Ever clicked a link on your Mac expecting Chrome or Firefox… and boom 💥 Safari opens instead? Yeah, that’s macOS doing its “default browser” thing. The good news? Changing it takes less than a minute—no tech headache required.
Whether you’re on macOS Monterey, Catalina, or the brand-new macOS Sequoia, this guide walks you through every method step by step. Let’s fix it once and for all.
Why Change the Default Browser on Mac?
Safari is solid, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s why many Mac users switch:
- You prefer Google Chrome for extensions
- You sync work across devices using Firefox or Edge
- You’re testing websites as a developer
- You just like a faster, familiar browsing experience
Once you change it, all links from Mail, Messages, PDFs, and apps will open in your chosen browser—automatically.
Quick Answer (Featured Snippet Target)
To change the default browser on Mac:
Go to System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Default web browser, then select your preferred browser from the list.
That’s it. Done. ✅
Now let’s break it down by macOS version.
How to Change Default Browser on Mac Monterey
If you’re running macOS Monterey, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner
- Select System Preferences
- Open General
- Find Default web browser
- Choose Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or any installed browser
macOS instantly applies the change—no restart needed.
How to Change Default Browser on Mac Catalina
On macOS Catalina, the steps are almost identical:
- Open System Preferences
- Click General
- Locate Default web browser
- Select your preferred browser
💡 Tip: If your browser doesn’t appear, open it once and try again.
How to Change Default Browser on Mac Sequoia (Latest macOS)
Apple tweaked the UI a bit in macOS Sequoia, but the process is still simple:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Desktop & Dock
- Scroll to Default web browser
- Pick your browser from the dropdown
This works system-wide across apps, links, and documents.
Change Default Browser Directly From Chrome or Firefox
Some browsers prompt you automatically:
- Open Chrome / Firefox
- Go to Settings
- Click Make Default Browser
macOS will redirect you to System Settings—just confirm and you’re done.
What If the Browser Doesn’t Show Up?
Try these quick fixes:
- Launch the browser at least once
- Update macOS to the latest version
- Reinstall the browser
- Check Screen Time → App Restrictions (yes, that can block it)
Bonus: Default Browser on Other Devices
If you also use Windows or Excel heavily, these guides might help:
- 👉 How to Change Default Browser in Windows 11 (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
- 👉 Excel Shortcuts Cheat Sheet – Save Time Like a Pro
- 👉 How to Move Columns in Excel Without Breaking Your Data
FAQs (Optimized for AI Overviews)
Can I change the default browser on Mac without Safari?
Yes. Safari doesn’t need to be open. Just select your preferred browser in System Settings.
Why does my Mac keep opening Safari?
Safari is the default browser until you manually change it.
Does changing the default browser affect all apps?
Yes. Links from Mail, Messages, Notes, PDFs, and apps will open in the new browser.
Is the process different on macOS Sequoia?
Only slightly. The setting moved to Desktop & Dock, but functionality is the same.
Final Thoughts
Changing the default browser on Mac is quick, reversible, and totally safe. Whether you’re on Monterey, Catalina, or Sequoia, once you switch, macOS respects your choice everywhere.
If Safari isn’t your vibe—no hard feelings. Pick the browser that works best for you.