There are many browsers for web surfing, but not all offer the best experience. While Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge get the work done, Google Chrome outshines the others. It includes support for various languages, syncing across devices, tab grouping, and incognito browsing. Chrome is the default browser on most Android phones and Chromebooks. We show you how to make it your go-to browser on any device.

Why Google Chrome is a great choice for your default browser

Several elements of Google Chrome make it a great default browser. One advantage is that it's an essential part of the Google ecosystem. Chrome supports integration with Gmail, Google Calendar, Drive, and other Google services. When you log in to your Google account on various devices, you can sync your bookmarks, apps, and extensions. Browsing updates you make on one device are reflected on other devices where you're signed in.

A Google Search page is open on an Android phone, iPhone, and Chrome browser.

It also supports cross-migration, allowing you to import settings from your previous default browser. You don't need to set up the browser from scratch. Depending on the web browser you're switching from, you can import your bookmarks, browsing history, homepage, search engines, and saved passwords.

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Chrome is the default browser for affiliated Google products. Most Android devices and Chromebooks have Chrome set up. Make sure to update the application when an update is available. Windows PCs and other devices must download and install Chrome before setting it as the default browser.

If you feel Chrome isn't doing enough, extend its capabilities with extensions from the Web Store.

How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Android

Samsung's smartphones and Apple's iPhones are popular smart devices that don't feature Chrome as the default. Follow these steps to set Chrome as your default web browser on any Android device you own.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Scroll up and tap Apps.
  3. Tap Choose default apps.
    selecting Apps option in Android settings menu
    Screenshot of the Apps menu in settings on Android
  4. Tap Browser app.
  5. Select Chrome to make it your default app.
    Screenshot of the default apps menu in settings on Android
    Selecting Chrome as the browser app menu on Android

If you don't see the Choose default apps menu on your version of Android, use the following steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps.
  2. Tap Chrome from the list to open the app info.
  3. Under Defaults, tap Browser app.
    Screenshot showing how to select Chrome from the Apps menu on Android
    Screenshot of Chrome app info in settings on Android
  4. Select Chrome to make it your primary browser.

You've now set Chrome as the default browser on your Android smart device. You can follow the same steps to change to a different browser.

How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Windows

Windows 10 and 11 PCs have Microsoft Edge set as the default browser. Windows 8 and 7 use Internet Explorer as the default. However, Microsoft stopped support for those OS versions and Internet Explorer. Google made a similar move at the start of 2023 and now requires Windows 10 or higher to run Chrome. If you want to make Chrome your default browser, update your computer's OS.

How to make Chrome the default browser on Windows 11

Follow these steps to set Google Chrome as your default browser on Windows 11:

  1. Download and install Chrome if you haven't.
  2. Go to the Start menu.
    Screenshot of the Windows 11 Start menu
  3. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
    Screenshot of the Windows 11 Apps menu settings page
  4. Under Set defaults for applications, type Chrome into the search box to find it quickly.
    Screenshot of the Default apps menu in settings on Windows 11
  5. Alternatively, scroll up and click Chrome from the apps list.
    Searching for Chrome in Windows 11 Default apps menu
  6. Next to Make Google Chrome your default browser, click Set default.
    Option for setting Chrome browser as default app on Windows 11

This process sets Chrome as your default browser for your Windows 11 computer.

The Google Chrome logo against a blue and white background.
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How to make Chrome the default browser on Windows 10

Changing your default browser looks slightly different if you're running Windows 10 on your computer. Follow these quick steps to do so.

  1. Download and install Chrome if you haven't.
  2. Click the Windows icon, and then click the Settings icon.
    Screenshot of the Windows 10 Start menu
  3. A new window pops up, displaying the settings menu. Click Apps.
    Screenshot of the Windows 10 settings menu with Apps option highlighted
  4. Click Default apps.
  5. Scroll up and click Microsoft Edge under Web browser. If you see Chrome, it means Chrome is your default browser.
  6. A list of browsers pops up. Select Chrome to make it your default browser.
    Screenshot of Windows 10 Default apps menu with Web browser options highlighted

Following these steps makes Chrome your default browser, whether your computer runs Windows 10 or 11.

How to make Google Chrome the default browser on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Apple devices have Safari as the default out of the box. You can change your default browser and email client to Google apps if that's your preference. This setting came with the release of iOS 14, despite the rivalry between Apple and Google.

Chrome is available for download on iOS 12 and higher. But only iPhones running iOS 14 and higher can set Chrome as the default app. MacBooks need macOS High Sierra 10.13 or a subsequent OS version.

