Changing the default browser on a Mac is a straightforward process that can be done either through System Settings or directly within the browser's own settings. By default, macOS uses Safari as the primary browser, but users can switch to alternatives like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave with minimal effort. The method varies slightly depending on your macOS version—Ventura 13 or later uses System Settings, while older versions rely on System Preferences. Some browsers, such as Chrome and Firefox, also offer a built-in prompt to set themselves as default when first launched.

Key takeaways from the sources:

• System Settings method is the most universal approach, working across macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia ^[1][4][9]
• Browser-specific settings (e.g., Chrome’s "Make Default" option) provide an alternative path ^[2][5][7]
• Office applications may sometimes ignore default browser settings, requiring manual resets ^[8]
• Webmail services (like Gmail) may not always respect the default browser choice ^[1]

How to Change Your Mac’s Default Browser

Method 1: Using macOS System Settings (Ventura & Later)

For macOS Ventura 13 and newer (including Sonoma and Sequoia), the default browser is adjusted through System Settings. This is the most reliable method and applies to all installed browsers.

Start by ensuring the browser you want to use is installed on your Mac. Then follow these steps:

• Click the Apple logo (🍏) in the top-left corner of the screen.
• Select System Settings (or System Preferences for older macOS versions).
• Navigate to Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.
• Scroll to the Default web browser section and click the dropdown menu.
• Choose your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Brave) from the list ^[1][4][9].

Important notes about this method:

• The dropdown will only show installed browsers—if your desired browser isn’t listed, install it first ^[1].
• Some browsers (like Arc or Vivaldi) may not appear in the list until opened at least once ^[2].
• macOS Sequoia follows the same steps but may have slight UI differences, such as a more streamlined Settings menu ^[9].
• If the change doesn’t apply immediately, restart your Mac or reopen the browser to ensure the system recognizes the update ^[8].

Troubleshooting common issues:

• "Default browser" option is grayed out: This typically means no alternative browsers are installed. Download and install one (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) first ^[1].
• Office apps (Word, Excel) ignore the default browser: Reset the default browser to Safari, then switch back to your preferred choice to force Office to recognize the change ^[8].
• Webmail (Gmail, Outlook) opens in the wrong browser: Some web services override system defaults; check the webmail’s settings for browser preferences ^[1].

Method 2: Setting Default Browser from Within the App

Many browsers—including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Brave—allow users to set themselves as the default directly from their settings. This method is useful if you prefer not to navigate through System Settings or if the browser isn’t appearing in the dropdown menu.

Steps for Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
2. Select Settings > Default browser.
3. Click Make default—this will redirect you to System Settings to confirm the change ^[2][5][7].

Steps for Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and click the hamburger menu (☰) in the top-right.
2. Go to Settings > General.
3. Under Default Browser, click Make Default ^[4][9].

Steps for Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge and click the three-dot menu (⋯).
2. Select Settings > Default browser.
3. Click Make default and confirm in System Settings ^[7].

Why use this method?

• Convenience: Some users find it faster to set the default directly from the browser they’re already using ^[5].
• Browser-specific prompts: Chrome and Firefox often display a "Make [Browser] Default?" popup when first launched, simplifying the process ^[2].
• Arc and niche browsers: Browsers like Arc may not appear in System Settings until you open them and trigger their internal default-setting prompt ^[2].

Limitations to consider:

• This method still redirects to System Settings for final confirmation—it doesn’t bypass macOS entirely ^[7].
• Some browsers (e.g., Opera) may require manual selection in System Settings even if they offer an in-app option ^[4].
• Enterprise-managed Macs (e.g., work computers) may restrict default browser changes via IT policies ^[1].