How to Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser

Summary

Learn how to set Google Chrome as your default browser on Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad (iOS), and Android so that links automatically open in Chrome.

Body

🌐 How to Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser

Your default browser is the browser that automatically opens whenever you click a link — for example, in an email, a document, or another app. Follow the steps below to make Google Chrome your default browser on your device.

ⓘ Before You Begin

💻 Setting Chrome as Default on Windows

Estimated time: Under 2 minutes  |  Requires: Windows 10 or 11 with Chrome installed

Windows 11

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Click Apps, then click Default apps.
  3. Scroll down and click on Google Chrome in the list of apps.
  4. At the top of the page, click Set default.
  5. Chrome is now your default browser. Links will open in Chrome automatically.

Windows 10

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Click Apps, then click Default apps in the left panel.
  3. Scroll down to Web browser and click on whatever browser is currently shown (e.g., Microsoft Edge).
  4. A list of browsers will appear. Select Google Chrome.
  5. Chrome is now your default browser.
✓ Tip: You can also set Chrome as your default directly from within Chrome. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu > Settings > Default browser > click Make default.

🍎 Setting Chrome as Default on Mac

Estimated time: Under 2 minutes  |  Requires: macOS with Chrome installed

Method 1 — From Within Chrome (Easiest)

  1. Open Google Chrome on your Mac.
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Under the Default browser section, click Make default.
  5. A macOS prompt will appear. Click Use Chrome to confirm.
  6. Chrome is now your default browser on your Mac.

Method 2 — From System Settings

  1. Click the Apple Menu () and open System Settings (macOS Ventura or later) or System Preferences (older macOS).
  2. Click General (older macOS) or search for "Default web browser".
  3. Click the Default web browser dropdown and select Google Chrome.
✓ Tip: Method 1 is the quickest — it takes just a few clicks directly from inside Chrome.

📱 Setting Chrome as Default on iPhone / iPad (iOS)

Estimated time: Under 2 minutes  |  Requires: iOS 14 or later with Chrome installed

By default, iPhone and iPad open links in Safari. You can change this to Chrome in your device Settings.

  1. Make sure Google Chrome is installed on your device. If not, download it from the App Store first.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Scroll down and tap Chrome in the list of apps.
  4. Tap Default Browser App.
  5. Select Chrome. A checkmark will appear next to it.
  6. Chrome is now your default browser. Links in Mail, Messages, and other apps will now open in Chrome.
⚠ Note: The ability to change your default browser requires iOS 14 or later. If you do not see the Default Browser App option, please update your iPhone or iPad first via Settings > General > Software Update.

🧠 Setting Chrome as Default on Android

Estimated time: Under 2 minutes  |  Requires: Android 8.0 or later with Chrome installed

On most Android devices, Chrome is already the default browser. If it is not, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Tap Apps (or Applications on some devices).
  3. Tap Default apps (you may need to tap the three-dot menu to find this option).
  4. Tap Browser app.
  5. Select Chrome from the list.
  6. Chrome is now your default browser.
⚠ Note: Menu names may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Google Pixel). If you cannot find the option, try searching for "Default apps" in your device's Settings search bar.

📞 Need Help?

If you are having trouble setting Chrome as your default browser, contact the NEO A&M College IT Help Desk:

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

Details

Details

Article ID: 20701
Created
Mon 4/13/26 8:01 PM
Modified
Tue 4/14/26 2:17 PM