how to make chrome default browser

Google Chrome logo

With a market share of over 65% across mobile and desktop, Google Chrome is the most installed web browser used today. Here's how you can make Chrome your device's default browser whether it's a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

In this guide, we will show you how to set Chrome as the default web browser on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Note: To set Chrome as your default browser, you must download and install it first. If you use a Windows or Mac computer, you can download it from Google's website. Alternatively, on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, use its respected app store.

Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Windows

Open up System settings by pressing Windows key+I, and then click on "Apps."

Open the Settings app and click on "Apps."

From the pane on the left side, click "Default Apps."

Click "Default Apps."

Locate the Web Browser section, click on your current default browser, and then scroll through the list and select "Google Chrome."

Under Web Browser, click the current default, and then click on Google Chrome from the list that appears.

Close Settings and that's it. Chrome is now your default web browser.

RELATED: Chrome Shortcuts You Should Know

Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Mac

Fire up Chrome and click Chrome > Preferences from the menu bar or press Cmd+, (comma) to go to the settings menu directly.

Click Chrome > Preferences from the menu bar.

From the panel on the left side, click "Default Browser."

From the left pane, click "Default Browser."

Under the Default Browser section, click "Make Default."

Click "Make Default."

A dialog box will appear asking if you want to change your default web browser. Click "Use Chrome."

Click "Use Chrome."

If you don't see the "Make default" button, then Chrome is already your default web browser.

Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on iPhone/iPad

With the launch of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 in 2020, Apple made it possible to change the default web browser on iPhone and iPad.

Start by tapping on the "Settings" app on your iPhone or iPad. Use Apple's built-in Spotlight search feature to quickly find the app if you can't locate it on your home screen.

Next, scroll down and locate the "Chrome" app.

In iPhone Settings, tap Chrome.

Select the "Default Browser App" option found halfway down the menu. If the setting hasn't been changed before, it will list Safari as the default.

Select the "Default Browser App" option in iPhone Settings

Finally, choose "Chrome" from the list of installed web browser apps.

In Default Browser App settings on iPhone, tap the browser app you'd like to use.

The next time you click on a link in any app installed on your iPhone or iPad, it will automatically open Chrome.

Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Android

By default, most Android phones come with Google Chrome already pre-installed as the default web browser. However, some devices have custom ROMs that override browser defaults. You may need to install Google Chrome from the Play Store if it isn't already installed.

Next, open the Android Settings app, scroll until you see "Apps," and then tap on it.

Open your Settings app and tap on "Apps."

Now, tap on "Default Apps."

Tap "Default Apps."

Scroll until you see the setting labeled "Browser" and then tap on it to choose your default browser.

Scroll down and tap on "Browser."

From the list of browsers, select "Chrome."

From the list provided, tap on Chrome.

You can close the settings. The next time you tap a link, it will open inside of Chrome.

That's all there is to it. Now, whenever you open a link from an external app, Chrome will be chosen as the default web browser for the job.