How to set your default browser
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in email, documents, or other apps. On Windows, you change it in Settings under Apps. On Mac, open System Preferences, go to General, and pick a browser from the "Default web browser" dropdown. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Browser Name] and toggle "Default Browser App". On Android, open Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select your browser.
The steps differ slightly by operating system, but the process takes less than a minute on any device. Once you set it, that browser will stay your default until you change it again — even after updates.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users find the default browser setting in Settings > Apps > Default Apps, where you can click the current default and choose a replacement.
- Mac users open System Preferences > General and select their preferred browser from the "Default web browser" dropdown menu.
- iPhone users must set a default browser in the individual app's settings, not in a central location like Android or Windows.
- Android users go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select their browser, which applies to all links system-wide.
- Changing your default browser does not remove other browsers from your device — you can still open them manually whenever you want.
Setting a default browser on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app that appears. Select Apps from the left menu, then click Default Apps. Scroll down until you see the current default browser listed — it will show a blue checkmark next to its name. Click on it to open a list of installed browsers on your computer.
Choose the browser you want to use as your default. Windows will confirm the change immediately, and you will return to the Default Apps screen. The new browser is now active. Any link you click in email, documents, or web pages will open in that browser from now on.
If you do not see your preferred browser in the list, it may not be installed yet. Download it from the browser's official website, then return to Settings and repeat the steps above.
Setting a default browser on Mac
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 "Default web browser" and select the browser you want to use. The change takes effect immediately. Close System Preferences, and your new default browser is ready to use.
If your preferred browser does not appear in the dropdown, make sure it is installed on your Mac. You can download most browsers for free from the App Store or the browser's website.
Setting a default browser on iPhone
iPhone does not have a single system-wide default browser setting like Windows or Mac. Instead, you set a default browser inside each individual browser app. Open the browser you want to make your default — for example, Chrome or Firefox.
Go to Settings (the gear icon, usually at the bottom of the screen), then look for an option called Default Browser App or Set as Default. Tap it and confirm. The browser will now open when you click links in Mail, Messages, Safari, and other apps.
You will need to repeat this process if you want to switch to a different browser later. Safari is the default on all iPhones unless you change it, so if you prefer another browser, you must set it manually.
Setting a default browser on Android
Open Settings on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap Apps (the name may vary slightly by phone model). Look for Default Apps or Default Applications and tap it. Find Browser App or Web Browser in the list.
Tap the current default browser to see all installed browsers on your phone. Select the one you want to use. Android will confirm the change, and your new default browser is now active. Links in email, text messages, and other apps will open in that browser.
Unlike iPhone, Android lets you set a default browser once and it applies everywhere on your phone. You can change it back at any time by following the same steps.
What happens when you change your default browser
Changing your default browser does not uninstall or remove any other browsers from your device. You can still open Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge manually whenever you want — the default setting only affects what opens automatically when you click a link.
Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in each browser where you created them. If you switch from Chrome to Firefox as your default, your Chrome bookmarks remain in Chrome. You would need to export them or sign in to your Firefox account to access them in Firefox.
Browser updates do not change your default setting. If you set Firefox as your default and then Firefox updates, it will remain your default.
Switching back to your original default browser
If you want to switch back to your original default browser, follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. On Windows and Android, open Settings and select the browser you want. On Mac, open System Preferences and pick from the dropdown. On iPhone, open the browser app and set it as default again.
There is no penalty for changing your default browser multiple times. You can switch between browsers as often as you want, and the process takes the same amount of time each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?
No. Your default browser applies to all links system-wide. However, you can always right-click a link and choose "Open with" to pick a different browser for that single link, or you can manually copy and paste a link into a different browser.
Will changing my default browser affect my passwords and saved information?
No. Your passwords, bookmarks, and history stay in the browser where you created them. If you switch default browsers, you will need to sign in to your accounts in the new browser or import your data from the old one.
What if I cannot find the default browser setting on my device?
Check that you are in the correct settings menu. On Windows, it is under Apps > Default Apps. On Mac, it is System Preferences > General. On Android, it is Settings > Apps > Default Apps. If you still cannot find it, search your device's settings for "default browser" using the search function.
Does my default browser change when I update my operating system?
No. Operating system updates do not change your default browser setting. Your choice remains in place unless you manually change it or uninstall the browser.
Can I have multiple default browsers?
No. Only one browser can be your default at a time. However, you can quickly switch which browser is default by following the same steps and selecting a different one.