You can't change Safari's default browser setting from within Safari itself

Safari doesn't have a menu option to set a different browser as your default. Instead, you change this setting through macOS System Settings (on Mac) or iOS Settings (on iPhone and iPad). When you make another browser your default, links that open automatically — from emails, messages, or search results — will open in that browser instead of Safari.

The process takes about a minute and works the same way whether you want to switch to Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another browser. You'll need to have the browser you want installed first.

Key Takeaways

  • Default browser settings live in System Settings on Mac or Settings on iPhone and iPad, not in Safari itself.
  • You must have the browser you want to set as default already installed on your device before you can select it.
  • On Mac, you'll find the default browser option under System Settings > General > Default web browser.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Browser Name] and look for a Default Browser App option.
  • Changing your default browser only affects links that open automatically — you can still use Safari whenever you open it manually.

Changing your default browser on Mac

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting System Settings. Click General in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Default web browser. A dropdown menu will show all the browsers installed on your Mac. Select the one you want to use as your default.

The change takes effect immediately. Any link you click in Mail, Messages, or other apps will now open in your chosen browser. Safari remains installed and you can still open it manually whenever you want. If you don't see your browser in the dropdown, make sure it's fully installed by checking your Applications folder.

Changing your default browser on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap it, then look for an option called Default Browser App or similar wording. Tap that option and select it to confirm. The setting will take effect right away.

If you don't see a Default Browser App option for the browser you want, that browser may not support being set as default on your device. Check the App Store listing for that browser to see whether it offers this feature. Some older or less common browsers don't include this capability. You can also try closing and reopening the Settings app, or opening the browser once and returning to Settings to refresh the list.

What happens when you change your default browser

Links that open automatically will now use your new default browser. This includes links in Mail, Messages, Notes, Calendar, and web pages that trigger a browser to open. Search results from Spotlight or Siri will also open in your new default browser instead of Safari.

Changing your default browser does not delete Safari or prevent you from using it. You can still open Safari manually from your dock or app launcher at any time. The default setting only controls what happens when a link opens on its own, not which browser you can choose to use.

Switching back to Safari as your default

Follow the same steps you used to change your default browser, but select Safari from the dropdown menu (on Mac) or from Settings (on iPhone or iPad). Safari is always available as an option, even if you've been using another browser as your default for a long time.

You can switch between browsers as your default as often as you want. There's no limit to how many times you can change this setting, and no penalty for switching back and forth. If you decide you prefer Safari again, you can restore it as your default in under a minute.

Troubleshooting: Your browser doesn't appear in the list

If the browser you want to set as default doesn't appear in your default browser options, make sure it's fully installed. On Mac, check your Applications folder to confirm the browser is there. On iPhone or iPad, check your home screen or app library to verify the app is present.

Some browsers require you to open them at least once after installation before they can be set as default. If you've installed a browser but don't see it in the default browser list, try opening it once, then return to your settings and check again. You may also need to restart your device if a newly installed browser still doesn't appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords in Safari?

No. Your Safari bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in Safari regardless of which browser you set as default. Changing your default browser only affects which app opens when a link launches automatically — it doesn't move or delete any of your Safari data.

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

No. You can only set one default browser for your entire device. All automatic links will open in whichever browser you've selected as default. If you want to use multiple browsers, you'll need to open them manually when you want to switch.

What if I change my default browser and then uninstall it?

Safari will automatically become your default browser again. If you uninstall your default browser without choosing a replacement first, the system reverts to Safari. You can then set a different browser as default if you want.

Does changing my default browser on my Mac affect my iPhone?

No. Each device has its own default browser setting. If you use both a Mac and an iPhone, you'll need to change the default browser separately on each device if you want them to match.