Set Chrome as Your Default Browser on Any Device

To set Chrome as your default web browser, choose it in your device’s default-app settings; the exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone or iPad, or a Chromebook. You can also make the change from Chrome’s settings, which usually opens the relevant system controls.

What “default browser” means

Your default browser is the app your device opens when you tap a web link in another app or open a web address through a system feature. Setting Chrome as the default does not remove other browsers, change your search engine, or move your bookmarks automatically. You can continue to open another browser whenever you choose.

The setting is controlled by the operating system, not just by Chrome. That distinction matters: a button in Chrome may take you to your computer or phone’s settings, and some systems require you to confirm the change there. Menu wording can vary slightly with operating-system version, device maker, or organizational settings.

Set Chrome as the default browser on Windows

Install Chrome if it is not already on your PC, then open it.
In Chrome, open the three-dot menu and choose Settings. Select Default browser, then choose Make default if the option appears. Chrome may open Windows Settings.
In Windows Settings, open Apps and then Default apps. Search for or select Google Chrome, then choose the option to set it as the default browser. If Windows shows separate link or file types, assign the web protocols and file types you want Chrome to handle.

On Windows 11, the Default apps page may show a button to make Chrome the default, or it may display associations for items such as HTTP, HTTPS, .htm, and .html. Follow the controls shown on your computer. On Windows 10, selecting Chrome under Default apps may let you choose it for the Web browser category. If the setting is managed by a workplace or school, you may not be able to change it yourself.

Set Chrome as the default browser on macOS

Install and open Chrome.
In Chrome, open the three-dot menu, select Settings, and look for Default browser. Select Make default if offered.
If macOS opens system settings, choose Chrome in the default web-browser control. You can also open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, select Desktop & Dock, and choose Chrome from the Default web browser menu. On some macOS versions, the control is under General.

The change affects links opened by macOS and other apps. It does not change which browser is already open for a particular link, and it does not automatically import data from another browser. Chrome may offer an import option separately.

Set Chrome as the default on Android

Open the device’s Settings app.
Choose Apps, then Default apps or Choose default apps. The exact label varies by Android version and manufacturer.
Select Browser app, then select Chrome.

On some Android devices, you can reach the same setting by opening Settings, choosing Apps, selecting Chrome, and tapping Browser app or a similar default-app option. If Chrome is missing from the list, install or update it and check that it is enabled. A manufacturer’s interface may organize the menus differently, so use Settings search for “default apps” or “browser app” if needed.

What about iPhone, iPad, and Chromebook?

iPhone and iPad: Install Chrome, then open the iOS or iPadOS Settings app. Scroll to or search for Chrome, tap it, choose Default Browser App, and select Chrome. If the default-browser option is not available, update the operating system and Chrome, then check again. The precise availability and wording depend on the software version and region.

Chromebook: Chrome is the built-in browser and is normally the default for web links. If another browser has been installed, check the Chromebook’s app or link-handling settings where available. Managed Chromebooks may have browser choices controlled by an administrator.

Check the setting and fix common problems

After changing the setting, tap a link in a different app or open a web link from a message. If Chrome opens, the system is using it as the default. Testing a link is more useful than simply reopening Chrome, because launching Chrome directly does not test which app handles outside links.

The option is missing: Make sure Chrome is installed and enabled. On computers, open the operating system’s default-app settings directly rather than relying only on Chrome’s button.
Links still open in another browser: Recheck the system default. On Windows, verify the browser assignment and any displayed web protocols or file types. On Android and Apple devices, confirm Chrome is selected as the browser app.
The change will not stick: Restart the device and check again. A work or school administrator, parental controls, or device-management policy may restrict the setting.
Only one app uses a different browser: That app may have its own link-opening preference or an internal browser. Look in that app’s settings; a system default does not necessarily override every app’s built-in behavior.

What changing the default does—and does not do

Making Chrome the default changes which app receives ordinary web links. It does not guarantee that every link will open in Chrome: apps can display web pages inside their own built-in view, and some links are handled by a dedicated app rather than a browser.

It also does not sync or transfer your browsing information by itself. To bring over bookmarks, passwords, history, or other data, use Chrome’s import or sign-in options and review what you want to sync. Choosing Chrome as the default is optional and reversible; return to the same system setting to select another browser later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set Chrome as the default from Chrome itself?
Often, yes. Open Chrome’s Settings and select Default browser, then choose Make default. The final confirmation is usually handled in your device’s system settings.

Why does Windows ask me to choose link types?
Some Windows versions show the file types and web protocols associated with a browser. Use the offered default-browser control when available; otherwise, assign the web-link types you want Chrome to open.

Will setting Chrome as default import my bookmarks?
No. The default-browser choice only determines which app opens links. Import bookmarks and other browser data separately through Chrome’s import or sync options.

Can I change back to my old browser?
Yes. Open the same Default apps or Default web browser setting and select the other browser. You can switch again later.

Why does a link still open inside another app?
The app may use its own built-in browser view rather than handing the link to the system default. Check the app’s settings for an option to open links externally.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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