How to change your default browser

Your default browser is the one that opens when you click a link in an email, document, or another app. Changing it depends on what device you use. On Windows, you go through Settings. On Mac, you use System Preferences. On iPhone and Android, the process is built into the phone's settings app. In each case, you pick a browser you already have installed, and from that point forward, links open in that browser instead of your current default.

The steps take less than a minute once you know where to look. You do not need to uninstall anything or restart your device.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Apps, then Default Apps, search for your browser name, and select it.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, click General, find Default Web Browser, and pick the browser you want from the dropdown menu.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, scroll to the app name of the browser you want as default, tap it, and select Default Browser App.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to Apps, find your browser, tap it, select Set as Default, and choose Open Supported Links.
  • 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 pressing Enter. Click Apps in the left sidebar. Then click Default Apps. You will see a list of app categories on the left side of the screen.

Scroll down until you find the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Click on it. A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Select the one you want. Windows will confirm the change immediately, and you can close Settings.

If you do not see your browser in the list, it may not be installed yet. Download it from the browser's official website first, then repeat these steps.

Changing your default browser on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences (on newer Macs, this is called System Settings). Click General in the sidebar. Look for Default Web Browser near the bottom of the window.

Click the dropdown menu next to it. You will see all the browsers installed on your Mac. Select the one you want. The change takes effect immediately. Close System Preferences when you are done.

Changing your default browser on iPhone

Open the Settings app. Scroll down the list until you find the name of the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap it. You will see a menu of options for that app.

Look for Default Browser App and tap it. A list of all your installed browsers will appear. Select the one you want. The change is saved automatically.

If you do not see the Default Browser App option, the browser may not support being set as default, or it may not be fully installed. Try closing and reopening the Settings app, or reinstall the browser from the App Store.

Changing your default browser on Android

Open the Settings app. Tap Apps (the exact name varies by phone — it might say Application Manager or Manage Apps). Find the browser you want to set as default and tap it. You will see a menu of options for that app.

Look for Set as Default or Default Apps. Tap it. A menu will appear asking what you want this app to be the default for. Select Open Supported Links. This tells Android to use this browser when you click links in emails, messages, and other apps.

If you do not see a Set as Default option, go back to the main Settings screen, look for Default Apps or Default Applications, find your browser in that list, and select it from there.

What happens after you change your default browser

Once you set a new default, all links you click in emails, text messages, documents, and other apps will open in that browser. Your old default browser will not open automatically anymore, though you can still use it by opening it manually.

Changing your default does not delete any bookmarks, passwords, or history in your other browsers. Each browser keeps its own data. You can switch back to a different default browser at any time by following the same steps.

Troubleshooting: Your browser is not showing up as an option

If the browser you want is not in the list of defaults, it is probably not installed yet. Go to the official website for that browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, or Opera — and download it for your device. Once the installation is complete, go back to your default browser settings and try again.

On some Android phones, certain browsers may not appear in the default list even after installation. This usually means the browser does not support being set as a system default. Check the browser's documentation or try a different browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a different default browser for different types of links?

No. Your device will use the same default browser for all links, regardless of where they come from. You can only have one default at a time. If you need to use multiple browsers, you will have to open them manually.

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Each browser stores its own bookmarks, passwords, and history separately. Changing your default does not touch any of that data. Your old browser will still have everything it had before.

What if I change my mind and want to switch back?

Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time, and pick your old browser from the list. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want.

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

No. The change takes effect immediately on all devices. You can start using your new default browser right away.

Why do some links still open in my old browser?

Some apps have their own built-in browsers and do not use your system default. Social media apps, for example, often open links in their own internal browser. This is normal and cannot be changed through your device settings.