How to change your default browser on Mac
To set a default browser on Mac, open System Settings, go to General, then Default Web Browser, and pick the browser you want from the dropdown menu. The change takes effect immediately — any link you click in Mail, Messages, or other apps will open in your chosen browser from that point on.
The process takes about 30 seconds and works the same way whether you use Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or any other browser installed on your Mac. You only need to do it once; macOS remembers your choice until you change it again.
Key Takeaways
- Your default browser setting is in System Settings under General, not in the browser itself.
- The dropdown menu shows only browsers currently installed on your Mac, so you must install a browser before you can set it as default.
- Changing your default browser does not uninstall Safari or affect any other browser — it only changes where links open.
- If you switch browsers later, you can change the default at any time using the same System Settings menu.
Step-by-step: Setting your default browser
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Settings. On the left sidebar, click General. Scroll down until you see Default Web Browser — it will show your current default (usually Safari on a new Mac).
Click the dropdown menu next to Default Web Browser. A list of installed browsers appears. Select the one you want to use. Close System Settings. The change is now active.
If you do not see the browser you want in the list, it means that browser is not installed on your Mac yet. Download and install it from the browser's official website or the App Store first, then return to System Settings to set it as default.
What happens when you change your default browser
When you set a new default browser, links in Mail, Messages, Notes, Calendar, and other Apple apps will open in that browser instead of Safari. Bookmarks you saved in Safari stay in Safari — changing the default does not move them. Each browser keeps its own bookmarks, history, and settings separate.
If you open a link in a different browser directly (by right-clicking and choosing "Open With"), that single link opens in the browser you picked, but your default setting does not change. The default only affects what happens when you click a link normally.
Why Safari is the default on new Macs
Apple sets Safari as the default browser on every new Mac. This is not a limitation — you can change it to any browser you prefer. Apple does this because Safari is built into macOS and integrates with other Apple apps and services.
Changing the default does not affect Safari's performance or your ability to use it. Safari remains installed and available whether or not it is your default browser.
Browsers you can set as default on Mac
Any browser you install on your Mac can become the default, as long as it supports the feature. The most common choices are Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera. Smaller or older browsers may not appear in the dropdown if they do not support being set as default, but most modern browsers do.
If you install a new browser and want to set it as default, you may need to restart your Mac or wait a few minutes before it appears in the System Settings dropdown. If it still does not show up after restarting, check the browser's settings to see if you need to enable a "set as default" option within the browser itself.
Switching back to Safari or changing browsers again
You can change your default browser as many times as you want. If you decide you prefer Safari again, go back to System Settings, General, Default Web Browser, and select Safari from the dropdown. The change takes effect immediately.
Some people switch between browsers depending on what they are doing — for example, using Chrome for work and Firefox for personal browsing. You can only have one default at a time, but you can change it whenever you want. There is no penalty for switching frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser delete my Safari bookmarks?
No. Your Safari bookmarks, history, and settings remain in Safari regardless of which browser is set as default. Each browser stores its own data separately. Changing the default only affects where links open — it does not touch any browser's stored information.
Can I set a different default browser for work and personal use?
macOS only allows one default browser at a time, so you cannot have separate defaults for different purposes. You can manually open links in a different browser by right-clicking and choosing "Open With", but the automatic default will be the same for all links.
What if my browser does not appear in the Default Web Browser dropdown?
The browser may not be fully installed yet, or it may not support being set as default. Try restarting your Mac. If it still does not appear, check the browser's settings or preferences to see if there is an option to enable it as a default choice. Some browsers require you to grant permission within the browser itself.
Does setting a default browser affect which browser opens when I start my Mac?
No. Your default browser setting only controls where links open when you click them. It does not change which apps launch at startup. If you want a browser to open automatically when you start your Mac, you need to add it to System Settings under General, then Login Items.
Can I change my default browser on someone else's Mac?
Only if you have access to that user's account. Each user account on a Mac has its own default browser setting. If you are using a shared Mac, changing the default in your account does not affect other users' accounts.