Set Chrome as your default browser in three steps
To make Chrome your default browser, you open Chrome's settings, find the Default Browser section, and click the button that says "Make default." The exact location and wording changes slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Android, but the process takes less than a minute on any device.
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else outside a browser. Setting Chrome as default means all those links will open in Chrome instead of whatever browser currently handles them.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, open Chrome, go to Settings > Default Browser, and click "Make default" — Windows will ask you to confirm in the Settings app.
- On Mac, open Chrome, go to Settings > Default Browser, and click "Use Chrome" — no additional confirmation needed.
- On Android, open Chrome, go to Settings > Apps and Notifications > Default Apps > Browser App, and select Chrome from the list.
- Your operating system controls which browser is default, not the browser itself, so you may need to confirm the change outside Chrome.
How to set Chrome as default on Windows
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. On the left side, click Default Browser. You will see a blue button that says "Make default" — click it.
Windows will open your Settings app and show you the Default Apps screen. You should see Chrome already highlighted. Click the Set default button next to Chrome to confirm. If you do not see this screen, Windows may have already registered the change in Chrome's settings, and you are done.
To verify Chrome is now default, close Chrome completely, then click a link in an email or document. Chrome should open automatically. If another browser opens instead, repeat these steps — sometimes Windows takes a moment to register the change.
How to set Chrome as default on Mac
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Default Browser. You will see a button that says "Use Chrome" — click it.
Unlike Windows, Mac does not require a separate confirmation step. Chrome will immediately become your default browser. To verify, close Chrome, then click a link in an email or document. Chrome should open automatically.
If another browser still opens, your Mac may have cached the old default. Restart your Mac and try again. If the problem persists, go to System Settings > General > Default Web Browser and select Chrome from the dropdown menu.
How to set Chrome as default on Android
Open Chrome and tap the three vertical dots in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings. Tap Apps and Notifications. Tap Default Apps. Tap Browser App. Select Chrome from the list of available browsers.
Android will immediately set Chrome as your default. Any link you tap outside of an app will now open in Chrome. If you change your mind later, you can return to this same menu and select a different browser.
Some Android phones organize these settings differently depending on the manufacturer. If you cannot find "Apps and Notifications," try searching for "default browser" in your phone's Settings search bar at the top.
What happens when you change your default browser
Changing your default browser does not uninstall or disable your other browsers. They remain on your device and you can still open them manually whenever you want. Setting a default only controls what happens when you click a link outside of a browser window.
You can change your default browser back at any time by following the same steps and selecting a different browser. There is no penalty for switching — your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in Chrome regardless of whether it is your default.
Troubleshooting: Chrome is not staying as default
On Windows, some other programs or browser updates can reset your default browser without asking. If Chrome keeps reverting to another browser, open Chrome's settings and click "Make default" again. Windows 10 and later versions are more stable about keeping your choice, but the issue is more common on older Windows versions.
On Mac, restart your computer after setting Chrome as default. Sometimes the change does not take effect until you restart. If it still does not work, check System Settings > General > Default Web Browser and manually select Chrome there as well.
On Android, if Chrome is set as default but another browser keeps opening links, clear the cache for that other browser. Go to Settings > Apps, find the other browser, tap Storage, and tap Clear Cache. Then try opening a link again.
Why you might want a different default browser
Chrome is fast and syncs across devices if you sign in with a Google account, but it uses more memory than some alternatives. Firefox is lighter on system resources and does not track your activity as closely. Safari on Mac and iOS integrates tightly with Apple devices. Edge on Windows uses less battery than Chrome on laptops.
You do not have to choose one browser for everything. Many people keep Chrome as default but use Firefox or Safari for banking or shopping, where they want extra privacy. You can always open a specific browser manually by clicking its icon, even if it is not your default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser delete my Chrome bookmarks or passwords?
No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in Chrome no matter what your default browser is. Changing the default only affects which browser opens when you click a link outside of a browser window. You can switch back to Chrome at any time and everything will still be there.
Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?
No. Your operating system only allows one default browser. However, you can manually open a specific browser whenever you want, and some email clients let you choose which browser opens when you click a link within that app specifically.
Do I need to sign into Chrome to make it my default browser?
No. You can set Chrome as your default browser without signing in with a Google account. Signing in is optional and only needed if you want to sync your bookmarks and passwords across devices.
What if I do not see a "Make default" button in Chrome settings?
This usually means Chrome is already your default browser. You can verify by closing Chrome and clicking a link in an email or document — if Chrome opens, it is already set as default. If another browser opens, try restarting your device and checking Chrome's settings again.
Can I set Chrome as default on a work computer?
It depends on your company's policies. Some organizations lock down which browsers can be set as default for security reasons. If you cannot find the "Make default" button or the change does not stick, contact your IT department — they may have restricted this setting.