How to set Chrome as your default browser
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, iPhone, or Android, but each takes fewer than two minutes.
On any device, you're telling the operating system to use Chrome instead of whatever browser is currently set — usually Edge on Windows, Safari on Mac and iPhone, or the system browser on Android. Once you change this setting, it stays changed until you switch it again.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, open Chrome settings, select "Default browser," and click "Make default" — Windows will then ask you to confirm the change.
- On Mac, go to Chrome settings, find "Default browser," and click "Make default" — macOS will open System Settings to complete the switch.
- On iPhone, open Settings, scroll to Chrome, tap "Default Browser App," and select Chrome from the list.
- On Android, open Chrome settings, tap "Default apps," select "Browser app," and choose Chrome.
- You do not need to uninstall your current default browser — both can exist on your device at the same time.
Setting Chrome as default on Windows
Open Google Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the dropdown. On the left sidebar, click "Default browser."
You'll see a button labeled "Make default." Click it. Windows will open a dialog asking you to confirm — select Chrome from the list and click "Set as default." After this, any link you click in email, Word documents, or other programs will open in Chrome instead of Edge.
If the "Make default" button is grayed out or missing, Chrome is already your default browser.
Setting Chrome as default on Mac
Open Google Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right. Select "Settings." In the left sidebar, click "Default browser."
Click the "Make default" button. macOS will open System Settings and show you a list of available browsers. Find Chrome in the list and click it. The change takes effect immediately. You can close System Settings and return to Chrome.
On Mac, you may see a notification asking to confirm the change — click "OK" if prompted. After this, links from Mail, Safari, or other apps will open in Chrome.
Setting Chrome as default on iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone — not Chrome's settings, but the main device Settings. Scroll down the list until you find "Chrome."
Tap Chrome. You'll see several options; tap "Default Browser App." A list of available browsers appears. Select Chrome. The change is immediate, and links from Mail, Messages, Safari, and other apps will now open in Chrome.
If you don't see Chrome in the list, make sure you have downloaded the Chrome app from the App Store first.
Setting Chrome as default on Android
Open the Chrome app and tap the three-dot menu in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings." Tap "Default apps."
Tap "Browser app." You'll see a list of browsers installed on your device. Select Chrome. The change takes effect immediately. Links from Gmail, text messages, and other apps will now open in Chrome by default.
On some Android phones, the path may be slightly different — you might find "Default apps" directly in your device Settings rather than in Chrome's menu. If you can't find it in Chrome, check your main device Settings under "Apps" or "Applications."
What happens if you change your mind
Changing your default browser back is just as simple. Follow the same steps for your device, but select a different browser instead of Chrome. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want.
Changing your default browser does not uninstall Chrome or any other browser. All your browsers remain on your device — you're only changing which one opens links automatically. You can still open Chrome manually by clicking its icon whenever you want.
Troubleshooting: Chrome won't become default
If the "Make default" button doesn't work or appears grayed out, Chrome may already be your default browser. Check by clicking a link in an email or document — if Chrome opens, it's already set.
On Windows, if you see a message that says you need to use the Settings app instead, open Windows Settings, go to "Apps" > "Default apps," find "HTTP" and "HTTPS," and select Chrome for both. On Mac, make sure you're using the latest version of Chrome by clicking the three-dot menu, selecting "About Google Chrome," and letting it update if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to uninstall my old default browser to use Chrome?
No. You can keep every browser installed on your device. Changing the default browser only tells your device which one to open automatically when you click a link — it doesn't remove or disable the others. You can still open them manually whenever you want.
Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or history?
No. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords stay in each browser where they are stored. Switching to Chrome as default doesn't touch anything in Edge, Safari, or Firefox. Each browser keeps its own data separate.
Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?
Not easily. Most devices let you set one default browser for all links. Some Android phones offer advanced options to set different defaults for HTTP and HTTPS, but this is rare and usually not necessary — most people just pick one browser and use it for everything.
What if Chrome doesn't appear in my default browser list?
Make sure Chrome is fully installed on your device. On Windows or Mac, download it from google.com/chrome. On iPhone, get it from the App Store. On Android, get it from Google Play. After installation, wait a few seconds and try again — the system sometimes needs a moment to recognize a newly installed app.
Does setting Chrome as default make it faster?
No. Setting Chrome as default only changes where links open — it doesn't change how fast Chrome runs or how it performs. Chrome's speed depends on your internet connection, your device's hardware, and which websites you visit, not on whether it's your default browser.