Buzz
Are you finding your current default web browser too monotonous? Most operating systems allow users to set their preferred browser as the default for opening website links. You’ll need to install the new browser before setting it as the default. This process is relatively straightforward on most operating systems, though iOS devices require jailbreaking to change the default browser.
Steps
On Windows
Open the Start menu and type "Default Programs". You can click the Start button or press the ⊞ Win key. The "Default Programs" option will appear in the search results.
Launch "Default Programs". A list of options will appear.
Click on "Set your default programs". A list of all programs installed on your computer will appear after a few moments.
Select the browser you want to use. Scroll through the list on the left to find the browser you wish to set as default. The browser you choose must be installed to appear in this list.
- If you haven’t installed the new browser yet, visit the browser’s official website and download the installer.
Click on "Set this program as default". Windows will configure the new browser to open all browser-related extensions, links, and shortcuts.
On OS X Yosemite (10.10)
Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences". On Yosemite, the default browser settings have been moved to the System Preferences menu.
Click on the "General" option. A list of general system options will appear.
Click on the "Default web browser" menu. Choose the browser you want to use from the list of available programs.
- You’ll need to install the desired browser first before it appears in this list.
On OS X Mavericks (10.9) and earlier
Open Safari. Although the goal is to switch to a different browser, you’ll need to start by opening Safari.
Click on the "Safari" menu and select "Preferences". You can also press ⌘ Command+,
Click on the "General" tab. This tab is usually open by default.
Click on the "Default web browser" dropdown menu. Choose the browser you want to use from the list of available programs.
- You’ll need to install the desired browser on your computer before it can be selected.
Exit Safari to save the changes. The newly selected program will become the default browser when opening links.
On Android
Open the Settings app. This is typically located on the Home screen or within the App Drawer.
Select the "Apps" or "Applications" option. The Application Manager will launch.
Find the current default browser. Switch to the "All" tab to view all installed applications. Tap on the browser you’ve selected.
- The default browser for most Android devices is "Browser" or "Internet".
Scroll down and tap on "Clear Defaults". This browser will no longer be set as the default.
- If the "Clear Defaults" option is grayed out, it means you don’t have another browser to replace it or the current browser isn’t set as default.
Tap on a web link. Open an app containing a web link, such as an email. A new window will appear, prompting you to choose the browser you want to use.
Tap on the browser you want to use and select "Always". Any links you click in the future will open with the new browser.
On iOS
Understand the limitations. iOS does not allow users to change the default browser. The only way to set a different browser as default is by jailbreaking the iOS device. This voids the warranty and is not recommended solely for changing the browser. Jailbreaking is typically for advanced users and can sometimes render the iOS device unusable.
- Research online for more information on jailbreaking iOS devices.
Install Chrome. A jailbreak tweak can switch the default browser from Safari to Chrome. You can download Chrome for free from the App Store.
Open Cydia. To install the tweak, you’ll need to launch Cydia, the jailbreak package manager.
Search for "Open in Chrome". You’ll quickly find this option in the search results. The tweak is authored by Andrew Richardson.
Tap on "Install" and then select "Confirm". Cydia will download and install the tweak, a process that only takes a few minutes.
Tap on "Restart Springboard". After the device reboots, the new tweak will be applied.
Tap on a link to test it. From now on, any link you click will open in Chrome instead of Safari.
On Ubuntu
Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner and select "System Settings". The System Settings window will open.
Choose "Details" under the "System" section. System information will be displayed.
Click on the "Default Applications" option. A list of default applications for key system features will appear.
Click on the dropdown menu labeled "Web". A list of available browsers will appear. You’ll need to install the new browser on your system first for it to show up in this list.
Select the browser you want to use. The new setting will be saved automatically. From now on, the selected browser will load content whenever you click on a web link.
