How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Mac

Your default browser is the app that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, document, message, or another app. On most Macs, Safari is the default browser. But if you prefer Google Chrome, you can change this in System Settings.

Once Chrome is set as your default browser, most links will open in Chrome instead of Safari. This guide explains how to make Chrome the default browser on newer versions of macOS, including macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia. The steps may look slightly different on older versions of macOS, but the setting is usually in a similar place.

Make Sure Google Chrome Is Installed

Before setting Chrome as your default browser, make sure it is installed on your Mac.

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to the Applications folder.
3. Look for Google Chrome in the list.

If you see Google Chrome in Applications, you can continue to the next step.

If Chrome is not installed yet:

1. Go to the official Google Chrome download page.
2. Download Chrome for macOS.
3. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
4. Drag Google Chrome into the Applications folder.
5. Open Chrome once to finish setup.

Google currently says Chrome on Mac requires macOS 12 Monterey or later, so if your Mac runs an older macOS version, Chrome may not install or update correctly.

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

If the Applications folder does not appear in your Finder sidebar, you can still find it manually.

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to any folder, such as Downloads.
3. Type Applications into the search bar.
4. Open the Applications folder.
5. Find Google Chrome in the folder.

You can also press Shift + Command + A in Finder to open the Applications folder quickly.

If you want easier access later, drag the Applications folder into the Finder sidebar.

Open System Settings

After confirming that Chrome is installed, open your Mac settings.

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings.

This opens the main settings app on your Mac.

Go to Desktop & Dock

In System Settings:

1. Scroll down in the left sidebar.
2. Click Desktop & Dock.
3. Scroll down until you find Default web browser.

On macOS Ventura 13 or later, Apple places the default browser setting under Desktop & Dock in System Settings.

Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser

Now change the default browser from Safari to Chrome.

1. Find the Default web browser setting.
2. Click the dropdown menu.
3. Select Google Chrome.

After this, macOS should use Chrome as the default browser for most links from emails, messages, documents, and other apps.

Alternative Method: Set Chrome as Default from Chrome Settings

You can also make Chrome your default browser directly from Chrome.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Go to Default browser.
5. Click Make default.

If you do not see the Make default button, Chrome may already be your default browser.

What If Chrome Does Not Appear in the Default Browser List?

If Google Chrome does not appear in the default browser dropdown, try these fixes:

1. Make sure Chrome is installed in the Applications folder.
2. Open Chrome at least once.
3. Update Chrome to the latest version.
4. Restart your Mac.
5. Return to System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Default web browser.

If Chrome was installed from a damaged or incomplete download, delete it and install it again from the official Google Chrome website.

What If Links Still Open in Safari?

If links still open in Safari after you set Chrome as the default browser, check these things:

1. Restart the app where you clicked the link.
2. Restart your Mac.
3. Check that Chrome is still selected under Default web browser.
4. Check whether the app has its own browser settings.

Some apps may open links in their own in-app browser or ignore the system default browser. In that case, you may need to change the app’s own settings.

How to Change the Default Browser from Chrome Back to Safari

You can switch back to Safari at any time.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Desktop & Dock.
3. Scroll to Default web browser.
4. Open the dropdown menu.
5. Select Safari.

You can use the same steps to set another browser as your default browser later.

Should You Use Chrome as Your Default Browser on Mac?

Chrome is a popular choice because it works well with Google services, supports many extensions, and syncs bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history across devices. If you already use Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, or Android, Chrome can feel convenient.

However, Chrome is not the only option for Mac users. Some people prefer Safari for Apple ecosystem features. Others choose browsers with stronger privacy tools, built-in AI features, or more control over tracking.

If you want a browser built for modern work on Mac, Sigma AI Browser is another option to consider. It combines private browsing with AI chat, page-aware tools, Deep Research, and privacy-focused workflows, so you can research, summarize, write, and work with webpages in one place.

Final Thoughts

Making Chrome the default browser on Mac only takes a few minutes. Once you change the setting, most links from emails, documents, messages, and apps will open in Chrome instead of Safari.

If Chrome does not appear in the list, make sure it is installed in the Applications folder, open it once, restart your Mac, or reinstall it from the official Google Chrome website.

For users who want a different browsing experience, Chrome is not the only option. You can also choose a browser with stronger privacy controls, built-in AI tools, or workflows designed for modern online work. If you want a private AI browser for Mac, Sigma AI Browser is worth considering.