How to reset your default browser on Mac
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, document, or web page. On Mac, you change this setting in System Settings, not in the browser itself. The process takes about one minute and works the same way whether you want to switch to Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or any other browser installed on your computer.
The setting you are changing is not a "reset" in the sense of clearing data — it is simply telling your Mac which browser to use by default. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay exactly where they are.
Key Takeaways
- You change your default browser in System Settings under General, not inside the browser app itself.
- The browser you want to set as default must already be installed on your Mac before you can select it.
- The change takes effect immediately and applies to all links you click outside of a browser window.
- You can change your default browser back to a different one at any time using the same steps.
Opening System Settings and finding the default browser option
Start by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. From the dropdown, select System Settings (on newer Macs) or System Preferences (on older ones running macOS Monterey or earlier).
Once System Settings opens, look for General in the sidebar on the left. Click it. You should see several options in the main panel, including Software Update, About, and others. Scroll down until you see Default web browser — this is the setting you need to change.
If you do not see this option, make sure you are in the General section. On very old Macs, this setting may be under a different name or location, but it will still be in System Settings or System Preferences somewhere under a networking or web-related section.
Selecting a different browser from the dropdown menu
Click the dropdown menu next to Default web browser. You will see a list of all browsers currently installed on your Mac. The browser that is currently set as default will have a checkmark or be highlighted.
Click the browser you want to use instead. The change happens immediately — you do not need to restart your Mac or confirm anything. Close System Settings when you are done.
If the browser you want does not appear in the list, it is not installed on your Mac yet. You will need to download and install it first (usually from the App Store or the browser maker's website), then return to this same System Settings screen to select it.
Verifying the change worked
To confirm your new default browser is working, open an email or document that contains a link. Click the link. Your newly selected browser should open instead of the old one.
If the old browser still opens, go back to System Settings and double-check that you selected the correct browser from the dropdown. Sometimes the change takes a few seconds to register, so try clicking another link after waiting a moment.
Changing back to your previous browser
If you want to switch back to a different browser later, follow the exact same steps: open System Settings, go to General, click the Default web browser dropdown, and select the browser you prefer. You can change this setting as many times as you want.
Changing your default browser does not uninstall the old one or delete any of its data. All your browsers remain on your Mac with all their bookmarks and settings intact, regardless of which one is set as default.
What happens if you delete your default browser
If you uninstall the browser that is currently set as default, your Mac will automatically switch the default to Safari (which comes built into every Mac). You will not see an error or warning — the switch just happens silently.
If you later reinstall that browser and want to use it as your default again, simply return to System Settings and select it from the dropdown the same way you did before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in whichever browser you saved them in. Changing the default browser only changes which program opens when you click a link outside of a browser window. Each browser keeps its own separate data.
Can I set a different default browser for work versus personal use?
Mac does not have a built-in way to set different defaults for different situations. You can only have one default browser at a time. If you need to use multiple browsers regularly, you can always open them manually and choose which one to use for each task.
What if my browser does not show up in the System Settings dropdown?
The browser must be fully installed on your Mac before it appears in the list. Download it from the App Store or the browser maker's website, complete the installation, and then check System Settings again. If it still does not appear, restart your Mac and try once more.
Will changing my default browser affect my email client?
It depends on your email program. Most email apps (like Mail, Gmail in a browser, or Outlook) will respect your default browser setting and open links in it. Some older or specialized email programs may have their own settings for which browser to use, which you would need to change separately.
Can I set Chrome as default if I use Safari now?
Yes. Chrome must be installed on your Mac first. Download it from Google's website or the App Store, then follow the steps above to select it as your default in System Settings. The change takes effect immediately.