Where to find and change your default apps

On a Mac, your default apps are the programs that open automatically when you click a file or link. You change them in System Settings under the Default Apps section. Open System Settings (the gear icon in your Dock or Applications folder), then scroll down the sidebar until you see Default Apps. Click it, and you'll see a list of app categories — web browser, email, maps, music player, and others. Click any category to see which app is currently set as default, then choose a different one from the dropdown menu.

The process is straightforward because Apple groups defaults by function rather than by file type. You won't need to dig through dozens of settings or restart your Mac. Changes take effect when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Default Apps is located in System Settings, accessible from the Apple menu or Dock.
  • You can change your default web browser, email client, maps app, music player, and other categories with a single click.
  • Changes explore right away — you don't need to restart your Mac or log out.
  • If you install a new app that can handle a certain file type, macOS will sometimes ask if you want to make it the default.

Changing your web browser default

Your default web browser is the app that opens when you click a link in an email, document, or web page. In System Settings, go to Default Apps and look for the Web Browser category. Click the dropdown menu next to it. You'll see Safari (Apple's built-in browser) selected by default, along with any other browsers you've installed — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or others. Select the one you want to use, and it becomes your default when ready.

This is one of the most common defaults people change, especially if they prefer a browser other than Safari. The change sticks across your entire Mac, so every link you click will open in your chosen browser from that point on.

Changing your email and calendar defaults

If you use an email client other than Apple Mail, you can set it as your default. In Default Apps, find the Mail category and click the dropdown. You'll see Mail (Apple's built-in app) and any other email clients you've installed — Outlook, Gmail in your browser, Spark, or others. Select your preferred email app. The same process works for Calendar if you use a different calendar app instead of Apple Calendar.

When you set a non-Apple email app as default, links that say "Email me" or "Contact us" will open in that app instead of Mail. This is especially useful if your workplace uses Outlook or if you manage multiple email accounts in a third-party client.

Setting defaults for maps, music, and other categories

System Settings also lets you choose defaults for Maps (Apple Maps or Google Maps), Music (Apple Music or a third-party player), Photos (Apple Photos or another photo app), and a few other categories depending on what you have installed. The process is identical: open Default Apps, find the category, click the dropdown, and select your preferred app.

Not every category will show up if you don't have alternative apps installed. For example, if you've never installed a different maps app, you won't see a Maps category. As you install new apps that can handle these functions, the categories will appear.

What happens when you install a new app

When you install a new app that can handle a function — like a web browser or email client — macOS may ask if you want to make it your default. A dialog box will appear asking something like "Would you like to use [App Name] as your default web browser?" You can click Use [App Name] to accept, or Not Now to keep your current default. You can always change your mind later in System Settings.

If you miss this prompt or dismiss it, you can still change the default manually through System Settings at any time. There's no penalty for declining the prompt — it's just a convenience feature.

Resetting to Apple's defaults

If you want to go back to Apple's built-in apps as your defaults, you can change them one at a time through System Settings. There's no "reset all to default" button, so you'll need to open Default Apps and switch each category back to Safari, Mail, Apple Maps, or whichever Apple app you want. This takes a minute or two if you've changed several defaults, but it's the only way to do it.

Some people keep Apple's defaults for most categories but change just the web browser or email client. You can mix and match however you like — there's no requirement to use all Apple apps or all third-party apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different default apps for different user accounts on the same Mac?

Yes. Each user account on your Mac has its own System Settings, so each person can set their own defaults. When you log in as a different user, their defaults take effect. This is useful if multiple people share a Mac and prefer different browsers or email clients.

Why does my browser sometimes open in a different app than I set?

If you have multiple browsers installed and one of them is set to always open links from within itself, that app may override your system default. Check the settings inside your browser — many have an option to "always open links in this browser" that takes priority over the Mac system default. Turning that option off usually fixes the problem.

Do I need to restart my Mac after changing a default app?

No. Changes to default apps take effect when ready. You don't need to restart, log out, or close and reopen any apps. The next time you click a link or file, it will open in your newly selected default app.

What if the app I want to use as default isn't showing up in the list?

The app may not be installed, or it may not support that function. For example, not every app can be a default email client — the app has to be built to handle that role. Check the app's documentation or settings to see if it offers that capability. If it does and still doesn't appear, try restarting your Mac or reinstalling the app.