How to Change the Default Browser in macOS

Make your favorite browser your computer's first pick

By
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer
Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.
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Updated on February 24, 2021

What to Know

  • Go to the Apple menu and choose System Preferences > General. Choose a new browser from the Default Web Browser drop-down.
  • The list displays only the browsers installed on your Mac. If your choice isn't on the list, go to the browser website and download it.

Apple Safari is the macOS default browser. With alternatives like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox available on the platform, along with Opera, Vivaldi, and other browsers, it's common to have several browsers installed on the same computer. Here's how to change the default browser in macOS (or OS X) Yosemite (10.10) through Catalina (10.15).

How to Change the Mac's Default Browser

To change the default browser on your Mac, change some settings in System Preferences. Here's what to do.

  1. Under the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

    Apple menu showing System Preferences option

  2. Select General.

    Mac System Preferences

  3. Select the Default Web Browser drop-down menu and choose a new browser.

    General preferences on a Mac

    The browser list displays only the browsers installed on your Mac. If your choice isn't on this list, go to the browser's website and download it to your Mac.

  4. Close System Preferences to save your changes.

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