Easily change your default web browser on macOS (all versions)

Fast repair:
- Click on on the Apple menu within the higher left nook of your display
- Choose “System Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Scroll down and click on “Desktop & Dock” within the left sidebar
- Scroll down by Desktop & Dock settings till you see “Default net browser” SECTION
- Click on on the drop down menu subsequent to “The default net browser“
- Select your favourite browser from the record of set up browser
- Shut System Settings— change saves routinely
The default browser on our working system is the app that routinely opens after we click on a hyperlink in an e mail, doc, or message on our Mac. Whereas Apple ships each Mac with Safari pre-installed by default, you are not locked into that alternative.
Step-by-step answer
Possibly you favor of chrome seamlessly sync with yours Android cellphone, Firefox privateness optionsOR Edge integration with Microsoft companies. No matter your purpose, altering your default net browser on macOS takes lower than a minute as soon as you recognize the place to look.
On this fast information, we’ll cowl the steps to get it engaged on all main variations of macOS—from the newest Tahoe AND sequoia releases on older methods like Monterey AND Massive Sur. In case you are transferring to Chrome, Firefox, Courageous, Edge or one other browser fullyyou will have full management over how your Mac handles net connections.
Why change your default browser on Mac
Safari works nice for a lot of Mac customers, but it surely’s not for everybody. Listed below are the commonest causes individuals make the swap:
- Cross-platform synchronization tops the record. Whether or not you employ Home windows at work or an Android cellphone, browsers like it Chrome, Firefox or Edge sync your bookmarks, passwordsand open tabs on all of your units. The Safari ecosystem lives primarily throughout the Apple world.
- Net Software Compatibility additionally issues. Some enterprise instruments, net companies, and net functions work extra reliably Chrome or different Chromium-based browsers. Builders usually take a look at their websites in Chrome first, which may result in occasional issues in Safari.
- Privateness and security measures range dramatically between browsers. Firefox gives highly effective monitoring safety out of the field. Courageous blocks adverts and trackers by default. TheIf privateness is your precedence, these options supply extra granular management than Safari’s commonplace settings.
- Extensions and customization I offer you one more reason to cross. The Chrome Net Retailer hosts hundredss of productiveness expansions. of Firefox additional ecosystem emphasizes privateness instruments. Your workflow might rely on the particular add-on that aren’t out there for Safari.
How you can change the default browser in macOS Ventura, Sequoia and Tahoe (and later)
First, obtain and set up your favourite browser if you have not already. You may’t set a browser because the default till it is really in your Mac. Go to the official web site for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Courageous or no matter browser you will have chosen.
Apple was redesigned System Preferences in System Settings beginning with macOS Ventura. In case you are operating Ventura, Sonoma, sequoiaor a more recent model, comply with these steps:
Step 1: Click on on Apple menu in higher left nook of your display and choose “System settings” in newer ones Mac OS variations.
Step 2: Within the system SETTINGSseek for “Desktop & Doc“.

Step 3: Inside these SETTINGSyou can find a drop down menu labeled “Default net browser.”
Step 4: Click on on this low cost and choose Google Chrome, FireFox or every other browser you will have put in in your macOS and wish to set as default from the record.


The change takes impact instantly –no restart required. You may confirm operation by clicking any hyperlink in Mail, Messages, or one other utility; it ought to open in your newly chosen default browser.
To confirm the change works, click on a hyperlink in an e mail or message. If it opens within the improper browser, restart your Mac and check out once more.
How you can change the default browser in macOS Monterey and earlier
When you’re utilizing macOS Monterey, Massive Sur, Catalina, or an older model, Apple’s interface seems somewhat totally different. System Preferences (not System Settings) homes these controls:
- Click on on the Apple menu within the higher left nook
- Choose “System Preferences”
- Click on “Normal”– it’s normally within the prime row
- Discover the “Default net browser” drop-down record. close to the underside of the overall preferences panel
- Select your favourite browser from the out there choices
- Shut System Preferences to avoid wasting your modifications
The interface in these older variations is easier and easier. Every little thing lives on the whole preferences as an alternative of being tucked away within the Desktop & Dock settings, like in Ventura.
When you’re on a good older model of macOS like Mojave or Excessive Sierra, the steps stay nearly an identical. The Normal Panel has constantly set the default browser settings throughout a number of generations of macOS.
Change the default browser through browser settings (Different Methodology)
Most fashionable browsers supply a shortcut that permits you to set them as defaults with out diving into System Settings or System Preferences. This methodology works no matter your macOS model:
In Google Chrome:
- Click on “chrome” within the menu bar, then “SETTINGS“
- choose “default browser” from the left sidebar.
- Click on “Do it default” within the default browser part
- Chrome will open System settings/Preferences so that you can affirm


In Mozilla Firefox:
- Click on “Firefox” within the menu bar, then “SETTINGS“
- IN common tab, seek for “The default browser” part
- Click on “Make it default“
- Firefox will immediate your Mac to open the related system settings


In Microsoft Edge:
- Click on “LIPS” within the menu bar, then “SETTINGS“
- choose “The default browser” within the left sidebar
- Click on “Make it default“
- Edge will direct you to finish the change in System Settings


In Courageous:
- Click on “Courageous” within the menu bar, then “Preferences“
- Navigate to “Begin” part
- Click on “Make it default” beneath The default browser
This browser-based method is handy once you’re already working within the browser you wish to use by default. This protects you the step of remembering the place Apple hides the setting in macOS.
Troubleshooting and ceaselessly requested questions
This is actually because your Mac wants a restart for the change to take full impact. Stop all browsers, restart your Mac, and check out clicking a hyperlink once more. Additionally, confirm that your browser of alternative is totally up-to-date—previous variations generally do not register accurately because the default browser.
Completely. Proper-click (or Management-click) any hyperlink and choose “Open With” to pick out a distinct browser. You may as well copy a hyperlink and paste it into the handle bar of any browser. The default browser solely controls what occurs once you click on a hyperlink.
This impacts how most functions deal with net connections, however some functions pressure their alternative of browser. For instance, some apps might at all times open hyperlinks in Safari, no matter your system default. These instances are uncommon, however they do occur, particularly with older software program.
Comply with the identical steps you used to vary browsers first, however choose Safari from the drop-down menu. Safari at all times stays out there as an choice in your default browser settings, even when you have not used it in months.
If a browser doesn’t seem as an choice, it’s both not put in accurately or must be up to date. Obtain the newest model from the browser’s official web site, set up it utterly, launch it not less than as soon as, after which verify your system settings once more.
CONCLUSION
Altering your default net browser on Mac takes just some clicks as soon as you recognize the place to look. Whether or not you are utilizing the newest macOS Tahoe or an older model like Monterey, the method is simple and reversible.
Now that you’ve got set your favourite browser as your default, attempt it out by clicking a hyperlink in an e mail or doc. You need to see your browser of alternative operating as an alternative of Safari. If one thing is not working correctly, do not forget that a fast restart will normally resolve any lingering points.
Information for MacOS browser(s)


