Setting Chrome as your default browser on Windows, Mac, and mobile

To make Google Chrome your default browser, you open Chrome's settings, find the "Default browser" section, and click the button to set it as default. The exact steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, but the process takes less than a minute on any device. Once set, links you click in emails, documents, and other apps will open in Chrome instead of whatever browser came with your device.

Your default browser is the one your operating system uses when you click a link outside of a web browser. If you have multiple browsers installed — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — your device needs to know which one to use. Setting a default prevents you from having to choose every single time.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Chrome, go to Settings > Default browser, and click "Make default".
  • On Mac, open Chrome, go to Settings > Default browser, and click "Make Google Chrome the default browser".
  • On Android, open Chrome, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app, and select Chrome.
  • On iPhone, open Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and choose Chrome from the list.
  • Once set, all links from emails, texts, and documents will open in Chrome by default.

Setting Chrome as default on Windows

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

You will see a section that says "Google Chrome is not your default browser" with a blue button labeled "Make default". Click that button. Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Yes" or "Switch anyway" depending on which version of Windows you have. Chrome is now your default browser.

If the button says "Google Chrome is your default browser" instead, it is already set and you do not need to do anything.

Setting Chrome as default on Mac

Open Google Chrome and click "Chrome" in the top menu bar. Select "Settings" from the dropdown. Click "Default browser" in the left sidebar.

You will see a button that says "Make Google Chrome the default browser". Click it. Your Mac may ask you to confirm by entering your password — do so if prompted. Chrome is now your default browser.

If the button is grayed out or says Chrome is already the default, no action is needed.

Setting Chrome as default on Android

Open the Chrome app and tap the three vertical dots in the bottom right corner. Tap "Settings". Scroll down and tap "Apps".

Tap "Default apps". Tap "Browser app". A list of installed browsers will appear. Tap "Chrome". You will see a checkmark next to Chrome, confirming it is now your default browser.

If you do not see "Default apps" in your Settings menu, your Android version may use a different path. Instead, go to your device's main Settings app, find "Apps" or "Applications", then look for "Default apps" or "Default browser" there.

Setting Chrome as default on iPhone

Open the Settings app on your iPhone — not the Chrome app. Scroll down and tap "Apps". Tap "Default Browser App".

A list of installed browsers will appear. Tap "Chrome". You will return to the previous screen and see Chrome listed as your default browser app. All links you click in Mail, Messages, Safari, and other apps will now open in Chrome.

This setting only works on iOS 14 and later. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot change the default browser — Safari will remain the default.

What happens after you set Chrome as default

Once Chrome is your default browser, links in emails, text messages, documents, and social media will open in Chrome instead of whatever browser was previously set. This applies to links in the Mail app, Messages, Notes, Word documents, PDFs, and most other apps on your device.

You can still open links in a different browser if you want to — most apps let you long-press or right-click a link and choose "Open in" followed by a different browser name. Setting a default just changes what happens when you click normally.

If you change your mind later, you can follow the same steps and select a different browser, or set Chrome as default again if you switch back.

Troubleshooting: Chrome won't set as default

If the "Make default" button is grayed out or does not work, restart your device and try again. On Windows, make sure you are logged in with an administrator account — some restricted accounts cannot change system settings.

On Mac, if you see a message saying Chrome cannot be set as default, check that Chrome is fully updated. Open Chrome, click "Chrome" in the menu bar, and look for "About Google Chrome". If an update is available, install it and restart Chrome, then try setting it as default again.

On Android and iPhone, if the browser app option does not appear in your default apps settings, your device may not support changing the default browser, or the setting may be hidden behind a different menu name. Check your device manufacturer's support page for your specific model and Android or iOS version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set Chrome as default on a work or school computer?

It depends on how your device is managed. If your organization has locked down browser settings, you may not be able to change the default. Try the steps above — if the button is grayed out or disabled, your IT department has restricted this change. Contact them to request it.

Will setting Chrome as default uninstall my other browsers?

No. Setting Chrome as default only changes which browser opens when you click a link. All your other browsers stay installed and you can still open them manually whenever you want.

What if I want different browsers for different types of links?

Your operating system only lets you set one default browser. However, most apps let you long-press or right-click a link and choose "Open in" to pick a different browser for that single link. Some third-party apps claim to route links to different browsers based on rules, but these are not officially supported by Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android.

Does setting Chrome as default affect my passwords or bookmarks?

No. Setting a default browser does not change any of your data. Your passwords, bookmarks, history, and settings in Chrome remain exactly as they were.

Can I set Chrome as default on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks run Chrome OS and Chrome is the only browser available by default. You cannot install other browsers or change the default. All links open in Chrome automatically.