How to Set Firefox as Your Default Browser

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How to Set Firefox as Your Default Browser
Step-by-step instructions for making Mozilla Firefox your default web browser on Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad (iOS), and Android devices.
📋 Before You Begin
  • Mozilla Firefox must already be installed on your device. If it is not, see the How to Install Mozilla Firefox article first.
  • No internet connection is required to change your default browser setting.
  • Estimated time: 2–3 minutes on any device.

🖥️ Windows   |   ⏱️ Estimated Time: 2–3 minutes   |   Requires: Windows 10 or Windows 11

Windows 11

  1. Click the Start menu and open Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Select Apps from the left-hand menu, then click Default apps.
  3. In the search bar under "Set defaults for applications," type Firefox.
  4. Click on Firefox in the results.
  5. Click Set default at the top of the page.
  6. If prompted by Windows, confirm by selecting Switch anyway.

Windows 10

  1. Click the Start menu and open Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.
  3. Scroll down to Web browser and click the currently selected browser.
  4. A list of available browsers will appear — select Firefox.
  5. If prompted by Windows, click Switch anyway to confirm.
💡 Tip: You can also set Firefox as your default directly from within Firefox by clicking the menu button (≡), selecting Settings, and clicking Make Default under the General section.

🍎 Mac   |   ⏱️ Estimated Time: 2–3 minutes   |   Requires: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later

Option 1 — From within Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox on your Mac.
  2. Click the Firefox menu in the top-left corner of your screen (in the menu bar).
  3. Select Settings (or Preferences on older versions of macOS).
  4. In the General panel, find the Startup section.
  5. Click the Make Default button next to "Default Browser."
  6. A macOS dialog box will appear — click Use Firefox to confirm.

Option 2 — Via System Settings:

  1. Click the Apple menu () and go to System Settings (macOS Ventura or later) or System Preferences (earlier versions).
  2. Search for Default web browser or click Desktop & Dock.
  3. In the Default web browser dropdown, select Firefox.
💡 Tip: Either method works equally well — use whichever feels more comfortable to you.

📱 iPhone & iPad (iOS)   |   ⏱️ Estimated Time: 2 minutes   |   Requires: iOS 14 or later
  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap Firefox. (Firefox must be installed on your device.)
  3. Tap Default Browser App.
  4. Select Firefox from the list.
  5. A checkmark will appear next to it to confirm your selection.
⚠️ Note: This option is only available on iOS 14 or later. If you do not see Firefox in your Settings, make sure the app is installed and your device is updated.
💡 Tip: Once set, links tapped in Mail, Messages, and other apps will automatically open in Firefox.

🤖 Android   |   ⏱️ Estimated Time: 2–3 minutes   |   Requires: Android 5.0 or later

Option 1 — Via Device Settings:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Tap Apps (sometimes labeled Applications or App Management).
  3. Tap Default apps (you may need to tap the three-dot menu to find this option).
  4. Tap Browser app.
  5. Select Firefox from the list of available browsers.

Option 2 — From within Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox on your Android device.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Tap Set as default browser.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
⚠️ Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your Android device manufacturer and OS version.
🙋 Need Help?

If you run into any issues setting Firefox as your default browser, our IT Help Desk is here to assist you.

  • 📞 Phone: (918) 540-6099
  • 📧 Email: neosuport@neo.edu
  • 🚶 Walk-in: IT Department, Library Administration, 2nd Floor, Room 216
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