Setting Chrome as default takes one or two clicks, depending on your device
Making Google Chrome your default browser means any link you click outside of a browser — in an email, a text message, a document, or an app — will open in Chrome instead of whatever browser your device currently uses. The steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, but none of them require technical knowledge or take more than a minute.
You do not need to uninstall your current browser first. Your device can have multiple browsers installed; setting one as default just tells your operating system which one to use when you click a link from somewhere else. This is useful if you prefer Chrome's features, want to keep your bookmarks and passwords in one place, or simply like its interface better than what came with your device.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, open Chrome, click the menu button (three vertical dots), go to Settings, select Default Browser, and click Make Default.
- On Mac, open Chrome, click Chrome in the menu bar, select Settings, go to Default Browser, and click Make Default.
- On iPhone, open Settings, scroll to Google Chrome, tap it, select Default Browser App, and choose Chrome.
- On Android, open Settings, go to Apps, select Default Apps, choose Browser App, and select Chrome.
- Your device may ask you to confirm the change or may do it automatically depending on your operating system version.
Windows: Setting Chrome as default
Open Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window (this is the menu button). From the dropdown, select Settings.
On the left side of the Settings page, click Default Browser. You will see a button that says Make Default. Click it. Windows may show a confirmation dialog asking if you want to allow Chrome to change your default browser; click Yes or Allow to confirm.
After you confirm, you should see a message saying Chrome is now your default browser. Close the Settings tab. Any link you click outside of a browser will now open in Chrome. If you ever want to switch back to Edge, Firefox, or another browser, you can follow the same steps in that browser instead.
Mac: Setting Chrome as default
Open Google Chrome. At the top of the screen, click Chrome in the menu bar (not the window title — the actual menu bar at the very top). From the dropdown, select Settings.
On the left side, click Default Browser. You will see a button that says Make Default. Click it. Your Mac may ask for permission; if it does, click Open or Allow.
Close the Settings tab. Chrome is now your default browser on Mac. Links from Mail, Messages, Notes, and other apps will open in Chrome from now on. The change takes effect immediately and does not require restarting your computer.
iPhone: Setting Chrome as default
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down until you see Google Chrome in the list of apps. Tap it.
Tap Default Browser App. You will see a list of available browsers. Tap Chrome. The checkmark will move to Chrome, confirming it is now your default.
Go back to your home screen. Links from emails, messages, and other apps will now open in Chrome by default. This setting persists even if you update iOS, so you will not need to change it again unless you want to switch browsers.
Android: Setting Chrome as default
Open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Apps (sometimes labeled Applications). Tap Default Apps.
Tap Browser App. You will see a list of browsers installed on your device. Tap Chrome. Android will confirm the change immediately.
Exit Settings. Links from emails, messages, and other apps will now open in Chrome. The process is the same whether you are using Android 12, 13, or a newer version, though the exact wording of menu items may vary slightly.
What happens after you change your default browser
Once Chrome is set as default, your operating system will use it whenever you click a link outside of a browser. This includes links in email clients, messaging apps, social media apps, documents, and notifications. If you receive a link in a text message or email and tap it, Chrome will launch automatically.
If you later want to switch back to a different browser, follow the same steps but select that browser instead of Chrome. You can change your default browser as many times as you want, and changing it does not delete Chrome or prevent you from using it manually. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history remain in Chrome regardless of whether it is set as default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to uninstall my old browser to make Chrome default?
No. You can have multiple browsers installed on your device at the same time. Setting Chrome as default only tells your device which browser to use when you click a link from outside a browser. Your old browser remains installed and you can still open it manually whenever you want.
Will changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in whichever browser you saved them in. If you switch back to your old browser later, all your data will still be there. Changing the default browser does not move or delete anything.
What if the Make Default button is grayed out or not appearing?
This usually means Chrome is already your default browser. You can verify by checking the Default Browser section again — it should show a message confirming Chrome is set as default. If the button still does not appear, try closing Chrome completely and reopening it, then checking Settings again.
Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?
No. Your operating system allows only one default browser for all links. However, you can always manually choose which browser to use by right-clicking a link and selecting "Open with" on Windows or Mac, or by long-pressing a link on iPhone or Android.
Does setting Chrome as default change any of my privacy settings?
No. Making Chrome your default browser does not change your privacy settings, tracking protection, or any other configuration. Your Chrome settings remain exactly as they were before you changed the default.