This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
You can set Google Chrome as the default browser on your MacBook Pro by going to System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above), General, and “Default web browser.” Assuming you have Chrome installed, just select it from the list to make it your default browser.
I’m Jon, an Apple power user, and owner of a 2019 MacBook Pro. I make Chrome my default browser on every Apple device I own, and I made this guide to help you.
So, let’s review the steps to make Google Chrome your default browser.
How to Make Google Chrome Your Default Browser on Mac
Apple’s Safari is pre-set as the default web browser on MacBook Pros. So, whenever you click on certain links, Safari will automatically open, even if you prefer a different web browser, such as Chrome.
Thankfully, changing the default browser on your MacBook Pro is a straightforward process that should only take a few minutes. The steps below outline how to quickly complete the switch using System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above).
Step 1: Download The Web Browser
Before changing your default web browser to Chrome, you need to download it (if you haven’t already). If you already have it installed, skip down to Step 2.
To install Chrome, open Safari, type in https://www.google.com/chrome/browser, and then press return.
On the screen that opens, click on “Download Chrome.” Read through the Terms of Service, then click Accept and Install. After you accept the terms and conditions, click the Downloads icon in the top right corner of the browser.
Select googlechrome.dmg from the list, then drag Google Chrome to the Applications shortcut. After Chrome finishes copying, drag the mounted installer disk image for Chrome from the Desktop to the Trash to unmount it, as you don’t need it once Chrome is installed.
Step 2: Click The Apple Icon
Start by clicking on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen. In the drop-down menu that pops up, select System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above).
Step 3: Click General
Once the System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above) window opens, select General.
Usually, this icon is in the top left corner of the options, although it may vary somewhat from one case to the next.
Step 4: Change The Default Browser
In the General window, scroll down to “Default web browser,” which is a little way down the window of options and settings. Any web browsers you have downloaded on your computer will appear in the list next to “Default web browser.”
Click the up/down arrows to change the default web browser to a different option. If you want to switch to Google Chrome as your default web browser, find it in the list and select it. Once you switch Chrome to the default, any links you click on will automatically open Chrome.
How to Make Google Chrome The Default Browser on Mac via Browser Settings
Another way to change your default browser settings is through the browser itself. This method is also quick and easy, with only a few simple steps. Of course, you need to have Google Chrome downloaded on your MacBook Pro first.
If you don’t have it on your computer, follow the instructions above for downloading and installing the browser on your Mac.
Step 1: Open Chrome
To start, open Google Chrome on your MacBook. Once the window opens, click on Chrome in the toolbar at the top of your screen.
Step 2: Open Preferences
In the drop-down menu that appears after you click on Chrome in the toolbar, click Preferences. Once the Preferences window opens, scroll down to the ‘Default browser’ section.
Step 3: Set Chrome As Your Default
Next to ‘Default browser,’ click ‘Make default.’ This switches your default web browser to Chrome, which means Chrome will open anytime you click on a link.
Once you click ‘Make default,’ a window will appear asking if you want to Keep [browser] as your default or switch to Chrome. Select ‘Use Chrome.’
Conclusion
You can change your default browser on your MacBook Pro to Chrome through System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura and above) and General settings or Chrome’s Preferences. You can always switch the default back to Safari or any other browser in the future.
What’s the default browser on your MacBook Pro? Let us know in the comments.
About Jonathon Jachura
