How to Set Google Chrome As Your Default Browser

PDF download Download Article
Change your default browser to Google Chrome on all platforms
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to use Google Chrome instead of Safari or Microsoft Edge? If you want webpages to open automatically with Chrome, you'll just need to set it as your default browser. This can be done quickly through your device's settings, whether you're using the desktop or mobile app. Here's how to set Google Chrome as your default browser on Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Quick Steps

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Click Settings .
  3. Click Apps .
  4. Click Google Chrome .
  5. Click Set default next to Make Google Chrome your default browser .
Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Windows 11

PDF download Download Article
  1. This may just look like a gear icon.
    • Alternatively, press Win + I .
    • If you don't already have Google Chrome installed, download it now from the Google website .
  2. This is in the left panel.
    Advertisement
  3. This is the third option in the menu.
  4. You can find this in the list of apps. To find it quickly, type "google chrome" into the Search apps field.
  5. This button is at the top of the page, next to Make Google Chrome your default browser .
    • Once it's set as default, you'll see a checkmark next to the button.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Windows 10

PDF download Download Article
  1. This may just look like a gear icon. [1]
    • Alternatively, press Win + I .
    • If you don't already have Google Chrome installed, download it now from the Google website .
  2. This is in the settings menu.
    • On some devices, you may need to click Apps instead.
  3. This is in the left panel. You should see your current default app settings.
  4. If you have another browser set as your default, you'll see its name and icon here. Otherwise, you'll see Choose a default .
    • A pop-up menu will open.
  5. This will be in the list of options. If you don't see Google Chrome as an option, make sure it's installed correctly.
    • Google Chrome is now set as your default browser.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

macOS

PDF download Download Article
  1. On older devices, this will look like System Preferences . [2]
    • If you don't already have Google Chrome installed, download it now from the Google website . Make sure to drag Google Chrome into the Applications folder to install it properly.
  2. On older devices, you'll need to select General instead.
  3. More options will open.
  4. You should see a checkmark next to it. Google Chrome is now your default browser on Mac.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll find this on one of your Home screens or in your App Drawer. You can open the App Drawer by tapping the grid button at the bottom of your Home screen.
    • If you don't already have Google Chrome, you can download it from the Google Play Store .
  2. This will display all of the apps installed on your Android device.
  3. You should see this option at the top of the screen, under General . [3]
    • On some devices, you may see Choose default apps instead.
  4. You'll see this at the top of the list and it displays your current default web browsing app. [4]
  5. You should see a checkmark next to it. Chrome is now set as your default browser. You can close Settings or tap the arrow button to navigate back. All links you open will open by default in Chrome! [5]
    6. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

iPhone and iPad

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tap the app with the gray gear on it. [6]
    • If you don't already have Google Chrome, you can download it from the App Store .
  2. If you have an older iOS version, skip this step.
  3. This is in your list of apps. You may need to scroll down to find it.
  4. This will allow you to choose your default web browser.
  5. Once you do, a checkmark will appear next to the menu item. This will change your default browser to Google Chrome so any links you open (like from an email) will open in Chrome!
    6. Advertisement
Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Windows 8, 7, and Vista

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chrome will need to be installed before you can set it as your default browser. You can download Chrome by visiting google.com/chrome/ in Internet Explorer. [7]
  2. You can find this in your Start menu. In Windows 8, right-click the Start button and select Control Panel , or type "control panel" on the Start screen.
  3. If you're in Category view, click the "Programs" category first. [8]
  4. It may take a while for the list of programs to load.
  5. You may have to scroll to find it.
  6. This will assign Chrome to be the default program for all web links and HTML files.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does it take to download the Chrome browser?
    Community Answer
    Depending on your Internet speed, Chrome can be downloaded in just seconds.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
  • Question
    What can I do if my default browser setting will not save the Google browser as the default?
    Community Answer
    In this case, you can set Chrome as the default from the control panel (as mentioned in this article above).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Install Google Chrome Using Terminal on Linux
      Turn Off and Disable Private Browsing on Any Web Browser
      3 Simple Ways to Save a Web Page as a PDF in Google Chrome
      Why Your Pinned Tabs Disappear & How to Fix It
      Easy Ways to View & Manage Bookmarks in Google Chrome
      How to
      Turn Any Website Into an App Shortcut With Chrome
      How to
      Remove Suggestions on Google Chrome: 2 Easy Ways
      Automatically Reload a Page in Chrome: Easy Extension & Script
      Uninstalling Chrome Extensions Installed by Your Administrator
      3 Easy Ways to Install the Google Chrome Web Browser
      2 Fast Ways to Remove Bing from Chrome: PC, Mac, & Mobile
      How to
      Get Google Drive on Windows File Explorer: Easy Steps
      How to
      Make Fake Discord Messages With Inspect Element
      A Guide to Exporting Bookmarks from Google Chrome
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95417?hl=en#zippy=,windows https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95417?hl=en
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102362
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95417?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95417?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95417?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/change-the-default-apps-iphc57feab64/ios
      7. ↑ https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-to-install-google-chrome-on-windows/
      8. ↑ https://help.egcc.edu/portal/en/kb/articles/windows-7-change-default-programs

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 585,762 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        May 26, 2017

        "The pictures were very helpful."
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement