Safari is the default browser in macOS and has been ever since Apple first built its own web browser. Before that, for a while, it was Internet Explorer — but the less said about that the better, and before that, it was Netscape Navigator. Remember that?
- Mac Default Browser Chrome
- Set Chrome As Default Browser Windows 10
- Mac Default Browser Chooser
- Mac Default Browser Setting
Safari is a perfectly good web browser and offers most of the features of its competitor web browsers, including autofill for forms and credit card details, secure password storage, and the ability to request that websites do not track you. Given Apple's recent focus on privacy, it's not unlikely that Safari will soon be the best option all around for Mac users who want to surf the net securely.
However, there are perfectly good reasons why you might want to use a different browser. Performance is one of them. While Safari is pretty speedy, for some users in some circumstances it's slower than Chrome or Firefox. Or it might be that there are extensions you need that are only available in Chrome, or perhaps a website you use regularly doesn't work properly in Safari. So, here's how to open a different browser on Mac and set it default.
Safari, the default macOS web browser, is okay for simple tasks. But it severely lacks the productivity features and extensions offered with other web browsers. Here's a tutorial on how to change the default web browser on Mac to anything else besides Safari. Safari is the default browser in macOS and has been ever since Apple first built its own web browser. Before that, for a while, it was Internet Explorer — but the less said about that the better, and before that, it was Netscape Navigator. Safari is the default browser when you first set up your Mac, but another browser you install can become the default unexpectedly. On your Mac, choose Apple menu System Preferences, then click General. Click the 'Default web browser' pop-up menu and choose Safari. Some apps open webpages in a browser other than your default browser. Open your default apps: Original version: Click System Default apps. Creators Update: Click Apps Default apps. At the bottom, under 'Web browser,' click your current browser (typically Microsoft Edge).
What is a default web browser?
Before we get to how to change your default web browser, it's worth considering what a default web browser is and does. Put simply, it's the web browser that opens a link when you click on it in an email or other document. If you use Spotlight and click on a result from the web, it will open in your default browser. In fact, any task that opens a URL will be performed in that web browser. It doesn't mean, of course, that you can't use other browsers to surf the net.
So, if you just need to access specific sites in Chrome or Firefox, you don't need to change your default browser. Even if Safari is your default browser, you can open any link in another browser, by holding down the Control key when you click on it and selecting Copy Link, then paste it in the address bar of any browser you like.
Clearing cache and cookies can remove outdated information and fix possible bugs on websites. CleanMyMac X automates the cleanup: it lets you clear all browsing data at the touch of a button. Additionally, you can run a full system scan to optimize and maintain your macOS. It's free to try the app, so you don't lose anything!
How to set the default browser on Mac through System Preferences
Apple changed the way you set the default browser in OS X Yosemite and it has remained the same since then. Previously, as you'll see below, you had to open Safari to, say, make Google Chrome the default browser. As Apple realized, eventually, that's plain daft. Here's how to do it now.
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Choose the General tab.
- Just over halfway down, there's a menu next to the 'Default web browser.' Click on it and choose the browser you want to set as the default.
How to change the default web browser from the browser's settings
Every browser wants to be the default — it's the most obvious way to increase user numbers. And so whenever you open a browser that's not the default, you'll see a pop-up window asking if you want to set it as your browser of choice. If you choose so, it will change the System Preferences setting and position itself as the default.
If you refuse and later decide you want to make it the default, after all, that's easy too. Here's how you do it in some of the more popular browsers for macOS.
Safari
- Launch the Safari browser.
- Go to the Safari menu and choose Preferences.
- In the general tab, press the Set Default button.
- Press Use 'Safari' to confirm.
Mac operating systems by date. Chrome
- To make Chrome the default browser, first of all, launch it.
- Click on the Chrome menu and select Preferences.
- On the web page that opens, scroll down until you see the 'Default browser.'
- Click 'Make default' and confirm.
Firefox
- Launch Firefox.
- In the Firefox menu, click Preferences.
- At the top of the page, you should see 'General' and underneath it, a message saying that Firefox isn't currently your default browser. To the right of that, click Make Default.
If you want to change your default browser to any other browser not mentioned in this article, you can take a similar route: browser menu > Preferences > Make (Set) default. Videosolo blu ray player 1 1 80.
3 quick tips to make your browser faster
Whichever web browser you use, there are some tips you should remember in order to keep it running optimally.
1. Always use the most up-to-date version.
Safari updates with macOS system updates, so make sure you install system updates when they become available. Most browsers automatically update themselves when you close and reopen them. But if you keep them open permanently, they won't update. So the easiest way to keep them updated is to quit them every now and again.
2. Don't keep lots of tabs open at once.
Open tabs, even those that are hidden, consume RAM, processor cycles, and energy. The more you have open, the slower your Mac will become. So close tabs you no longer need.
