Article сontents

1. Why Set Chrome as Default Browser

2. How to make Chrome your default browser on Windows (10 & 11)

3. How to Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser on Mac

4. How to Set Chrome as Your Default Browser on Android

5. How to Use Chrome as Your Default Browser on iPhone (iOS)

6. Troubleshooting: Can’t Set Chrome as Default?

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Why Set Chrome as Default Browser

Here’s what you get when Chrome is your default:

• Sync across devices – bookmarks, tabs, passwords
• Faster access to Google services (Gmail, Drive, Docs)
• Better security – Chrome is updated constantly
• Clean interface + powerful extensions
  

Learn more about Google Chrome features in the review. 

And here's the fun part: you can set Chrome as your default browser in less than a minute. We’ll show you how — on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. Plus, how to fix it if the option is grayed out.

Chrome gets the job done.But the way we browse is evolving — and AI browsers are leading the shift.
See the best artificial intelligence browsers of 2025 on Sigma Blog.

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How to make Chrome your default browser on Windows (10 & 11)

Here’s how to set Google Chrome as your default browser on a Windows computer.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

1. Open Google Chrome
   Double-click the Chrome icon on your desktop or find it via the Start menu.
   
   
2. Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner
   This opens the Chrome menu.
   
   
3. Select "Settings"
   Scroll down the menu and click Settings.
   
   
4. Go to "Default browser"
   In the left-hand sidebar, click "Default browser" (you may need to scroll a bit).
   
   
5. Click "Make default"
   You’ll see a button labeled Make default — click it.
   
   
6. Confirm the system change (if prompted)
   Windows might open a new window asking you to choose a browser. Select Google Chrome and click OK or Set default.

Important:

If the “Make default” button is greyed out, make sure:

• Chrome is fully installed (Download Chrome)
• You’re using the latest version
• Windows isn't restricted by admin settings (e.g. at work or school)

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How to Set Google Chrome as Your Default Browser on Mac

Here’s how to make Google Chrome your default browser on macOS — takes less than a minute.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

1. Download and install Google Chrome
   If you haven’t already, go install Chrome for macOS.
   Important: After installing, open Chrome at least once — otherwise it won’t appear in the system settings.
   
   
2. Open "System Settings"
   Click the Apple  logo in the top-left corner → Select System Settings (for macOS Ventura and newer).
   On older versions, open System Preferences.
   
   
3. Go to "Desktop & Dock"
   In the left-hand menu, scroll down and click Desktop & Dock.
   
   
4. Find "Default web browser"
   Scroll on the right until you see the Default web browser section.
   
   
5. Click the dropdown and select "Google Chrome"
   Choose Google Chrome from the list of installed browsers.
   
   
6. Close settings — and you're done!
   Chrome is now your default browser — all links will open in it automatically.

Note:
If you don’t see Chrome in the list:

• Make sure it’s installed and opened at least once
• Try restarting your Mac
  

This method works for macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and other modern versions.

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How to Set Chrome as Your Default Browser on Android

Here's how to make sure that Google Chrome opens all links on your Android device by default.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

1. Download and install Google Chrome from the Play Store

• Open the Google Play Store
• Tap Install
• Once installed, open the app at least once — this step is required for it to appear in system settings.
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2. Open your device’s Settings app
   You can find it by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the ⚙️ gear icon,
   or by opening the App Drawer and searching for Settings.
   
   
3. Scroll down and tap “Apps” (or “Apps & notifications”)
   The name may vary slightly depending on your device or Android version (Samsung, Pixel, etc.).
   
   
4. Tap “Default apps”
   This is where you choose default apps for browsing, calling, messaging, and more.
   
   
5. Tap “Browser app”
   
   
6. Select “Chrome” from the list
   You’ll see all installed browsers. Tap Google Chrome to make it your default.
   

Note:
If you don’t see Chrome as an option:

• Make sure it's installed and updated via the Play Store
• Open Chrome at least once before trying again
  

This method works on most Android devices, including Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and more.

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How to Use Chrome as Your Default Browser on iPhone (iOS)

By default, Safari handles all your links on the iPhone. But if you prefer Google Chrome, here’s how to make it the default browser:

✅ Step-by-step instructions

1. Install Google Chrome from the App Store
   Open the App Store and install it.
   Once installed, open the app at least once — this step is required for iOS to register Chrome as an available browser.
   
   
2. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone
   
   
3. Scroll down and find “Chrome” in the app list
   Apps are listed alphabetically — tap Chrome when you see it.
   
   
4. Tap “Default Browser App”
   
   
5. Select “Chrome” from the available options
   If Chrome is installed correctly, it will appear in the list. Tap it to confirm your choice.

Note:
This feature is available on iOS 14 and newer.
If you don’t see the “Default Browser App” option, make sure your system and Chrome app are updated.

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Troubleshooting: Can’t Set Chrome as Default

Trying to set Chrome as your default browser — but the option is missing, greyed out, or not working? Here are a few ways to fix it:

1. Make sure Chrome is installed and up to date

Sometimes the system won’t recognize Chrome if it hasn’t been opened yet or is outdated.

• Go to the Chrome app page in the App Store / Play Store
• Tap Open, or Update if available
• Then try again to set it as default
  
  

2. Restart your device

It sounds simple, but restarting your phone or computer can reset system defaults and help Chrome appear in the selection list.

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3. Uninstall and reinstall Chrome

• Delete the Chrome app from your device
• Reinstall it from the official app store
• Open it once to register it in system preferences
• Try setting it as default again

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4. Check system restrictions

On some school/work-managed devices, changing the default browser may be disabled. If you're on a managed device, you may need admin permissions.

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5. Clear default app settings (Android only)

If another browser is currently locked in as default:

• Go to Settings → Apps → [Your current default browser] → Open by default
• Tap Clear defaults, then go to Default apps → Browser app, and select Chrome
   

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