Setting Chrome as your default browser in three steps

Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, document, or text message. To make Chrome your default, you open Chrome's settings, find the "Default browser" section, and click the button that says "Make default." The exact steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, and Android, but the process takes less than a minute on any device.

Once Chrome is set as default, every link you click outside of another program will open in Chrome instead of whatever browser you were using before. You can change this back at any time by following the same steps in a different browser.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows and Mac, open Chrome, go to Settings, scroll to "Default browser," and click "Make default."
  • On Android, open Chrome, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, tap "Default browser," and select Chrome from the system list.
  • Your operating system controls which browser is default, so changing it in Chrome's settings alone is not enough on some devices.
  • You can change your default browser back to a different program at any time using the same method.

Setting Chrome as default on Windows

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the menu. On the left side, click "Default browser."

You will see a button that says "Make default." Click it. A small window may appear asking you to confirm — if it does, click "Yes" or "OK." Chrome is now your default browser. Any link you click in email, documents, or messages will open in Chrome.

If the "Make default" button is grayed out or does not appear, your computer's administrator settings may prevent you from changing the default. Try right-clicking the Chrome icon on your desktop or taskbar and selecting "Run as administrator," then repeat the steps above.

Setting Chrome as default on Mac

Open Chrome and click "Chrome" in the top menu bar (the very first menu on the left). Scroll down and select "Settings." In the left sidebar, click "Default browser."

Click the "Make default" button. Your Mac may ask for permission — if a dialog box appears, click "OK." Chrome is now your default browser. Links from Mail, Messages, and other programs will open in Chrome.

If you do not see the "Make default" button, go to your Mac's System Settings instead. Click "General" in the left sidebar, then "Default web browser," and select "Google Chrome" from the dropdown menu. This accomplishes the same thing.

Setting Chrome as default on Android

Open Chrome on your phone or tablet. Tap your profile icon or the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select "Settings."

Tap "Default browser." You will see a list of browsers installed on your device. Tap "Chrome." Your phone will confirm the change. From now on, links in text messages, emails, and other apps will open in Chrome.

If you do not see a "Default browser" option in Chrome's settings, your Android version may require you to change this in your phone's system settings instead. Go to Settings on your phone, search for "default browser" or "default apps," and select Chrome from the list.

Changing your default browser back

If you decide you want a different browser to be default, the process is identical. Open that browser, go to its settings, find "Default browser," and click the button to make it default. Your operating system will switch when ready.

You can switch back and forth between browsers as often as you want. There is no limit to how many times you can change your default, and changing it does not uninstall or remove any other browser from your device.

What happens if Chrome is not showing a "Make default" button

On Windows, this usually means Chrome is already your default browser. Check by opening a link in an email or document — if it opens in Chrome, you are all set.

If Chrome is not your default and the button still does not appear, your computer may have restrictions set by an administrator or workplace policy. Try opening Chrome in administrator mode: right-click the Chrome icon, select "Run as administrator," and repeat the steps. If that does not work, contact your IT department or the person who manages your computer.

On Mac, if the button does not appear in Chrome's settings, use your Mac's System Settings instead (described in the Mac section above). On Android, check your phone's system settings under "Apps" or "Default apps" if Chrome's settings do not show the option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or history in other browsers?

No. Changing your default browser only changes which program opens when you click a link. All your bookmarks, passwords, and history in other browsers stay exactly where they are. You can still open those browsers and use them whenever you want.

What if a link opens in the wrong browser even after I set Chrome as default?

Some programs (like Microsoft Office or Slack) have their own settings that override your system default. Check that program's settings for a "Default browser" or "Links" option and change it there. If you cannot find it, try right-clicking a link in that program and selecting "Open with Chrome."

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

No. Your operating system allows only one default browser for all links. However, you can right-click any link and choose "Open with" to pick a different browser for that single link without changing your default.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the default browser?

No. The change takes effect when ready. You can start using Chrome as your default right away without restarting.

What is the difference between my default browser and my home page?

Your default browser is the program that opens links. Your home page is the website that appears when you open that browser. You can have Chrome as your default browser but set your home page to any website you want in Chrome's settings.