What changing your default browser means and why you might want to

Your default browser is the program that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, document, or text message, or when you type a web address into your computer or phone. Changing it means picking a different browser to be that automatic choice. You might want to do this if you prefer Chrome over Edge, Firefox over Safari, or any other browser you use more often.

The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. Each operating system stores this setting in a different place, and some make it easier to change than others. Once you change it, your old default browser won't open links automatically anymore — but you can still use it whenever you want by opening it manually.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select your browser from the list.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences > General and choose your browser from the "Default web browser" dropdown.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Browser Name] and tap "Default Browser App" to set it as default.
  • On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select your browser, then choose "Set as default."
  • You can change your default browser back to the original one at any time using the same steps.

Changing your default browser on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings icon. Once it opens, click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default apps.

Scroll down until you see the browser you want to set as default. Click on it, and a window will pop up showing you the available browsers installed on your computer. Select the one you want and click Set default. Windows will confirm the change, and you're done — links will now open in your chosen browser.

If you don't see your preferred browser in the list, it may not be installed yet. You'll need to download and install it first from the browser's official website before you can set it as default.

Changing your default browser on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences (on newer Macs, this may be called System Settings). Click General in the sidebar.

Look for the option labeled Default web browser near the bottom of the window. Click the dropdown menu next to it and select the browser you want to use. The change takes effect immediately — you don't need to restart your computer or confirm anything else.

Changing your default browser on iPhone

Open the Settings app and scroll down until you find the name of the browser you want to set as default (for example, "Chrome," "Firefox," or "Edge"). Tap on it.

Look for an option called Default Browser App and tap it. A list of browsers will appear. Select the one you want, and it will become your default. From that point on, links in emails, messages, and other apps will open in your chosen browser instead of Safari.

Changing your default browser on Android

Open the Settings app and tap Apps (the exact name may vary by phone model — it might say "Applications" or "App management"). Tap Default apps.

Look for Browser app or Web browser in the list. Tap it and select the browser you want to set as default. Some Android phones may ask you to confirm your choice. Once you do, links will open in your new default browser.

If you don't see a "Default apps" option, try searching "default browser" in your Settings app's search bar instead — the location varies by manufacturer.

What to do if you can't find the default browser setting

On older versions of Windows or Mac, the default browser setting may be in a slightly different location. On Windows 7 or earlier, you may need to go to Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs instead of Settings. On older Mac versions, the option might be under Safari preferences rather than System Preferences.

If you're using a work computer or school device, your administrator may have locked the default browser setting so you can't change it. In that case, you'll see a message saying the setting is managed or controlled. Contact your IT department or school tech support if you need to change it.

Some browsers also let you set themselves as default when you first open them. If you see a prompt asking "Make this your default browser?", you can click yes to change the setting without going into your system settings at all.

Changing your default browser back to the original

You can change your default browser back to what it was before using the exact same steps. Go to your system settings, find the default browser option, and select your old browser from the list. There's no penalty for changing it back and forth — you can do this as many times as you want.

If you want to return to the browser that came with your device (Edge on Windows, Safari on Mac and iPhone), follow the same steps and select that browser's name from the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords from my old browser?

No. Changing your default browser only changes which program opens links automatically. Your old browser stays on your computer with all your bookmarks, passwords, and history intact. You can still open it manually whenever you want.

Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?

Most operating systems only let you set one default browser for all links. However, some browsers have features that let you choose which browser opens certain types of links. Check your browser's settings to see if this option is available.

What if my preferred browser doesn't appear in the default browser list?

The browser may not be fully installed yet. Restart your computer after installing a new browser, and it should appear in the default browser list. If it still doesn't show up, try uninstalling and reinstalling the browser.

Does changing my default browser affect my internet speed or connection?

No. Your default browser setting only controls which program opens links automatically. It has no effect on how fast your internet connection is or how your computer connects to the web.

Can I change my default browser on a shared computer?

Yes, but the change will affect all users on that computer. If you share a device with others, they'll see your chosen browser as the default unless they change it themselves. Each user account can have its own default browser setting on some systems.