What changing your default browser does
Your default browser is the program that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else on your computer. Right now, one browser is set as your default — probably the one that came with your device. Changing it means picking a different browser to open those links instead.
This is a one-time change you make in your device settings. Once you set a new default, Windows, Mac, or your phone will remember it and use that browser every time, unless you change it again later. You do not need to uninstall your old browser — both can live on your device at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Your default browser is the one that opens when you click links in emails or documents, and you can change it anytime without removing other browsers.
- On Windows, you change the default in Settings under Apps, then Default Apps, then scroll to find your browser choice.
- On Mac, open System Settings, go to General, then Default Web Browser, and pick the browser you want from the dropdown.
- On iPhone or Android, the steps are in Settings under Apps or Browser, and the exact location depends on your phone model and Android version.
- Some browsers will ask you to set them as default the first time you open them, and you can say yes or skip that step.
Changing your default browser on Windows
Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Once Settings opens, look for the word "Apps" on the left side and click it.
Inside Apps, you will see a list of options on the left. Click "Default apps". The screen that opens shows all the file types and link types your computer can handle. Scroll down until you see "Web browser" — it will show your current default browser next to it.
Click on your current default browser (the one shown next to "Web browser"). A small window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click the one you want to set as your new default. Windows will switch it immediately, and you can close Settings.
Changing your default browser on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select "System Settings". In System Settings, click "General" in the left sidebar.
Scroll down in the General section until you see "Default web browser". Next to it is a dropdown menu showing your current default. Click that dropdown and you will see all the browsers installed on your Mac. Select the one you want, and Mac will set it as your default right away.
Changing your default browser on iPhone
Open the Settings app and scroll down until you find "Apps" or the name of the browser you want to set as default (like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). Tap it.
Look for an option that says "Default Browser App" or "Default Email App" depending on which browser you are setting. Tap it and choose the browser you want from the list. The change takes effect immediately.
If you do not see this option, your iPhone may be running an older version of iOS. You can still use other browsers — they just will not be your system default for links that open automatically.
Changing your default browser on Android
Open Settings and look for "Apps" or "Applications" (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap it, then look for "Default apps" or "App defaults".
Find "Browser app" or "Web browser" in the list and tap it. You will see all the browsers on your phone. Select the one you want to set as default. Some Android phones also let you set a default by opening a browser and looking in its settings for an option to "Set as default" — if you see that, you can use it instead.
What to do if your browser asks to be set as default
When you first open a new browser, it may show a popup or banner asking if you want to set it as your default. You can click "Yes" to set it immediately, or "Not now" to skip it. Either choice is fine — you can always change your default later using the steps above.
If you say yes and then change your mind, just follow the steps for your device type and pick a different browser. There is no penalty for changing your default multiple times.
Troubleshooting: Your default did not change
If you followed the steps but links still open in your old browser, restart your device. Sometimes Windows, Mac, and Android need a restart to apply the change fully.
On Windows, if you cannot find "Default apps" in Settings, your version of Windows may be older. Try this instead: right-click any web link, select "Open with", then choose your browser. Click "Always use this app" at the bottom. On Mac, if the dropdown is grayed out, you may need to unlock System Settings by clicking the lock icon in the top right and entering your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to uninstall my old browser to change my default?
No. You can keep as many browsers on your device as you want. Changing your default just tells your device which one to use for automatic links — the others stay installed and you can open them anytime by clicking their icon.
Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and history stay in each browser separately. If you switch back to your old browser later, all your data will still be there. Changing the default does not touch any of that information.
Can I set different defaults for different types of links?
On Windows and Mac, you can only set one default browser for all web links. On Android, some phones let you choose a default for web links and a separate default for email links, but most do not. Check your device settings to see if that option is available.
What if I want to open a link in a different browser just one time?
Right-click the link and select "Open with" or "Open link in", then pick the browser you want. You do not have to change your default — this just opens that one link in a different browser.
Why does my phone keep switching back to its original browser?
Some phones reset your default browser if you have not used it for a while, or after a system update. If this keeps happening, check your phone settings for an option to "lock" or "pin" your default browser choice. If you cannot find that, you may need to set it again after each update.