Before you can change the default web browser on your Mac, you will need to install another web browser besides Safari. Google Chrome is by far the most popular web browser with Internet users. First, launch Safari on your Mac, if you haven't already. Click on the Safari menu and click on Preferences.; From the preferences window, select the Search tab. Click the Search engine drop–down menu and choose the search engine you want to use (Google in our case).
How to change default web browser application on Mac computers?
The Safari application is the default web browser on all Apple products including Mac computers, such as iMac, iMac Pro, Mac mini, Mac pro, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, and also mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (with the mobile version of Safari). You may, however, not like the app interface or functionality and prefer alternative software such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera. This is common to those who have recently switched from Windows to Mac devices.
There are no restrictions on the number of similar applications you can have installed on the Mac operating system, however, additional applications do not change your default settings. Therefore, when you open a URL shortcut or external link, it will be loaded through the Safari application. Fortunately, there are a few simple methods that allow you to choose the software used to open URL shortcuts and external links. There may also be other reasons to change the browser, for example, due to various circumstances, Safari might be slower than alternative software. Another common reason to choose another browser is extensions required by the user that are unavailable on the Safari application. Individual users will have their own reasons to change the default browser, and in this article we describe methods to achieve this.
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Change default web browser on modern Mac OS
Starting with OS X Yosemite 10.10, Apple decided to move the default web browser option to System Preferences, and this setting remains on all newer versions. This decision made choosing the default browser more logical, however, long term users of Apple products may find it a little more confusing. To change the default browser on modern versions of Mac operating systems, click on the Apple logo in the menu bar at top of your screen, then select System Preferences. When the new window appears, click on General, and under this pane look for the drop-down menu beside 'Default web browser'. Click the menu and choose the desired application. Note: in order to switch between default web browsers, at least one alternative must be installed on your computer - therefore, before you can change the application, you must install Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or another browser. All available web browser applications will be listed within this drop-down menu.
Change default web browser on earlier Mac OS X
Changing the default web browser on earlier versions of the Mac operating system may seem confusing and somewhat illogical, since it requires launching the Safari application even though the purpose is to use an alternative application. This is the case if your Mac is running on OS X Mavericks 10.9 or an earlier version. To switch the default browser, launch the Safari app, then click on Safari in the menu bar at top of your screen. Select Preferences. Alternatively, press the keyboard shortcut of Command and Comma (,). In the new window, select the General tab, locate the drop-down menu beside Default web browser and select the program that you wish to use. Close the preferences window and quit Safari. From this point, your computer will open URL shortcuts and other external links with the software you have set. Additionally, most web browsing applications allow you to automatically set that particular program as the default, usually at each launch of the application (unless you have disabled the suggestions). If you have agreed to automatically set and wish to revert the default browser, you must repeat the procedure via Safari's preferences.
Alternative method to change default browser on Mac
You can also set an application as the default web browser through the browser's settings automatically. As mentioned above, web browsing software usually suggests that you assign it as the default app automatically, however, there is a way to accept this suggestion manually (if you have declined the suggestion before). On the other hand, this method may not work due to various restrictions on perform such changes within system preferences.
- To set Google Chrome as the default browser, launch it and click on three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window, then select settings. Alternatively, you can type chrome://settings in the address field. When the new window opens, scroll down until you find the Default browser section, click Make default, and the application automatically assigns itself as the default web browser.
- If you wish to set Mozilla Firefox as default web browser, launch it and click on three bars icon in the top right corner of the window, then select Preferences. Alternatively you can type about:preferences in the address field. Select General section from the left side bar, and at top of the current window look for the 'Firefox is not your default browser' message and at right side. Click Make Default. The application then automatically assigns itself as the default web browser.
- To set Opera as the default web browser, open the app and click on the Opera menu, then select Preferences. In the new page, ensure the Basic section is selected on the left sidebar. Click the option 'Make Opera my default browser'.
As you can see, assigning default option is similar on all web browsers. if you are using browser that are not mentioned here, open the applications' preferences and find this option under the General tab.
Video Showing how to change default web browser on Mac
Mac's default web browser Safari comes loaded with ‘n' number of security and privacy features. However, some of us might be in love with the interface or have a personal preference for a third party browser. While Mac allows you not just to install it on your device, it also lets you change the default web browser of your choice. If you are willing to do the same, here are a few ways to set the default browser of your choice on Mac.
What is a Default Web browser?
The default web browser on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any device means that when you click on a link from other apps, it will straight up open in that browser only. Macs come pre-installed with Safari as the default option. However, if you prefer alternatives like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, you can easily switch to them.
How to Change the Default Browser in macOS
- Click on the Apple icon located at the top left corner on Mac.
- Then, Click on ‘System Preferences.'
- Select ‘General' from the window that follows.
- Click on ‘Default Web Browser.' From the drop-down, select the browser you wish to keep the default.
Note: Let's suppose you wish to make Chrome your default browser.
How to Set the Default Browser on Mac from Browser Settings
- Open Chrome on your Mac.
- Click on the three vertical dots located at the top right corner, next to the address bar.
- Click on Settings.
- Then, click on ‘Default Browser.'
- In the following window, click on ‘Make Default.'
- You'll notice a popup window asking to confirm. Click on ‘Use Chrome.'
Wasn't That Quick to Change Default Browser on Mac?
Google Chrome
Even though Apple allowed its users to set a third-party browser as default on its devices, I would personally suggest you to use Safari considering its security and privacy features. However, if you still find some other browser-friendly, the mentioned steps should help you find a way through.
You may also like to read:
Make Google As Default Browser On Mac
Mayank is a published author and a tech-blogger with over ten years of writing experience for various domains and industries. At iGeeks, he mostly writes about blogs that solve user-problems and guide them on unleashing the full potential of their Apple Device. He can often be found with his headphones on, typing to the rhythm of some country song.
- Click on the Apple icon located at the top left corner on Mac.
- Then, Click on ‘System Preferences.'
- Select ‘General' from the window that follows.
- Click on ‘Default Web Browser.' From the drop-down, select the browser you wish to keep the default.
Note: Let's suppose you wish to make Chrome your default browser.
How to Set the Default Browser on Mac from Browser Settings
- Open Chrome on your Mac.
- Click on the three vertical dots located at the top right corner, next to the address bar.
- Click on Settings.
- Then, click on ‘Default Browser.'
- In the following window, click on ‘Make Default.'
- You'll notice a popup window asking to confirm. Click on ‘Use Chrome.'
Wasn't That Quick to Change Default Browser on Mac?
Google Chrome
Even though Apple allowed its users to set a third-party browser as default on its devices, I would personally suggest you to use Safari considering its security and privacy features. However, if you still find some other browser-friendly, the mentioned steps should help you find a way through.
You may also like to read:
Make Google As Default Browser On Mac
Mayank is a published author and a tech-blogger with over ten years of writing experience for various domains and industries. At iGeeks, he mostly writes about blogs that solve user-problems and guide them on unleashing the full potential of their Apple Device. He can often be found with his headphones on, typing to the rhythm of some country song.
Change Default Browser On Mac
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mayank/
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- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mayank/How to Enable Favicons in Safari on iPhone, iPad, or Mac
