How to change your default browser on a Mac

If you have a new Mac®, you're likely familiar with Safari®, its pre-installed default browser. However, you might want to change your default browser to improve syncing or privacy features.

Asurion Experts keep your favorite devices running smoothly. Whether Safari isn't working on your Mac (fix Safari not working on Mac) or you need help with a new Mac mini® setup, we're here to solve the issue. If you just brought home a new device, check out 10 things to do with your new Mac. Here's how to change the default browser on Mac to Chrome™, Brave, Firefox™, or other browsing apps.

Change the default browser in macOS Ventura or later

If your Mac uses the macOS® Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia operating system, take these steps:

1. Download and install the new browser on the Mac.
2. Click Apple menu > System Settings.
3. Click Desktop & Dock.
4. Locate and click the newly installed browser from the Default web browser menu.

Change the default browser on older macOS versions

Devices running older operating systems, including macOS Monterey, Big Sur, and earlier, can follow these steps:

1. Download and install the new browser on the Mac.
2. Click Apple menu > System Preferences.
3. Click General.
4. Locate and click the newly installed browser from the Default web browser menu.

Use your browser's built-in prompt

Several browsers, including Chrome and Firefox, ask whether you want to use them as your default browser the first time you open them. If you confirm that you want to use the browser by default, it will automatically change your settings.

If you missed the prompt (or clicked no), you can always manually change your browser settings. Here's how to do that in several popular browsers.

Chrome

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the More three-dot menu.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Make default in the Default browser menu.
5. If no Default browser button is available, Chrome is already your default browser.

Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the Menu button. It resembles three horizontal lines.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the Make Default... button.
5. The Make Default... button won't display if Firefox is already your default browser.

Opera

1. Open Opera.
2. Click O or Opera.
3. Click Preferences.
4. Locate the Default Browser heading. Click Make Default.

Brave

1. Open Brave.
2. Click the Main menu.
3. Click Settings.
4. Locate the Get Started section. Click Make default next to Default browser.

Troubleshooting if the setting doesn't stick

If Safari continues to open webpages instead of your preferred internet browser, try these simple fixes.

Restart your Mac

A quick restart clears out temporary glitches and saves your new default browser settings.

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Click Restart.
3. Wait for your device to finish loading.
4. Open the new default browser to see if it works properly.

Confirm the new default browser is up-to-date

If you installed the new browser a while ago, there's a chance that a new, updated version is available. Take these steps to update your preferred browser.

Chrome

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the More three-dot menu.
3. Click Relaunch to update if it's available.

Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the Menu button. It resembles three horizontal lines.
3. Click Help > About Firefox.
4. Wait for Firefox to check for updates and install them automatically.
5. After the download and installation process finishes, click Restart to update Firefox.

Opera

1. Open Opera.
2. Click Opera > Update & Recovery...
3. Click Check for Update.
4. Wait for the update to download. Click Update.
5. Follow the prompts to close Opera and relaunch it.

Brave

1. Open Brave.
2. Click Menu > Help > About Brave.
3. Wait for Brave to check for updates and install them automatically.

Check for pending macOS updates

Make sure you have the most recent version of macOS installed. Then, follow these steps to check for available updates.

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Click System Settings > General > Software Update.
3. On older versions of macOS, click System Preferences > Software Update.
4. Click Update Now to download and install available updates.
5. Enter your password if prompted.
6. Wait for the update process to complete. Don't turn off the Mac or let it sleep.

FAQ

Where in macOS Settings can I make the switch?

Go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock. Locate the web browser in the Default web browser section and click it to update it to your default browser.

Will links automatically open in my new browser?

Yes, all webpages and links should automatically open in the new default browser. If they don't, verify your macOS settings and check the browser itself to make sure it shows as your default browser application.

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

Yes, restart your browser to allow the changes to take effect and resolve any temporary glitches.