Click Open in the dialog box that appears. Chrome is now your default browser. You can close Settings.

Setting Chrome as default on iPhone

Open the Settings app on your iPhone (not Chrome). Scroll down the list until you find Chrome. Tap it. You will see an option called Default Browser App. Tap that option.

A list of available browsers will appear. Select Chrome. You will return to the Chrome settings page. Chrome is now your default browser on iPhone.

Setting Chrome as default on Android

Open the Settings app on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap Apps. Look for an option called Default Apps or Default Applications (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap it.

Find the entry labeled Browser App or Web Browser. Tap it. A list of browsers will appear. Select Chrome. You will return to the Default Apps screen. Chrome is now your default browser on Android.

What happens after you set Chrome as default

Once Chrome is your default, any link you click outside of a web browser will open in Chrome. This includes links in email, text messages, documents, social media apps, and other programs. If you open a link while already inside Chrome, it will stay in Chrome regardless of your default setting.

Setting Chrome as default does not uninstall other browsers or prevent you from using them. You can still open Safari, Edge, Firefox, or any other browser manually anytime you want. Your default setting only controls what happens when a link opens automatically.

Changing your default browser back

If you decide you want a different browser as your default, follow the same steps above but select a different browser at the final step. You can change your default as many times as you want, and there is no penalty for doing so.

Some people set different defaults at different times — for example, using Chrome for work and Safari for personal browsing. You can only have one default at a time, but switching between them takes the same two minutes as the initial setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will setting Chrome as default delete my other browsers?

No. Setting a default browser only controls which program opens when you click a link outside of a web browser. All your other browsers remain installed and usable. You can open them manually anytime.

Can I set Chrome as default on just my work profile on Windows?

Yes. If your Windows computer has multiple user accounts, each account has its own default browser setting. Change the default in Settings while logged into the account where you want Chrome as default. Other accounts will keep their own settings.

What if Chrome does not appear in the default browser list?

Make sure Chrome is fully installed on your device. Restart your device and try again. If Chrome still does not appear, uninstall and reinstall Chrome from the official Google Play Store (Android), App Store (iPhone), or google.com/chrome (Windows and Mac).

Does setting Chrome as default affect my passwords or bookmarks?

No. Your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history are stored inside Chrome and are not affected by whether Chrome is your default browser. Changing the default setting only changes which browser opens links automatically.

Can I set Chrome as default without signing into a Google account?

Yes. Setting a default browser is a device-level setting and does not require you to sign into any account. You can set Chrome as default and use it without ever signing in to Google.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.