What is the benefit of syncing Chrome between phone and computer?

When signed into a Google account, Chrome can be synced across phone, tablet, and computer so passwords, payment details, autofill information, and bookmarks are automatically available on all devices.

Can Chrome be set as default from inside the app, or must Settings be accessed?

Both work. Open Chrome on iPhone → tap the three dots → Settings → Default Browser → tap "Open Chrome Settings" → select Chrome as the default browser.

Does setting Chrome as default on Android differ by manufacturer?

The core steps are the same but menu names may differ. Changing the default browser ensures all links from apps open in the preferred browser, delivering the privacy, speed, and features desired — and eliminating constant "Open with" pop-ups.

Can the default browser be changed on iOS older than 14?

No — changing the default browser on iPhone requires iOS 14 or newer. Devices running older iOS versions have no official option for changing the default browser.

How to Make Google Chrome Your Default Browser on iPhone and Android

Q: Does removing Chrome as default delete Safari?

No — setting Chrome or any other browser as default doesn't delete Safari. Apple's app remains installed on the iPhone and switching back is easy at any time.

How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on iPhone and Android — 2026

When Chrome is the default browser, all links from emails, documents, and other applications automatically open in Chrome. This seamless integration saves time and ensures the preferred browser is always used with saved passwords, bookmarks, and extensions readily available.

Why Set Chrome as Default?

Many people love Google Chrome because it's fast, easy to use, and works seamlessly with all their favourite Google services, like Gmail and YouTube. Cross-device syncing features make it a particularly compelling choice.

Using Chrome on a computer and setting it as default on iPhone keeps data synchronized, improves autocomplete, and makes it easier to pick up where one left off on another device. It also enables the "Handoff" functionality for seamless cross-device browsing.

Method 1: Set Chrome as Default on iPhone (iOS 14 and Later)

From iPhone Settings (Simplest):

iPhone Settings → scroll down in the apps list until "Chrome" appears → tap it → tap "Default Browser App" → select "Chrome."

From Inside Chrome App:

Open Chrome on iPhone → tap the three dots (⋯) → Settings → Default Browser → tap "Go to Settings" → Default Browser App → select Chrome.

Requirements: iOS 14 or newer is required to change the default browser on iPhone. If the default browser option doesn't appear, update Chrome to the latest version.

Method 2: Set Chrome as Default on Android

When Chrome is set as the default browser, links open automatically in Chrome. The default browser can be changed at any time.

Steps: Open the Android device's Settings app → under "General," tap "Default apps" → tap "Browser app" → select Chrome.

On Samsung specifically: Settings → Apps → three dots or "More" → Default apps → Browser → select Chrome.

From Inside Chrome on Android: Open Google Chrome → tap the three dots at the top right → Settings → follow the on-screen instructions to allow Chrome to set itself as the default browser.

How to Verify the Change Was Successful

To test Chrome: tap any web link within an app or open a web browser shortcut. The link should now open in Chrome, confirming the change was successful.

Changing the Default Browser to Other Browsers on iPhone

Whichever browser is set as the iPhone's default will open when tapping a link from Messages or Mail, receiving an AirDropped URL, scanning a QR code, or searching with Siri. Setting another browser doesn't delete Safari — Apple's app remains installed and switching back is just as easy.

The same method applies for Firefox, Edge, Brave, DuckDuckGo, and others: Settings → scroll down → select the app → "Default Browser App."

How to Make Google Chrome Your Default Browser on iPhone and Android — 2026