How to Make Chrome Your Default Browser on Windows, Mac, and Android

How to set Chrome as your default browser

The steps to make Chrome your default browser depend on which device you use. On Windows, you go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select Chrome for the web browser option. On Mac, open Chrome, go to Settings > Default browser, and click "Make Google Chrome the default browser." On Android, open Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and choose Chrome from the list.

Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, document, or another app. Changing it does not uninstall your old browser or affect any bookmarks or passwords you have saved — it only changes which program launches when you need one.

Key Takeaways

Windows users change the default browser through Settings > Apps > Default apps, where you select Chrome from the web browser dropdown.
Mac users open Chrome itself and use Settings > Default browser to make the change with a single button click.
Android users go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and select Chrome from the available options.
Changing your default browser does not delete your old browser or affect your saved passwords and bookmarks in either program.

Changing the default browser on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click "Apps" in the left sidebar, then click "Default apps" near the top of the screen.

Scroll down until you see "Web browser" with your current default browser listed next to it. Click on that browser name, and a list of installed browsers will appear. Select "Google Chrome" from the list. Windows will confirm the change immediately, and Chrome is now your default browser.

If Chrome does not appear in the list, it may not be installed on your computer. You can download it from google.com/chrome. After installation, repeat the steps above to set it as default.

Changing the default browser on Mac

Open Google Chrome by clicking its icon in the Dock or Applications folder. Click the Chrome menu in the top-left corner of the screen (next to the Apple logo), then select "Settings."

In the left sidebar, click "Default browser." You will see a button that says "Make Google Chrome the default browser." Click it. Your Mac will ask you to confirm, and the change takes effect immediately.

If you do not see the "Default browser" option in Settings, your version of Chrome may be outdated. Click Chrome menu > About Google Chrome to check for updates and install them if available.

Changing the default browser on Android phones and tablets

Open the Settings app on your Android device. Scroll down and tap "Apps," then tap "Default apps" (the name may vary slightly depending on your Android version — look for "Default application" or similar).

Tap "Browser app" or "Web browser." A list of installed browsers will appear. Select "Chrome" from the list. The change takes effect immediately, and Chrome will now open when you tap links in emails, texts, or other apps.

If Chrome is not installed on your Android device, open the Google Play Store, search for "Chrome," and tap "Install." Once installation finishes, return to Settings and follow the steps above to set it as default.

What happens when you change your default browser

When you set Chrome as your default browser, any link you click outside of a web browser will open in Chrome instead of your previous default. This includes links in email apps, text messages, social media apps, documents, and system notifications.

Your old browser remains installed on your computer or phone and continues to work normally. All your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history in that browser stay exactly where they are. You can still open the old browser manually and use it whenever you want — changing the default only affects what happens when you click a link from outside a browser.

If you want to change back to a different default browser

You can change your default browser back to another program at any time using the same steps. On Windows, return to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select a different browser. On Mac, open Chrome > Settings > Default browser and click "Use other browser," then select the one you want. On Android, go back to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and choose a different option.

Switching back does not affect anything you have done in Chrome. Your Chrome bookmarks, passwords, and history remain saved in Chrome even if another browser becomes your default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history in your old browser stay exactly where they are. Changing the default browser only changes which program opens when you click a link from outside a browser. You can still open your old browser and access everything in it.

What if Chrome does not appear in my default browser list?

Chrome is probably not installed on your device. Download it from google.com/chrome on Windows or Mac, or from the Google Play Store on Android. Once installation finishes, return to your default browser settings and select Chrome from the list.

Can I have multiple default browsers?

No. Your device can only have one default browser at a time. However, you can keep multiple browsers installed and switch between them manually whenever you want. Only one will open automatically when you click a link from outside a browser.

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

No. The change takes effect immediately on Windows, Mac, and Android. You do not need to restart your device or close and reopen Chrome.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.