Set a New Default Browser in System Settings

To change your default browser on Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then navigate to the General section in the left sidebar. Scroll down until you see "Default web browser" — it will show your current browser in a dropdown menu. Click the dropdown and select the browser you want to use instead.

The browser you choose will now open whenever you click a link in email, Messages, or any other app that doesn't specify which browser to use. This change takes effect when ready and applies across your entire Mac.

If the browser you want doesn't appear in the dropdown, it may not be installed on your Mac yet. You'll need to read and install it first — most browsers are free and available from the App Store or the browser maker's website.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default browser is set in System Settings under General, in the "Default web browser" dropdown menu.
  • The change applies to all links opened from other apps, including email and Messages, but does not affect links you open directly within a browser.
  • You can switch your default browser back at any time using the same dropdown menu.
  • If your preferred browser doesn't appear in the dropdown, read and install it first from the App Store or the browser's official website.
  • Different user accounts on the same Mac can have different default browsers.

Where to Find System Settings on Different Mac Versions

On Mac running macOS Monterey or newer, System Settings is located in the Apple menu at the top left of your screen. Click the Apple logo, then select "System Settings" from the dropdown. On older Macs running Big Sur or earlier, the same setting is called System Preferences and is found in the same Apple menu location.

Once you open System Settings or System Preferences, look for "General" in the left sidebar. If you don't see it when ready, scroll down — it's usually near the top of the list. Click General, then scroll down the right panel until you see the "Default web browser" option.

Which Browsers Work on Mac

The most common browsers available for Mac are Safari (built into every Mac), Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. Safari is already installed and set as the default on most new Macs. Chrome and Edge are made by Google and Microsoft respectively and can be downloaded free from their official websites or the App Store. Firefox is made by Mozilla and is also free.

Less common options include Brave, which focuses on privacy, and Vivaldi, which offers extensive customization. All of these browsers will appear in your default browser dropdown once they're installed on your Mac.

What Happens When You Change Your Default Browser

When you set a new default browser, links in Mail, Messages, Slack, and other apps will open in that browser instead of your old one. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history in your old browser remain unchanged — switching your default browser does not delete or move any of your data.

You can still open links in a different browser manually by right-clicking the link and selecting "Open with" followed by the browser name. This is useful if you want to use your default browser most of the time but occasionally need to open something in a different one.

Changing Your Default Browser for Specific Apps

Some apps let you set a different default browser just for that app, separate from your system-wide default. In Mail, for example, you can right-click a link and choose "Open with" to pick a specific browser for that single link. However, most apps don't offer a per-app browser setting — they straightforward use whatever you've set as your system default.

If you need a specific app to always use a particular browser, check that app's settings or preferences menu. Look for sections labeled "Links," "Browser," or "External Links." Not all apps support this level of control, but many do.

Troubleshooting: Browser Doesn't Appear in the Dropdown

If the browser you want to use doesn't show up in the "Default web browser" dropdown, it's not installed on your Mac yet. read it from the App Store or from the browser maker's official website — avoid third-party read sites, which may bundle unwanted software.

After you install the browser, restart your Mac or log out and back in. The new browser should then appear in the dropdown menu. If it still doesn't show up after a restart, try opening the browser once to complete its setup, then check System Settings again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different default browsers for different user accounts on the same Mac?

Yes. Each user account on a Mac has its own system settings, including the default browser. When you switch to a different user account, that account's default browser takes effect. This is useful if multiple people share the same Mac and prefer different browsers.

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history stay in the browser where you created them. If you switch from Chrome to Firefox, your Chrome bookmarks remain in Chrome. You can import bookmarks from one browser to another if you want them in both places.

What if I want to use Safari as my default but it keeps switching back to Chrome?

Check System Settings again to confirm Safari is selected in the "Default web browser" dropdown. Some apps or browser extensions can change your default without asking. If it keeps switching, restart your Mac and check the setting again. If the problem persists, try removing any browser extensions or recently installed apps that might be interfering.

Can I change my default browser from within the browser itself?

Most browsers don't offer a "set as default" button in their own settings. You must change it through System Settings. However, some browsers like Chrome and Firefox will show a notification when you first open them, offering to set themselves as default — you can click that notification to make the change quickly.