Setting Chrome as your default browser on Windows

Open Chrome and look for the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Click it, then select Settings. On the left side, click Default browser. You'll see a button that says Make default — click it. Windows will ask you to confirm; select Chrome from the list that appears and click Set as default.

If the button doesn't appear or you see a message saying Chrome is already your default, Windows has already registered it. You can verify this by going to Windows Settings: click the Start menu, type Default apps, and look for your browser in the list. Chrome should show there.

Some versions of Windows 10 and 11 make this step more complicated by requiring you to change the default for each file type separately (.html, .htm) and each protocol (http, https). If you see that screen instead, click each one and select Chrome from the dropdown. This is rare, but it happens on some older Windows 10 builds.

Setting Chrome as your default browser on Mac

Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right. Select Settings, then click Default browser on the left. Click the Make default button. Mac will ask you to confirm by opening System Settings; click Default web browser and select Chrome from the dropdown.

If you don't see the option in System Settings, open System Settings manually: click the Apple menu, select System Settings, then go to General > Default apps. Scroll down to Web browser and select Chrome.

Setting Chrome as your default browser on Android

Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu at the bottom right. Select Settings, then tap Notifications or Apps and notifications depending on your Android version. Tap Default apps. Find Browser app and select Chrome.

If you don't see a Default apps option, go to your phone's main Settings app instead. Look for Apps or Applications, then find Default apps or Default applications. The exact name varies by phone manufacturer. Select Browser or Web browser and choose Chrome.

Setting Chrome as your default browser on iPhone and iPad

Open the Settings app on your device. Scroll down and tap Chrome. Tap Default Browser App and select Chrome. That's all you need to do — iOS will now open links in Chrome instead of Safari.

If you don't see Chrome in your Settings app, you may need to update it first. Open the App Store, search for Chrome, and tap Update if an update is available. Then return to Settings and follow the steps above.

What happens after you set Chrome as default

Once Chrome is your default browser, links you click in emails, text messages, documents, and other apps will open in Chrome instead of your previous browser. This applies to links across your entire device or computer.

Setting a default browser does not uninstall your other browsers or prevent you from using them. You can still open Safari, Firefox, Edge, or any other browser manually whenever you want. Changing your default browser later is just as simple — follow the same steps and select a different browser.

Troubleshooting when Chrome won't become default

If the Make default button is grayed out or doesn't work, make sure Chrome is fully updated. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, and look for an Update Google Chrome option. If you see it, click it and restart Chrome when prompted.

On Windows, if you're using a work or school computer, your administrator may have locked the default browser setting. You won't be able to change it yourself. Contact your IT department or administrator to request the change.

On Mac, if System Settings won't let you select Chrome, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes the setting doesn't register until after a restart.

Why your default browser might change unexpectedly

Some programs or updates can reset your default browser without asking. If you notice Chrome is no longer your default, follow the steps above to set it again. This is most common after installing new software or updating Windows or macOS.

Browser hijackers — malicious programs that change your settings — can also reset your default browser. If this happens repeatedly, run a malware scan using Windows Defender (Windows) or Malwarebytes (Mac). If you suspect a specific program is responsible, uninstall it and set Chrome as default again.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows and Mac, open Chrome Settings, click Default browser, and click Make default to set it as your default.
  • On Android and iPhone, go to your device Settings, find Default apps or Default Browser App, and select Chrome.
  • Setting a default browser does not uninstall other browsers or prevent you from using them manually.
  • If the option is grayed out or doesn't work, update Chrome first, or contact your administrator if you're on a work computer.
  • Some programs or updates can reset your default browser, so you may need to set it again occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have multiple default browsers?

No. Your device or computer can only have one default browser at a time. When you set Chrome as default, your previous browser is no longer the default. You can still open other browsers manually, but links will open in Chrome by default.

Does setting Chrome as default make it faster?

No. Setting a browser as default only controls which browser opens when you click a link. It doesn't change how fast Chrome runs or how it performs. Speed depends on your internet connection, your device's hardware, and which websites you visit.

What if I change my mind and want a different default browser?

Follow the same steps you used to set Chrome as default, but select a different browser instead. You can change your default browser as many times as you want, and there's no penalty for doing so.

Will setting Chrome as default sync my passwords and bookmarks?

No. Setting Chrome as your default browser is separate from signing into Chrome with a Google account. To sync passwords and bookmarks across devices, you need to sign into Chrome with your Google account in the settings menu.

Why does my work computer not let me change the default browser?

Your IT administrator may have locked this setting to keep all employees using the same browser for security or compatibility reasons. Contact your IT department to request a change, or ask if they can unlock the setting for you.