How to set a new default browser
Your default browser is the one that opens when you click a link in an email, document, or text message. Changing it takes two to five minutes depending on your device, and the steps differ between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
On any device, you are telling the operating system which browser to use by default, not changing anything inside the browser itself. The change takes effect immediately — the next link you click will open in your new default browser.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 requires you to change the default in Settings under Apps, while Windows 10 uses the same Settings menu but with slightly different navigation.
- Mac users set the default browser in System Settings under General, then Default Web Browser, a single-step process that works the same way in recent versions.
- iPhone and iPad users must open Settings, scroll to the browser app name, and select Default Browser from the menu — the setting is inside each browser's own settings section, not in iOS Settings.
- Android users go to Settings, then Apps, find their chosen browser, and select Set as Default, though the exact path varies slightly by manufacturer.
Changing your default browser on Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Select Apps from the left sidebar, then Default apps.
Scroll down until you see your current default browser listed (usually Microsoft Edge). Click on it, and a window will show all browsers installed on your computer. Select the browser you want to use instead, and Windows will confirm the change immediately.
If you do not see your browser in the list, it may not be installed. Download it from the browser's official website first, then return to Settings and repeat these steps.
Changing your default browser on Windows 10
Open Settings and select Apps. On the left sidebar, click Default apps.
Scroll down to Web browser and click the current default (usually Microsoft Edge). A window will open showing all installed browsers. Click the one you want to use, and the change takes effect immediately.
The process is nearly identical to Windows 11, with the main difference being the layout of the Settings menu. Both versions complete the change as soon as you select a new browser.
Changing your default browser on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then scroll down and click Default web browser.
A dropdown menu will show all browsers installed on your Mac. Select the one you want to use as default. The change takes effect immediately, and you can close System Settings.
This process is the same on recent versions of macOS. If you do not see your browser in the dropdown, make sure it is installed by checking your Applications folder.
Changing your default browser on iPhone and iPad
The default browser setting on iOS lives inside each browser's own settings, not in the iOS Settings app. Open the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots in the bottom-right corner) and look for Settings. Scroll down until you see Default Browser and tap it. Select Set as Default Browser or similar wording, and confirm.
If you are setting Safari as default, open Settings on your home screen, scroll down to Safari, tap it, then scroll to Default Browser App and select Safari. The change takes effect immediately.
Changing your default browser on Android
Open Settings on your phone and tap Apps. Find the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge — and tap it.
Look for a button or option that says Set as Default or Default Apps. Tap it and confirm your choice. The change takes effect immediately.
On some Android phones made by Samsung, LG, or other manufacturers, the path may be slightly different — you might see Default Applications instead of Default Apps, or the option might be under Advanced. The principle is the same: find your browser in the Apps list and select the option to set it as default.
What happens after you change your default browser
Once you set a new default, any link you click in email, text messages, documents, or other apps will open in that browser instead of your old one. Your old browser remains installed and you can still open it manually whenever you want.
Changing your default browser does not move your bookmarks, passwords, or browsing history. Those stay in each browser where you created them. If you want to move bookmarks or passwords to your new default browser, you will need to export them from the old browser and import them into the new one — most browsers have an import option in their settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one default browser?
No. Your operating system recognizes only one default browser at a time. You can have multiple browsers installed and switch between them manually, but only one will open when you click a link automatically.
Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in each browser where you created them. Changing your default browser only changes which one opens links automatically. If you want to use your bookmarks in a new browser, you can export them from the old browser and import them into the new one through the settings menu.
What if I cannot find my browser in the default browser list?
Your browser may not be installed yet. Download it from the official website — for example, google.com/chrome for Chrome or mozilla.org for Firefox — then return to your Settings and try again. Some older browsers may not appear in the default list on newer operating systems.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my default browser?
No. The change takes effect immediately on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. You do not need to restart your device or close any open apps.
Can I change my default browser back to what it was before?
Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time, and select your old browser from the list. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want.