3. Keep your Mac clean of junk
Unnecessary files, including cache, cookies, language files, and old updates can slow down your whole system, as they take more and more space. The simplest way to get rid of them is to use a dedicated app like CleanMyMac X. To quickly delete useless files on your Mac, follow the steps:
- Download CleanMyMac X and launch it.
- Click Smart Scan.
- Click Run.
As you can see, setting your default web browser in macOS is very easy — choosing which browser to use maybe less so. Whichever browser you choose, you should maintain it to keep it running optimally, CleanMyMac X can help do that easily. https://jlrhc.over-blog.com/2021/01/usb-icons-mac.html.
These might also interest you:
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.
Mac Default Browser Chrome
Note: Let's suppose you wish to make Chrome your default browser.
How to Set the Default Browser on Mac from Browser Settings
Set Chrome As Default Browser Windows 10
- 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.'
Mac Default Browser Chooser
Wasn't That Quick to Change Default Browser on Mac?
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.
So, if you just need to access specific sites in Chrome or Firefox, you don't need to change your default browser. Even if Safari is your default browser, you can open any link in another browser, by holding down the Control key when you click on it and selecting Copy Link, then paste it in the address bar of any browser you like.
Clearing cache and cookies can remove outdated information and fix possible bugs on websites. CleanMyMac X automates the cleanup: it lets you clear all browsing data at the touch of a button. Additionally, you can run a full system scan to optimize and maintain your macOS. It's free to try the app, so you don't lose anything!
How to set the default browser on Mac through System Preferences
Apple changed the way you set the default browser in OS X Yosemite and it has remained the same since then. Previously, as you'll see below, you had to open Safari to, say, make Google Chrome the default browser. As Apple realized, eventually, that's plain daft. Here's how to do it now.
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Choose the General tab.
- Just over halfway down, there's a menu next to the 'Default web browser.' Click on it and choose the browser you want to set as the default.
How to change the default web browser from the browser's settings
Every browser wants to be the default — it's the most obvious way to increase user numbers. And so whenever you open a browser that's not the default, you'll see a pop-up window asking if you want to set it as your browser of choice. If you choose so, it will change the System Preferences setting and position itself as the default.
If you refuse and later decide you want to make it the default, after all, that's easy too. Here's how you do it in some of the more popular browsers for macOS.
Safari
- Launch the Safari browser.
- Go to the Safari menu and choose Preferences.
- In the general tab, press the Set Default button.
- Press Use 'Safari' to confirm.
Mac operating systems by date. Chrome
- To make Chrome the default browser, first of all, launch it.
- Click on the Chrome menu and select Preferences.
- On the web page that opens, scroll down until you see the 'Default browser.'
- Click 'Make default' and confirm.
Firefox
- Launch Firefox.
- In the Firefox menu, click Preferences.
- At the top of the page, you should see 'General' and underneath it, a message saying that Firefox isn't currently your default browser. To the right of that, click Make Default.
If you want to change your default browser to any other browser not mentioned in this article, you can take a similar route: browser menu > Preferences > Make (Set) default. Videosolo blu ray player 1 1 80.
3 quick tips to make your browser faster
Whichever web browser you use, there are some tips you should remember in order to keep it running optimally.
1. Always use the most up-to-date version.
Safari updates with macOS system updates, so make sure you install system updates when they become available. Most browsers automatically update themselves when you close and reopen them. But if you keep them open permanently, they won't update. So the easiest way to keep them updated is to quit them every now and again.
2. Don't keep lots of tabs open at once.
Open tabs, even those that are hidden, consume RAM, processor cycles, and energy. The more you have open, the slower your Mac will become. So close tabs you no longer need.
3. Keep your Mac clean of junk
Unnecessary files, including cache, cookies, language files, and old updates can slow down your whole system, as they take more and more space. The simplest way to get rid of them is to use a dedicated app like CleanMyMac X. To quickly delete useless files on your Mac, follow the steps:
- Download CleanMyMac X and launch it.
- Click Smart Scan.
- Click Run.
As you can see, setting your default web browser in macOS is very easy — choosing which browser to use maybe less so. Whichever browser you choose, you should maintain it to keep it running optimally, CleanMyMac X can help do that easily. https://jlrhc.over-blog.com/2021/01/usb-icons-mac.html.
These might also interest you:
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.
Mac Default Browser Chrome
Note: Let's suppose you wish to make Chrome your default browser.
How to Set the Default Browser on Mac from Browser Settings
Set Chrome As Default Browser Windows 10
- 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.'
Mac Default Browser Chooser
Wasn't That Quick to Change Default Browser on Mac?
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:
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.
Mac Default Browser Setting
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- 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
