The quickest way to set Chrome as default

On Windows, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then click Default browser on the left sidebar. Click the Make default button. Windows will open a settings panel asking you to confirm — click Google Chrome from the list and you're done.

On Mac, open Chrome, click Chrome in the top menu bar, select Settings, then click Default browser in the left sidebar. Click Make default. Your Mac will ask for confirmation; click Chrome in the dialog box that appears.

On Chromebook, Chrome is already your default browser and cannot be changed. On Android and iPhone, the process differs slightly because you set defaults through your device settings rather than through Chrome itself — see the section below for those steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows and Mac users can set Chrome as default directly from Chrome's Settings menu by clicking the Default browser option and confirming the change.
  • Your operating system will ask you to confirm the change — this is a security step to prevent unwanted changes without your knowledge.
  • On Android and iPhone, you must change the default browser through your device's main settings app, not through Chrome itself.
  • Once set, all links you click in emails, documents, and other apps will open in Chrome instead of whatever browser was default before.

Why you might want to change your default browser

Your default browser is the one that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, text message, document, or any other app on your device. If Chrome is not your default, links will open in whatever browser your device is currently set to use — often Edge on Windows or Safari on Mac.

Changing the default is useful if you prefer Chrome's features, want all your bookmarks and passwords in one place, or need Chrome for work or school. It does not uninstall your other browsers — they remain on your device and you can still open them manually whenever you want.

Setting Chrome as default on Android

On Android, open your device's Settings app (not Chrome). Scroll down and tap Apps or Applications — the exact name varies by phone maker. Look for Default apps or Default browser and tap it. Select Chrome from the list of browsers.

Some Android phones organize this differently. If you cannot find it under Apps, try going to Settings > System > Default apps, or search for "default browser" in your Settings search bar at the top. Once you select Chrome, the change takes effect immediately.

Setting Chrome as default on iPhone

On iPhone, open the Settings app, scroll down to find Chrome, and tap it. Tap Default Browser App and select Chrome from the list. The change is immediate.

If you do not see Chrome in your Settings list, scroll down further — it may be below the fold. You must have Chrome installed on your iPhone for this option to appear; if you have not downloaded it yet, get it from the App Store first.

What happens after you change your default

Once Chrome is set as default, any link you click in Mail, Messages, Safari, or any other app will open in Chrome instead of the previous default browser. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history remain in Chrome where they were before. Other browsers stay installed on your device — you can still open them manually if you need them.

If you change your mind later, you can switch back to a different default browser by following the same steps and selecting a different option. There is no penalty for changing your default multiple times.

Troubleshooting: Chrome won't stay as default

On Windows, if Chrome keeps reverting to a different browser, check whether another program is changing it automatically. Some antivirus software or system utilities reset your default browser on startup. Open Chrome Settings and click Default browser again to confirm it is still set to Chrome. If it has changed, look for any recently installed programs that might be doing this.

On Mac, restart your computer after setting Chrome as default. Sometimes the change does not take effect until you restart. If it still reverts, check your Mac's System Preferences > General to see what is listed as the default browser there — you may need to change it in both places.

On Android and iPhone, the default usually stays set unless you uninstall Chrome or manually change it again. If links are still opening in a different browser, go back to your device settings and confirm Chrome is still selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my other browsers?

No. Setting Chrome as default only changes which browser opens when you click a link. Your other browsers remain installed and you can open them manually anytime. You can switch your default back and forth as often as you want.

Do I need to uninstall my old default browser first?

No. You can have multiple browsers installed at the same time. Changing your default does not affect the others. If you want to uninstall a browser later, you can do that separately through your device's app or program settings.

What if I don't see Chrome in my default browser options?

Chrome must be installed on your device before it appears in the default browser list. If you do not see it, download Chrome first from the official Chrome website or your device's app store, then follow the steps to set it as default.

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

No. Your device allows only one default browser for all links. However, you can manually choose which browser to open by right-clicking a link (on Windows or Mac) or long-pressing it (on Android or iPhone) and selecting "Open with" to pick a different browser for that single link.

Does setting Chrome as default affect my passwords or bookmarks?

No. Your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history stay in Chrome regardless of whether it is your default browser. Changing the default only affects which browser opens when you click links in other apps.