Make Google Chrome as Default Web Browser on Mac and iOS.
Have you just installed Google Chrome on your Mac or iPhone? You can start using it right away. But because of Safari, you won’t be able to get Chrome to open links from other apps (like Mail) unless you set it as the device’s default browser.
Mac makes it easy to make Google Chrome your default web browser. What about iOS? If you’re using the latest iPhone system software, this shouldn’t be a problem.
This article will walk you through all the possible ways to change your default browser from Safari to Chrome on both Mac and iOS.
How to Make Chrome the Default Browser on Mac
It takes just a few clicks to set Google Chrome as the default browser on Mac. You can do this using Mac’s System Preferences application. Or, you can quickly dig into Chrome’s internal settings page.
Method 1: Use Mac System Preferences
1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Select “General”.
3. Select the drop-down menu next to Default Web Browser.
4. Select Google Chrome.
5. Close System Preferences.
Method 2. Use the Chrome internal settings page
1. Open the Chrome menu (select the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of the window) and select Preferences.
2. Select Default Browser in the sidebar.
3. Select “Default”.
4. Select “Use Chrome”.
5. Close the settings page.
How to Make Chrome the Default Browser on iPhone
Just like on Mac, you have two ways to change the default browser on iPhone. You can use the Settings app on your device. Or, you can navigate to the default browser options from the internal Chrome settings screen. The following instructions also apply to iPad.
Note. Your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 (or newer) before you can change the default browser. If you have an older version, you can update by going to Settings> General> System Software.
Method 1: Use the iPhone Settings app
1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Chrome.
3. Click “Default Browser Application”.
4. Select Chrome.
5. Close the Settings app.
Method 2: Use Chrome’s internal settings screen
1. Open the Chrome menu (click the three-dot icon) and click Settings.
2. Select Default Browser.
3. Click “Open Chrome Preferences”.
4. Click “Default Browser Application”.
5. Select Chrome.
6. Tap Chrome in the upper left corner of the screen to return to Chrome. Then exit the Chrome settings screen.
Should You Make Google Chrome the Default on Mac and iOS?
Continuous use of Google Chrome on Mac and iPhone has its advantages. Before proceeding, however, you can weigh the pros and cons of his preference over Safari.
Cross-Platform Accessibility
Chrome is a truly cross-platform web browser. Besides Mac and iPhone, it is also available for PC, Android and Chromebook. Hence, setting it as your default browser means you have seamless access to your passwords, bookmarks, and settings regardless of platform. Learn how to use your Google account to sync your browsing data.
Excellent web compatibility
Chrome is the most popular browser on the planet, which means better web compatibility as developers tend to prioritize it over other browsers. If you run into fewer problems with Chrome, it makes sense to ditch Safari entirely.
However, this is not the case for the iOS version of Chrome, as it uses the same WebKit viewing engine as Safari.
Bulk extension support
Safari comes with a decent library of extensions, but that’s nothing compared to the arsenal of free add-ons available in the Chrome Web Store. Thanks to this, you can customize or improve any aspect of Chrome. Be sure to check out these best productivity and security Chrome extensions.
Again, this only applies to Chrome on Mac. On iOS, only Safari supports third-party browser extensions.
Enhanced Google Apps Support
If you rely on Google web apps like Gmail, Docs, Calendar for your day to day work, you’ll find it more convenient to use them in Chrome. For example, Chrome allows you to use Google Docs even when your Mac is offline.
Faster update cycle
Chrome is in a fast development cycle and receives regular updates every two to three weeks. This means faster bug fixes, new features, and increased security.
In contrast, Safari rarely gets separate updates. Also, new features are few and far between.
Not-So Stellar Privacy
So far, so good. But here’s the problem. Google doesn’t have good privacy practices. If you use a Google account with Chrome, expect it to collect all data about your online activities.
You have the option to delete the recorded data from your Google account. But if privacy is a concern, it’s best to stick with Safari or look for an alternative cross-platform browser like Firefox.
Consumes a lot of resources
On desktop devices, Chrome has a bad reputation for consuming a lot of RAM and CPU. If you’re using an older macOS device, Safari performs much better while conserving system resources. Unlike Chrome, it also uses less power and helps extend battery life.
Another viable alternative is switching to the lightweight Chromium browser, as it helps you get most of the benefits of Chrome.
Google Chrome on Mac and iPhone: The New Default
You are now using Google Chrome as your default browser on both Mac and iPhone. Safari still offers great performance and privacy, so you’ve got a solid browser to come back to if Chrome doesn’t impress.
Moving on, Microsoft Edge is another fantastic Chromium-based browser that comes surprisingly close to beating Chrome. Here’s our in-depth comparison between Edge and Chrome on Mac.
Make Google Chrome as Default Web Browser on Mac and iOS
Make Google Chrome as Default Web Browser on Mac and iOS