What changing your default browser means
Your default browser is the program that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, document, or text message. Right now, one browser is set as your default — usually the one that came with your device. Changing it means picking a different browser to be the one that opens those links instead.
This is a one-time change you make in your device settings. Once you set a new default, links will open in that browser until you change it again. You can still use other browsers whenever you want — changing the default just controls which one launches automatically.
Key Takeaways
- Your default browser is the one that opens automatically when you click a link outside of a browser window, and you can change it anytime through your device settings.
- On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select your browser; on Mac, open System Settings > General > Default web browser and pick from the dropdown.
- On iPhone and Android phones, the process is similar but located in different menus — Settings > Apps on Android and Settings > [Browser name] on iPhone.
- You must have the browser you want to set as default already installed on your device before you can select it.
- Changing your default browser does not uninstall or remove any other browsers from your device.
How to change your default browser on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default apps. Scroll down until you see Web browser listed with your current default shown next to it.
Click on your current default browser name. A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click the one you want to use as your default. Windows will switch it immediately — you do not need to restart your computer or confirm anything else.
If the browser you want does not appear in the list, it is not installed on your device yet. You will need to download and install it first from the browser's official website before you can set it as default.
How to change your default browser on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Default web browser. A dropdown menu will show all browsers installed on your Mac. Click the one you want to use as your default.
The change takes effect immediately. You can close System Settings and start using your new default browser right away. If you do not see the browser you want in the dropdown, download and install it first from the browser's website.
How to change your default browser on Android phones
Open the Settings app on your phone. Scroll down and tap Apps (or Applications depending on your phone model). Tap Default apps or Default applications. Look for Browser app or Web browser and tap it.
A list of installed browsers will appear. Tap the one you want to set as default. Android will switch it immediately. If you do not see a browser in the list, you need to install it from the Google Play Store first.
How to change 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 it. Look for an option that says Default Browser App or Default Email Client and tap it.
Select the browser you want to use. The change happens immediately. Note that on iPhone, you can only set a default browser if that browser is already installed on your phone. If you want to use a browser that is not on your device, download it from the App Store first.
What to do if your preferred browser is not showing up
If the browser you want to set as default does not appear in your settings, it is not installed on your device. You will need to download it first. On Windows and Mac, visit the browser's official website and click the download button. On Android, open the Google Play Store and search for the browser by name. On iPhone, open the App Store and search for it there.
Once the browser finishes installing, go back to your default browser settings and follow the steps above. Your newly installed browser should now appear in the list and be ready to select.
Why your browser might change back on its own
Sometimes after a Windows update, your default browser resets to Microsoft Edge. This happens because Windows resets some settings during major updates. If this occurs, simply follow the steps in the Windows section above to set your preferred browser as default again.
On other devices, your default browser should stay the same unless you manually change it. If you notice it has changed without you doing anything, check your settings to confirm what is currently set as default, then switch it back if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser delete my other browsers?
No. Changing your default browser only controls which one opens automatically when you click links. All your other browsers stay installed and you can still open them manually whenever you want.
Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?
No. Your device allows only one default browser at a time. All links will open in whichever browser you set as default. However, you can always manually open a different browser and paste the link into it if you prefer.
Do I need to restart my device after changing my default browser?
No. The change takes effect immediately on all devices. You can start using your new default browser right away without restarting.
What if I change my mind and want to switch back?
You can change your default browser as many times as you want. Just follow the same steps for your device and select a different browser. There is no limit to how often you can switch.
Does my default browser choice affect my saved passwords and bookmarks?
No. Your passwords and bookmarks are stored within each browser separately. Changing your default browser does not move or delete any of that information. Each browser keeps its own data.