How to change your default browser

Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in email, a document, or anywhere else on your device. Changing it takes two to five minutes and works differently depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The steps are straightforward once you know where to look — the setting lives in your system preferences, not in the browser itself.

You must have the browser installed on your device before you can set it as default. Once you change it, any link you click outside that browser will open in your new choice. Your old browser stays installed and you can still open it manually whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select your browser from the list.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > General > Default Web Browser and pick your browser from the dropdown.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > [Browser Name] and toggle it as default (this works for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and others).
  • On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App and choose your preferred browser.
  • You must have the browser installed on your device before you can set it as default.

Changing your default browser on Windows

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click on Apps in the left sidebar, then select Default Apps from the main menu.

Scroll down until you see Web Browser (not "Web Link" — that is different). Click on the current default browser name, and a list of installed browsers will appear. Select the one you want to use, and Windows will switch it immediately. You do not need to restart your computer.

If the browser you want does not appear in the list, it is not installed yet. Download it from the official website first — for example, Google Chrome from google.com/chrome or Mozilla Firefox from mozilla.org — then return to this same Settings screen and select it.

Changing your default browser on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click General in the sidebar, then look for Default Web Browser near the bottom of the window.

Click the dropdown menu next to it and select your browser from the list. The change takes effect immediately. If you do not see your browser in the dropdown, make sure it is installed — download it from the official website and try again.

Changing your default browser on iPhone

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find the name of the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap on it.

Look for an option called Default Browser App or Set as Default Browser and toggle it on. The browser you selected is now your default. When you click a link in Mail, Messages, or other apps, it will open in that browser instead of Safari. This feature works on iPhone running iOS 14 or later. If you do not see the option, your phone may be running an older version, or the browser may not be installed yet.

Changing your default browser on Android

Open the Settings app and scroll down to Apps. Tap Default Apps (the exact name varies by phone maker — you might see Default Applications or App Defaults). Look for Browser App or Web Browser.

Tap on it and select the browser you want from the list. The change is immediate. If your preferred browser is not in the list, download it from the Google Play Store first, then return to this screen and select it.

Why you might want to change your default browser

Some people prefer one browser for speed, others for privacy features, and others because it syncs better with their phone or computer. Chrome is fast and integrates with Google services. Firefox emphasizes privacy. Safari is built into Apple devices and uses less battery on iPhone. Edge works well if you use Microsoft services. The best choice depends on what matters to you.

You might also change your default if you installed a new browser and want to try it out, or if your current default is running slowly and you want to test a faster alternative. Switching back is just as simple — use the same steps to select a different browser at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to uninstall my old browser to change the default?

No. Changing your default browser does not remove the old one. Both browsers stay on your device, and you can open either one manually. You only change which one opens automatically when you click a link.

What if I cannot find the default browser setting?

The location varies slightly by device and operating system version. Try searching your Settings app for "default browser" — most devices have a search function at the top of Settings. If you still cannot find it, check the official support page for your device maker (Apple, Microsoft, Google, or Samsung).

Can I set a different default browser on my phone than on my computer?

Yes. Your phone and computer have separate settings, so you can use Chrome on your computer and Firefox on your phone, or any other combination. The defaults do not sync between devices.

Will changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in whichever browser you saved them in. If you switch browsers, you may need to import your bookmarks or re-enter passwords in the new browser, but the old data remains untouched in the original browser.

What if my preferred browser does not appear as an option?

The browser must be installed on your device before it can be set as default. Download it from the official website or app store, wait for the installation to finish, then return to your default browser settings and select it from the list.