How To Change Which Browser Opens Links

To change which browser opens links, you need to adjust your system's default browser settings. The exact steps vary by device, but the process is straightforward on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone or iPad.

How to change which browser opens links on Windows

This ensures all web links and files open in your preferred browser.

1. Click the Start menu button and open Settings (or press the Windows key + I).
2. Select "Apps" from the sidebar.
3. Click "Default apps".
4. Search for or select the browser you want to use in the "Set defaults for applications" box.
5. Click "Set default" at the top. This makes that browser your default for all supported link types.

For more granular control, you can assign the browser to specific file types and protocols. After selecting your browser in the Default apps screen, review the list under "Set default file types or link types" for the chosen browser. You may need to assign your preferred browser to each web file type (e.g., .htm, .html, HTTP, and HTTPS) by clicking on them and choosing it from the list. This is useful if the primary method didn't change every link type, but you can also make edge my default browser to streamline this entire process. If settings still won't stick, a reset edge browser to default can clear corrupted preferences that override your choices.

Alternatively, you can click on the browser you want to set as default, then click "Set default" next to "Make [Browser Name] your default browser". This shortcut is available for some browsers like Chrome.

How to change which browser opens links on Mac

The method depends on your macOS version. Modern macOS (Ventura and later) uses System Settings, while older versions use System Preferences.

Modern macOS (Ventura and later)

1. Install the web browser you want to use as your new default.
2. From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose "System Settings".
3. Click "Desktop & Dock" in the sidebar.
4. Scroll down on the right and choose a web browser from the "Default web browser" menu.

Older macOS

1. Click "General".
2. Choose a web browser from the "Default web browser" menu.

How to change which browser opens links on Android

Android uses a centralized menu within the Settings app to manage default apps, including your browser.

1. Open the "Settings" app.
2. Tap "Apps".
3. Under 'General', tap "Default apps" or "Choose default apps".
4. Tap "Browser app".
5. Select the browser that you want to use.

How to change which browser opens links on iPhone and iPad

Unlike other platforms, iOS requires you to change the default browser from within the browser app's own settings, found in the main Settings app. This feature requires iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 or later.

1. Ensure you have iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 or later, and the desired browser app is installed and supports this feature.
2. Go to "Settings" and scroll down until you find the browser app (e.g., Google Chrome).
3. Select the app.
4. Tap "Default Browser App".
5. Select a web browser to set it as the default. A checkmark appears to confirm it's the default. This changes the default browser for your iPhone, not just for specific applications.

How to test your new default browser

Click a link in an email or document to confirm it opens in the newly selected browser. If it doesn't, revisit the settings for your device to ensure the change was applied correctly.