How to make Google Chrome your default browser

Your default browser opens every web link you click, in email and in other apps. Choosing one good browser everywhere keeps things simple and safe.

Why we recommend Chrome

Chrome updates itself in the background, so you get security fixes quickly.
Safe Browsing warns you about malware, phishing and harmful websites and extensions.
Google Password Manager is built in, and works the same on your computer and your phone.
The same browser on every device means one set of bookmarks, passwords and settings.

Install Chrome

Download it only from google.com/chrome. On a phone, use Google Play or the App Store.

Windows 11

Open Start › Settings › Apps › Default apps.
Under "Set defaults for applications", search for Chrome and click Google Chrome.
Next to "Make Google Chrome your default browser", click Set default.

Windows 10

Open Start › Settings › Apps › Default apps.
Under "Web browser", click the browser shown and choose Google Chrome.

Mac

Choose the Apple menu › System Settings › Desktop & Dock.
Scroll down and choose Google Chrome in the "Default web browser" menu.
Or in Chrome: More (⋮) › Settings › Default browser › Make default. No button? Chrome is already your default.

Android

Open Settings › Apps › Default apps › Browser app.
Choose Chrome. The menu names can differ a little between phone makers.

iPhone

Make sure your iPhone has the latest iOS.
Open Settings › Apps › Default Apps › Browser App and choose Chrome.
Or in Chrome: More › Settings › Default browser › Go to Settings…

Two checks afterwards

Safe Browsing: Chrome › Settings › Privacy and security › Security. Keep Standard protection on, or choose Enhanced protection. Never choose "No protection".
Updates: Chrome › More › Help › About Google Chrome. If an update is waiting, click Relaunch.

Lost or stolen device?

If you are a client of ours and your phone or computer has crashed, or was lost or stolen, let us know as soon as possible. Write to us using the contact details on our contact page, or use the direct email address or telephone number we gave you (we do not publish these). We can lock your account with us straight away, reset your login password, and help you set everything up again.

Sources (checked 20 October 2026)

Google: make Chrome your default browser. support.google.com
Microsoft: change default apps in Windows. support.microsoft.com
Apple: change the default web browser on Mac. support.apple.com
Apple: default apps on iPhone. support.apple.com
Google: Safe Browsing in Chrome. support.google.com
Google: update Chrome. support.google.com