How to Make Google Chrome Default Browser on Mac

The default browser is the web browser that automatically opens every time you click on a link. For example, if you have Safari installed as your default browser, all links from emails, documents, and other applications will open in Safari, even if you normally use Google Chrome.

If you want all links to open in Google Chrome, you need to set it as your default browser, follow this step-by-step guide.

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Make Sure Google Chrome Is Installed

Before setting Chrome as your default browser, you need to confirm that it's installed on your Mac.

• Open Finder and go to the Applications folder
• Look for Google Chrome in the list

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If Chrome is not installed:

• Visit google.com/chrome
• Check download progress
• Locate the downloaded .dmg file
• Drag Chrome into the Applications folder

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What If You Don’t See the "Applications" Folder in Finder

If the Applications folder does not appear in the Finder sidebar, try the following methods:

• Open Finder
• Go to any folder (like Downloads)
• Type Applications into the search bar

After accessing it, you can drag the Applications folder to the Finder sidebar for easy access in the future.

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Open System Settings

• Click the Apple menu  in the top-left corner of your screen
• Select System Settings from the dropdown

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Go to 'Desktop & Dock'

• In the System Settings window, scroll through the sidebar on the left.
• Click on Desktop & Dock.

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Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser

• Scroll down to the Default web browser section
• Click the dropdown menu and select Google Chrome

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Troubleshooting Tips

Chrome is missing from your system settings: 

If Chrome does not appear in the default browser list, make sure it is installed correctly and updated. Also, restarting your Mac may help refresh the list.

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Links still open in Safari

After installing Chrome by default, apps may still open links in Safari. Check the settings of individual apps and make sure they are configured to use the default browser.

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Using older versions of macOS

The instructions are for mac OS Ventura. If you are using an older version, navigation may be different.

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Better Chrome Alternative

If you're not happy with your current browser, it's worth considering browsers with AI assistants, here's a selection of the best in 2025. 

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Sigma AI Browser is a modern browser with built-in AI assistant, designed for productive and secure work.

• Concise design and lightness for macOS
• Online protection & No Tracking
• Integrated with AI