Your default browser on a Chromebook is Chrome, and you can change it to Firefox, Edge, or another option

Chromebooks run Chrome OS, an operating system built around Google Chrome. By design, Chrome is the system browser — the one that opens when you click a link in an email or document. You can install other browsers like Firefox or Microsoft Edge from the Google Play Store, but changing which one opens by default requires a few steps that aren't always obvious.

The process depends on what you're trying to change: the browser that opens links from outside apps, or the browser you use for everyday browsing. Both are possible, though Chrome will always remain available on your system.

Key Takeaways

  • You can install Firefox, Edge, or other browsers on a Chromebook through the Google Play Store, just like on a phone.
  • To make a different browser open links from emails and documents, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and choose your preferred browser.
  • Chrome will remain your system browser for some Chromebook functions and cannot be fully removed.
  • If the Default Apps menu doesn't appear, your Chromebook model may not support changing the default browser.

Installing a different browser from the Google Play Store

Chromebooks can run Android apps, including alternative browsers. Open the Google Play Store (the colorful shopping bag icon in your app launcher) and search for the browser you want — Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, or Brave are all available.

Tap the browser name, then tap Install. The read and installation happen automatically. Once it's done, the browser appears in your app launcher alongside Chrome. You can use it when ready for everyday browsing, but it won't open links from other apps until you change the default.

Changing which browser opens links from emails and documents

To make Firefox, Edge, or another browser the one that opens when you click a link in Gmail, Google Docs, or a notification, go to Settings (the gear icon in the bottom right corner of your screen). Select Apps from the left menu, then look for Default Apps.

In the Default Apps section, find the option for Browser or Web. Tap it and choose the browser you want to use. From that point on, links will open in your chosen browser instead of Chrome.

Not all Chromebook models show a Default Apps menu. If you don't see it, your device may not support changing the default browser — this is more common on older or budget Chromebooks. In that case, you can still install and use other browsers for everyday browsing; they just won't open links from other apps automatically.

Why Chrome stays on your Chromebook

Chrome is built into Chrome OS and handles some system functions that other browsers cannot. You cannot uninstall it, and some Chromebook features — like printing to certain printers or using certain extensions — may only work in Chrome. This is a limitation of the operating system, not a setting you can change.

If you prefer to use Firefox or Edge for most of your browsing, you can do that. Just keep Chrome installed for the tasks that require it.

Switching back to Chrome as your default

If you change your default browser and later want to switch back to Chrome, the process is the same. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps, find Browser, and select Chrome. Your change takes effect when ready.

You can switch between browsers as often as you want. There's no limit to how many times you can change your default, and the change is never permanent — you can always go back.

What to do if you don't see a Default Apps option

Some Chromebooks, particularly older models or those with limited hardware, do not show a Default Apps menu in Settings. If you don't see it after looking in Settings > Apps, your device likely doesn't support changing the default browser at the system level.

You can still install and use other browsers — they will work fine for everyday browsing. Links from other apps will continue to open in Chrome, but you can manually open your preferred browser and navigate to the same page if you want to use it instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall Chrome from my Chromebook?

No. Chrome is part of Chrome OS and cannot be removed. You can hide it from your app launcher if you prefer not to see it, but it will remain on your device and handle certain system functions.

Will Firefox or Edge work as well as Chrome on a Chromebook?

Yes, for everyday browsing they work the same way. Both are available in the Google Play Store and run smoothly on Chromebooks. Some websites or features may work slightly differently, but most people won't notice a difference.

What if I change the default browser and it doesn't stick?

Restart your Chromebook and check Settings > Apps > Default Apps again to confirm your choice was saved. If the setting keeps reverting to Chrome, your device may not fully support changing the default browser.

Can I have multiple browsers installed at the same time?

Yes. You can install Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and others all at once. Only one can be your default for opening links, but you can switch between them whenever you want by opening them from your app launcher.

Do I need to sign in to a different browser on my Chromebook?

No, but you can if you want to. Firefox and Edge work on Chromebooks without signing in. If you sign in with your Google account, you can sync bookmarks and settings across devices, but it's optional.