How to set a different browser as your default
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in email, a document, or anywhere else outside a browser. Changing it takes two to five minutes depending on your device, and the steps differ between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
On Windows 10 and 11, you change the default in Settings. On Mac, you use System Preferences. On iPhone, you pick a default in the Settings app under a specific browser name. On Android, you either set a default in Settings or choose which browser to use each time a link opens. The process is reversible — you can switch back anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users open Settings, go to Apps, then Default Apps, find the web browser section, and click the current default to change it.
- Mac users open System Preferences, select General, and change the default web browser from the dropdown menu.
- iPhone users must open Settings, scroll to find the specific browser app (like Chrome or Firefox), and tap Default Browser App to select it.
- Android users can set a default browser in Settings under Apps, or Android will ask which browser to use each time they open a link.
- Changing your default browser does not uninstall your old browser — both can exist on your device at the same time.
Windows 10 and 11: Changing your default browser
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. Click on the browser name shown there — it will be Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or another browser. A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click the one you want to use as your default. The change takes effect immediately.
If the browser you want does not appear in the list, it may not be installed yet. You would need to download and install it first from the browser's official website.
Mac: Changing your default browser
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs). Click General in the sidebar. Look for the Default web browser option 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 to use. The change happens right away, and you can close System Preferences.
iPhone: Changing your default browser
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and find the name of the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Tap it to open that browser's settings.
Look for an option called Default Browser App and tap it. Select that browser from the list that appears. You will see a checkmark next to your choice. From that point on, links will open in the browser you selected.
If you do not see the browser you want in Settings, it may not be installed. You can download it from the App Store first, then return to Settings to set it as default.
Android: Changing your default browser
Open the Settings app and go to Apps (sometimes called Applications). Look for Default apps or Default applications. Tap Browser app or Web browser. You will see a list of all browsers on your phone. Select the one you want.
Alternatively, if you have not set a default, Android will ask you each time you open a link which browser you want to use. You can tap Always to make that choice the permanent default, or Just once to choose a different browser next time.
What happens to your old browser
Changing your default browser does not remove the old one from your device. Both browsers stay installed and you can still open them manually whenever you want. You are only changing which one opens automatically when you click a link outside of a browser.
If you want to remove your old browser completely, you would need to uninstall it separately through your device's app settings or control panel. But there is no requirement to do so — having multiple browsers on your device is normal and takes up minimal space.
Switching back to your original default
You can change your default browser as many times as you want. If you decide you prefer your original browser, follow the same steps above and select it again. There is no limit to how often you can switch, and no penalty for doing so.
Some people keep multiple browsers installed and switch between them depending on what they are doing — for example, using one for work and another for personal browsing. Your default browser is just the one that opens automatically; you control which one you use at any moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or history?
No. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords stay in each browser where you created them. If you switch back to your old browser later, all that information will still be there. Changing the default does not affect any data stored in any browser.
Can I set a different default browser for work and personal use?
Most devices only allow one default browser at a time. However, you can keep multiple browsers installed and manually open the one you want for each task. On Android, you can also choose which browser to use each time a link opens instead of setting a permanent default.
What if I cannot find the browser I want in the default browser list?
The browser must be installed on your device before it appears in the default list. Download it from the official website (Windows and Mac) or app store (iPhone and Android), then return to your default browser settings and select it.
Does my default browser affect which search engine I use?
No. Your default browser and your default search engine are separate settings. You can use Chrome as your default browser but Google, Bing, or another search engine as your search engine. Search engine settings are usually found in each browser's preferences or settings menu.