How to change the default browser on a Mac

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-change-the-default-browser-on-a-mac/ · Checked 4 October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

4 of 5 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device

Mac

Shown on

macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)

App

System Settings

Path

System Settings › Desktop & Dock › Default web browser

Real screenshots

4 of 5 steps

Checked

4 October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. Install the browser first

   Download it from the official website, open the downloaded file and drag the browser into the Applications folder. Open it once.

   Done

2. 

   Open System Settings

   Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and choose System Settings.

   Done

3. 

   Click Desktop & Dock

   It is in the list on the left.

   Done

4. 

   Scroll to Default web browser

   Scroll down the page. It sits just above the Windows section.

   Done

5. 

   Choose the browser from the menu

   The change applies immediately. Links in Mail, Messages and other apps now open there.

   Done

About this guide

A Mac opens links in Safari until you choose another browser. The setting is in a place few people expect, under Desktop & Dock.

Good to know

Most browsers also ask "Make default?" when you first open them. Clicking yes does the same thing.

To change the default email app, open Mail, choose Mail, Settings, General, and pick another app under Default email reader.

Make one file type open in a different app as well: How to change which app opens a file type on a Mac.

The same on an iPhone: How to change the default browser and other default apps on an iPhone.

In short: System Settings, Desktop & Dock, Default web browser, choose the browser.

📷 Camera Lab: the same 6 scenes photographed with 11 phones, side by side.