Make Chrome your default browser on your iPhone or iPad

Setting Chrome as your default browser on an iPhone or iPad may feel strange, but it's hardly any trouble. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Tap the three-dot icon in the lower-right corner of your screen to expand the app menu.
  3. Scroll left and select Settings.
    Screenshot of the Chrome app on iPhone
    Screenshot of the Chrome menu on iPhone with settings option highlighted
  4. Tap Default browser.
    Screenshot of the Chrome settings menu on iPhone with Default Browser option highlighted
  5. Go to Open Chrome settings > Default Browser App.
    Screenshot of the Chrome Default browser menu on iPhone with 'Open Chrome settings' highlighted
    Screenshot of the Chrome browser settings on iPhone with Default Browser App option highlighted
  6. Tap Chrome to set it as your primary browser app.
    Screenshot showing how to set Chrome as the default browser app on iPhone

Chrome is now the default browsing app on your Apple smart device. When you launch a browser from a different app, your device uses Chrome.

Make Chrome the default browser on a MacBook or another macOS device

You can also make Chrome the default browser on your Apple computer. All it takes is a few simple steps.

  1. Download and install Chrome on Mac. Run the app.
  2. In the upper-right corner of your screen, click the three-dot icon to expand the app menu.
  3. Open Settings.
    Screenshot of the Chrome browser menu on Mac with Settings option highlighted
  4. Click Default browser.
  5. Click Make default.
    Screenshot of the Chrome settings menu on Mac
  6. A small tab pops up, prompting you to make Chrome your default browser. Select Use Chrome.
    Screenshot showing how to use Chrome as default browser option on Mac

Altering your default browser is easy whether you use Android, iOS, a PC, or a MacBook. You can change your mind later if Chrome isn't working out like you thought it would.

How to import data from a previous browser into Google Chrome

When switching your default browser, you'll likely want to bring your bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords from your old browser to Chrome. Here are instructions for importing data into Chrome from the most common desktop browsers (Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge):

  1. In the upper-right corner of your screen, click the three-dot icon to expand the app menu.
  2. Click Settings.
    Screenshot of the Chrome browser menu on Mac with Settings option highlighted
  3. On the main page that opens (under You and Google), click Import bookmarks and Settings.
    Import bookmarks and settings from other web browsers to Google Chrome in Settings.
  4. Select the desired browser from the drop-down menu.
  5. Select the items you want to import: browsing history, favorites/bookmarks, saved passwords, and autofill form data.
    Select a web browser and items to import to Google Chrome in Settings.
  6. Click Import.

You'll need to install the browser you want to import data from on your system.

What to do if you can't make Chrome your default browser

You may need to update Chrome or delete your cache if you can't make it your default browser. If that doesn't work, reset the settings.

How to reset Settings on Chrome

Here's how to reset Chrome:

  1. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
  2. Select Settings.
    Screenshot highlighting 'Settings' in Chrome
  3. Select Reset Settings.
    Screenshot highlighting 'Reset settings' in Chrome
  4. Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
    Screenshot highlighting 'Restore settings to their original defaults' in Chrome
  5. Click Reset Settings.
    Screenshot highlighting 'Reset settings' in Chrome

How to update Google Chrome

Using an outdated version of Chrome can lead to unexpected behavior. Here's how to update it:

  1. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Click About Chrome.
    Screenshot highlighting 'About Chrome' in Chrome
  4. Get the latest update.
    Screenshot highlighting 'Updating Chrome' in Chrome

How to delete cookies and cache

  1. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
  2. Click Clear Browsing Data.
    Screenshot highlighting 'Clear browsing data' in Chrome
  3. Select All time.
  4. Choose Clear data.
    Screenshot highlighting 'Clear data' in Chrome

Google Chrome's best features for browsing

Constantly copying and pasting links to your preferred browser can be frustrating. Setting your preferred browser as the default tool simplifies the web surfing experience. You can even set your favorite website as the default homepage.

Screenshot of the Google Chrome home page
Source: Google Chrome

Here are some of the best features that make Google Chrome the perfect default browser:

  • Speed: It often loads pages faster than its competitors thanks to optimizations like pre-rendering and its V8 JavaScript engine.
  • Simplicity: It has a clean, minimal interface. The streamlined tabs and Omnibox make navigating the web straightforward.
  • Extensions: You can customize Google Chrome with powerful extensions from the Chrome Web Store for productivity, privacy, and entertainment.
  • Sync: You can sign in to sync bookmarks, history, passwords, and settings across all your devices. Doing so makes it easy to access your browsing information anywhere.
  • Security: It offers leading security against malware and dangerous sites with Safe Browsing technology and sandboxing to isolate web pages and applications.
  • Updates: Because Google Chrome downloads updates in the background and applies the update upon restart, you always have the latest features and security fixes.
  • Compatibility: It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Android, and iOS. You can use the same browser experience on any device.

To improve your browsing experience, learn about Chrome's hidden features and tricks on the desktop version.

Make browsing easy with Google Chrome

Changing your default browser is easier than it sounds. You should import your browsing data from Safari, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge when switching to Chrome. Its clean and easy-to-use interface improves your browsing experience.

Google regularly pushes updates for the Chrome browser with new security features and other add-ons. However, there's always room for improvement. Level up your web browsing experience by installing some of the best Chrome extensions.