Set Chrome as default in three steps

Making Google Chrome your default browser means Chrome opens automatically when you click a link in email, documents, or other apps. The process differs slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a phone, but each takes less than a minute.

On Windows 10 or 11, open your Settings app, go to Apps, then Default apps, find your current browser, and select Chrome from the list. On Mac, open Chrome, click Chrome in the menu bar, select Settings, go to Default browser, and click Make default. On iPhone or Android, the steps are in your phone's Settings app under Apps or Applications, not in Chrome itself.

If you see a dialog box asking you to confirm, click the button that says Make default or Set as default. That confirmation is the final step — you do not need to do anything else after that.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users change the default browser through Settings > Apps > Default apps, then select Chrome from the list next to your current browser.
  • Mac users open Chrome, click Chrome in the menu bar, select Settings, go to Default browser, and click Make default.
  • On phones, the default browser setting lives in your phone's Settings app under Apps or Applications, not inside Chrome.
  • Once you confirm the change, Chrome will open automatically whenever you click a link outside of other apps.

Windows: Using the Settings app

Open your Settings app by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click Apps on the left side, then Default apps near the top of the list.

Scroll down until you see your current default browser listed — it might say Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or another name. Click on that browser name, and a menu will appear showing other browsers installed on your computer. Click Google Chrome from that menu. A confirmation message should appear; click the button that says Make default or Set as default.

Close Settings. The next time you click a link in email, a document, or any other app, Chrome will open instead of your previous browser.

Mac: Using Chrome's built-in setting

Open Google Chrome on your Mac. In the top menu bar, click Chrome (the word itself, not a menu inside Chrome). A dropdown menu appears; click Settings from that list.

In the Settings window, look for the section labeled Default browser on the left side. Click Make default. Your Mac will ask you to confirm; click the button that appears. You may see a brief notification that Chrome is now your default browser.

Close the Settings window. From now on, links you click outside of Chrome will open in Chrome instead.

iPhone: Changing your default in iOS Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone — this is the gray gear icon, not the Chrome app itself. Scroll down and look for Chrome in the list of apps. Tap Chrome to open its settings page.

Look for the option labeled Default Browser App. Tap it, and you will see a list of browsers installed on your phone. Tap Chrome to select it as your default. A checkmark should appear next to Chrome's name.

Go back to the main Settings screen. The next time you click a link in Safari, Mail, Messages, or any other app, Chrome will open instead.

Android: Changing your default in app settings

Open the Settings app on your Android phone — usually a gear icon. Scroll down and tap Apps or Applications (the exact name varies by phone brand). Look for Chrome in the list and tap it.

Tap the three dots or menu icon in the top right corner of the Chrome app information page. Select Set as default or Make default from the menu. If you do not see this option, tap Default apps or Default browser instead, then select Chrome from the list that appears.

Go back to the main Settings screen. Links you click in Gmail, text messages, or other apps will now open in Chrome.

What happens after you change the default

Once Chrome is set as default, it becomes the app that opens whenever you click a link outside of another app. This affects links in email, text messages, documents, social media posts, and web pages opened in other browsers.

You can still use other browsers if you want — changing the default does not uninstall them or prevent you from opening them manually. If you change your mind later, you can follow the same steps and select a different browser instead.

Troubleshooting: Chrome does not appear as an option

If you do not see Chrome listed when you try to change your default browser, Chrome may not be installed on your device. Download Chrome from google.com/chrome on your computer or from your phone's app store (Google Play Store on Android, App Store on iPhone).

After installation finishes, wait a few minutes before trying to set it as default — sometimes the system needs time to recognize a newly installed app. Then follow the steps for your device type again. If Chrome still does not appear, restart your device and try once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does making Chrome the default browser slow down my computer?

No. Setting a default browser does not affect your computer's speed. Chrome uses the same amount of memory whether it is your default or not. The only difference is which app opens when you click a link.

Can I have two default browsers?

No. Your operating system allows only one default browser at a time. You can install and use multiple browsers, but only one will open automatically when you click a link. You can manually open a different browser whenever you want.

Will changing the default delete my bookmarks or passwords in other browsers?

No. Changing the default browser does not affect any data in other browsers. Your bookmarks, passwords, and history stay exactly where they are. If you want to move them to Chrome, you can import them from Chrome's Settings menu under Import bookmarks and settings.

What if my workplace or school controls my browser settings?

Some organizations use management software that locks certain settings, including the default browser. If you cannot change the default, contact your IT department or help desk — they may need to adjust your permissions or do it for you.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the default?

No. The change takes effect immediately on most devices. If a link does not open in Chrome right away, close and reopen the app you are using, then try clicking a link again.