5 Ways to Set Google Chrome As Your Default Browser

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An easy-to-follow guide to making Chrome the default web browser on your PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, or iPad
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Do you want to use Google Chrome instead of other web browsers that your computer or phone uses as the default? The process for setting Chrome as your default browser varies depending on your operating system, but it isn't hard! This wikiHow article teaches you how to set Google Chrome as the default browser on Windows 10, 11, macOS, Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Quick Steps

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Settings > Apps > Default Apps
  3. Choose Google Chrome in the Set defaults for applications section.
  4. Hit Set default next to Make Google Chrome your default browser .
  5. Exit from settings.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Windows 10/11

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  1. Chrome will need to be installed before you can select it as your default browser. You can download Chrome by visiting google.com/chrome/ in any web browser and clicking the "Download" button. Run the installer that downloads to install Chrome.
  2. This may just look like a gear icon.
    • Alternatively, press Win + I .
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  3. This will display the different system settings.
    • If you have Windows 11 or the Creator's Update of Windows 10, you'll see Apps here and need to click that instead.
  4. You'll find this in the left menu of the System window.
  5. This will display the browsers installed on your computer.
  6. Chrome will automatically open links and HTML files. [1]
    • Use the Control Panel if your settings aren't being saved. Some users have reported that their default browser choice is not saved by Windows, or that Chrome is not appearing. If this is the case, open the Control Panel and follow the steps in the next section to set Chrome as the default browser. [2]
    • You can open the Control Panel by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Control Panel.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Windows 8, 7, and Vista

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  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.
  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.
  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.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

macOS

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  1. Google Chrome will need to be installed before you can set it as your default browser. You can install Chrome by visiting google.com/chrome/ and clicking "Download" at the top of the screen.
  2. To install Chrome, click the DMG file in your Downloads folder, then drag the Google Chrome icon into the Applications folder. You can delete the DMG file once the installation is complete.
  3. Once Chrome is installed, you can set it as the default browser from the System Preferences menu.
  4. You can find this at the top of the "System Preferences" menu.
  5. This will set Chrome as the default browser for all web links and HTML files. [3]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Android

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  1. You'll need the Chrome browser installed before you can set it as the default. You can install it from the Google Play Store .
    • Chrome comes preinstalled on most Android devices, alongside other browsers such as Samsung Internet, Opera, or Microsoft Edge.
  2. 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.
  3. This will display all of the apps installed on your Android device.
  4. You should see this option at the top of the screen.
  5. You'll see this at the top of the list and it displays your current default web browsing app.
  6. Once you tap it, the circle next to "Chrome" will fill to indicate that it is selected. You can close Settings or tap the arrow button to navigate back. All links you open will open by default in Chrome! [4]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

iOS

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  1. You'll need the Chrome browser installed before you can set it as the default. You can install it from the App Store .
  2. Tap the app with the gray gear on it.
  3. You need to scroll down to find the installed app. This will open the app's settings.
  4. This will allow you to choose your default web browser.
  5. Once you do, a checkmark will appear next to the menu item, so you can close Settings or tap the back arrow to navigate back. This will change your default browser to Google Chrome so any links you open (like from an email) will open in Chrome!
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Community Q&A

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  • 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.
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    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
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95417?hl=en
      2. ↑ https://www.tenforums.com/browsers-email/35805-cant-make-chrome-default-browser-only-msedge.html
      3. ↑ http://osxdaily.com/2007/04/06/change-the-default-web-browser-in-mac-os-x/#changemacbrowserNEW
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95417?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1#zippy=%2Cwindows%2Cmac

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