How to Switch to a Different Web Browser

How to change your default browser on Windows, Mac, or mobile

Changing your browser means two separate things: installing a new browser program, and telling your computer or phone to open links with that program instead of the one it uses now. The installation is straightforward — you download the new browser and run the installer. Setting it as your default takes a few clicks in your system settings, and the steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

You do not have to uninstall your old browser to use a new one. Most people keep multiple browsers on the same device. Changing your default just means that when you click a link in an email or document, or type a web address into your search bar, your device opens it in whichever browser you chose as the default.

Key Takeaways

Download your new browser from its official website — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge are the four most common options — and run the installer file.
On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select your new browser as the default for HTTP and HTTPS links.
On Mac, open System Settings > General > Default Web Browser and choose your new browser from the dropdown menu.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and select your new browser; on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App.
You can keep your old browser installed and switch between them anytime — changing the default does not remove the old one.

Installing a new browser on Windows

Go to the official website of the browser you want — Chrome (google.com/chrome), Firefox (mozilla.org/firefox), Microsoft Edge (microsoft.com/edge), or Opera (opera.com). Look for a button that says "Download" and click it. The website will detect that you use Windows and give you the right version.

Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the installer file. It usually has a name like "ChromeSetup.exe" or "FirefoxInstaller.exe". Windows will ask for permission to make changes to your device — click "Yes". The browser will install automatically, and a window will open when it is done. You can close that window or let it stay open.

Installing a new browser on Mac

Visit the official website of your chosen browser and click the download button. Mac will download a file, usually named something like "GoogleChrome.dmg" or "Firefox.dmg". Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file. A window will appear with the browser icon and an Applications folder icon with an arrow between them.

Drag the browser icon into the Applications folder. Mac will copy the browser to your Applications folder. Once the copy finishes, you can close the window and eject the disk image (the .dmg file) by dragging it to the Trash. The browser is now installed and ready to use.

Setting your default browser on Windows

Open the Windows 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 your new browser listed, and click on it.

Windows will show you a list of file types and protocols — the things your browser can open. Look for "HTTP" and "HTTPS" (these are the types of web links). Click each one and select your new browser from the menu that appears. After you set both, your new browser is now your default. Any link you click will open in it.

Setting 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 appear showing all the browsers installed on your Mac. Select your new browser and close the window.

That is all you need to do. Mac does not require you to set separate protocols the way Windows does — one setting controls all web links.

Changing your default browser on iPhone

Open the Settings app and scroll down until you see the name of your new browser listed (for example, "Chrome" or "Firefox"). Tap it, then look for an option called "Default Browser App" or similar. Tap that option and select your new browser from the list.

If you do not see your browser listed in Settings, open the App Store, search for the browser, and download it first. Once it is installed, return to Settings and follow the steps above.

Changing your default browser on Android

Open the Settings app and tap "Apps" or "Applications" (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap "Default Apps" or "Default Applications". Look for "Browser App" or "Web Browser" and tap it. Select your new browser from the list that appears.

If your new browser does not appear in the list, open Google Play Store, search for the browser by name, and install it first. Then return to Settings and repeat the steps above.

What happens to your old browser

Changing your default browser does not remove your old one. Both browsers stay on your device. You can still open your old browser anytime by clicking its icon — it just will not be the one that opens automatically when you click a link.

If you want to remove your old browser later, you can uninstall it like any other program. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, find the browser, click it, and select "Uninstall". On Mac, open Finder, go to Applications, drag the browser to the Trash, and empty the Trash. On iPhone or Android, press and hold the browser icon on your home screen and select "Remove App".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple browsers on the same device?

Yes. You can install as many browsers as you want and switch between them anytime. Your default browser is just the one that opens automatically when you click a link — you can always open a different browser manually and use it instead.

Will changing my browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks and passwords stay in your old browser. If you want to move them to your new browser, most browsers have an import feature. Open your new browser, look in the menu for "Import" or "Settings", and choose to import from your old browser. The new browser will copy your bookmarks and passwords over.

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

Follow the same steps you used to set your new browser as default, but select your old browser instead. Switching back takes the same few clicks as switching forward. Your old browser will still be on your device with all its data intact.

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

No. The change takes effect immediately. You can start using your new default browser right away without restarting.

Why does my browser keep opening links instead of my new default?

Some programs bypass your default browser setting and open links in their own built-in browser. This is common in email apps, messaging apps, and social media apps. If you want to open a link in your default browser instead, look for a "Share" or "Open in Browser" option in the app, or copy the link and paste it into your new browser's address bar.

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.