Change your default browser in System Settings

Open System Settings on your Mac. Click General in the sidebar, then scroll down and look for Default web browser. Click the dropdown menu next to it — you'll see all the browsers installed on your computer. Select the one you want to use as your default, and the change takes effect when ready.

That's the complete process. Any links you click in emails, messages, documents, or other apps will now open in the browser you selected. You don't need to restart your Mac or do anything else.

Key Takeaways

  • The default browser setting lives in System Settings under General, not in the browser itself.
  • Only browsers actually installed on your Mac appear in the dropdown menu.
  • The change takes effect when ready and applies to all apps on your computer.
  • You can change your default browser back at any time using the same menu.
  • If you don't see a browser in the list, it may not be fully installed or may need to be moved to your Applications folder.

What counts as a "default browser"

Your default browser is the app that opens whenever you click a link outside of a web browser — in an email, a text message, a PDF, a document, or anywhere else on your Mac. Setting a default doesn't change which browser opens when you click the browser icon in your dock or Applications folder. It only affects links from other apps.

macOS comes with Safari as the default browser. If you've installed Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, or another browser, you can switch to any of them. The browser you choose must be in your Applications folder for macOS to recognize it.

Browsers that may not appear in the dropdown

If you've installed a browser but don't see it in the System Settings dropdown, the most common reason is that it's not in your Applications folder. Some installers place the browser elsewhere, or it may still be in your Downloads folder. Move it to Applications and try again.

Older versions of some browsers — particularly those released before 2020 — may not support being set as a default on newer versions of macOS. If you're trying to use an older browser and it doesn't appear in the list, updating to the latest version usually fixes this. You can also check the browser's website to see if it supports macOS default browser settings.

Changing your default back to Safari

If you want to switch back to Safari, open System Settings, go to General, and select Safari from the Default web browser dropdown. Safari is always available in this menu, even if you've never changed away from it.

You don't lose any data or settings by changing your default browser. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in whichever browser you were using them in. Changing the default only affects which app opens links from other places on your Mac.

Why your default browser might not be working

If you've set a default browser but links still open in a different one, the most likely cause is that the browser you selected isn't fully installed or has been moved. Try moving it back to your Applications folder, then open System Settings again and reselect it as your default.

Another possibility is that a specific app — like your email client — has its own browser preference that overrides the system default. Most email apps let you change this in their own settings. Check the app's preferences or settings menu if links from that app aren't opening in your chosen browser.

Setting different browsers for different tasks

macOS only lets you set one system-wide default browser. You can't tell your Mac to open work links in one browser and personal links in another. However, you can manually choose which browser to use by right-clicking a link and selecting "Open with" from the menu, then picking the browser you want.

Some people keep multiple browsers installed for this reason — one for work, one for personal use, one for testing. You can switch your system default whenever you want, so if you find yourself using one browser most of the time, set it as your default and use "Open with" for the exceptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and history stay in the browser where you created them. Changing your default browser only affects which app opens links from other places on your Mac. You can switch back and forth between browsers without losing anything.

Can I set a different default browser for work and personal use?

macOS doesn't support multiple default browsers. You can set one system default, but you can right-click any link and choose "Open with" to pick a different browser for that specific link. Some people keep their most-used browser as the default and use "Open with" for exceptions.

What if my browser doesn't appear in the dropdown menu?

The browser must be in your Applications folder for macOS to recognize it. Check your Downloads folder or wherever you installed it, and move it to Applications. If it's already there, try updating the browser to the latest version — older versions sometimes don't support being set as a default on newer macOS versions.

Do I need to restart my Mac after changing the default browser?

No. The change takes effect when ready. You can test it right away by clicking a link in an email or document, and it should open in your new default browser.