How to Set Google as Default Browser on Windows, Mac, Android

Okay, here’s a comprehensive article on setting Google Chrome as your default browser on Windows, Mac, and Android:

How to Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser (Windows, Mac, Android)

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers globally, known for its speed, simplicity, and extensive library of extensions. If you prefer using Chrome over the pre-installed browser on your device (like Microsoft Edge on Windows, Safari on macOS, or the manufacturer’s browser on Android), you’ll want to set it as your default. This ensures that whenever you click a link (in an email, document, etc.), it automatically opens in Chrome.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting Google Chrome as your default browser on Windows, macOS, and Android.

Before You Begin:

• Make sure Google Chrome is installed: If you haven’t already, download and install Google Chrome from the official website (google.com/chrome).

1. Setting Google Chrome as Default on Windows (Windows 10 & 11):

There are two main ways to do this on Windows: through the Settings app and through Chrome itself. Both methods are shown below:

Method 1: Through Windows Settings (Recommended):

• Windows 11:

  1. Click the Start button (the Windows logo).
  2. Click on Settings (the gear icon).
  3. In the Settings window, click on Apps in the left sidebar.
  4. Click on Default apps.
  5. Scroll down until you find Google Chrome in the list of apps. Alternatively, type “Chrome” into the search bar at the top labeled “Set defaults for applications.”
  6. Click on Google Chrome.
  7. You’ll see a list of file types and protocols (like .html, .htm, HTTP, HTTPS). The current default app for each will be displayed.
  8. Click on each file type or protocol that isn’t already set to Google Chrome (e.g., it might say “Microsoft Edge”).
  9. A small window will pop up asking “How do you want to open this?” Select Google Chrome. You might see a prompt encouraging you to try Microsoft Edge; you can ignore this and click “Switch anyway” (or a similar option).
  10. Repeat step 8 and 9 for all the relevant file types and protocols you want to open in Chrome (especially HTTP and HTTPS).

• Windows 10:

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Click on Settings (the gear icon).
  3. Click on Apps.
  4. In the left sidebar, click on Default apps.
  5. Scroll down to the “Web browser” section.
  6. Click on the current default browser (likely Microsoft Edge).
  7. A “Choose an app” window will appear. Select Google Chrome.

Method 2: Through Google Chrome Settings:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three vertical dots (menu button) in the top-right corner of the browser window.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the left sidebar, click on Default browser.
5. Click the button that says Make default. This will usually open the Windows Settings app (as described in Method 1) to the relevant section. Follow the instructions from Method 1 to complete the process. If Chrome is already the default, it will say “Google Chrome is your default browser.”

2. Setting Google Chrome as Default on macOS:

• Method 1: Through System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and later):

  • macOS Ventura (13) and later (System Settings):

    1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
    2. Select System Settings.
    3. Click on Desktop & Dock in the left sidebar.
    4. Scroll down to the “Default web browser” section.
    5. Click the dropdown menu and select Google Chrome.

  • macOS Monterey (12) and earlier (System Preferences):

    1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
    2. Select System Preferences.
    3. Click on General.
    4. Look for the “Default web browser” option.
    5. Click the dropdown menu and select Google Chrome.

• Method 2: Through Google Chrome Settings:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click the three vertical dots (menu button) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. In the left sidebar, click on Default browser.
  5. Click the button that says “Make Default”. This may open a system prompt to choose a default browser, in System Preferences.

3. Setting Google Chrome as Default on Android:

The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your Android device’s manufacturer and Android version, but the general process is the same:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device (usually a gear or cogwheel icon).
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps or Apps & notifications (the wording may vary).
3. You may need to tap on Advanced, Default apps, or a similar option (this is where the wording can differ the most). Look for an option related to choosing default apps.
4. Tap on Browser app or Default browser app.
5. You’ll see a list of installed browsers. Select Chrome.

Troubleshooting:

• Links still open in another browser: If, after following these steps, links still open in a different browser, try restarting your device. Sometimes, changes don’t take effect until after a reboot.
• Specific file types: On Windows, you may need to manually set Chrome as the default for specific file types (like .pdf) if they’re not already associated with a browser. This can be done in the “Default apps” settings by choosing “Choose default apps by file type.”
• App Specific Settings: Some apps might have their own settings, that when a link is clicked inside that app, it opens it up in a specific browser. Be sure to check that apps settings as well.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that Google Chrome is your default browser, providing a consistent and familiar browsing experience across your devices.