How to change your default browser on Android and Windows
Your default browser opens web links from messages, emails, apps and documents automatically. Changing it can make everyday browsing faster, improve privacy, or give you access to features that suit the way you use your phone or computer.
Android and Windows both let you choose a preferred browser, although the menus can look different between manufacturers and software versions. The steps below cover common devices in Australia, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Oppo and Windows 10 or Windows 11 PCs.
Why your default browser matters
A browser becomes the standard app for opening web addresses when you tap a link. If Chrome is currently selected, links from WhatsApp, Gmail, Google Search and many other apps will usually open there without asking you to choose another option.
You might prefer Firefox for its privacy controls, Microsoft Edge for Windows integration, or Brave for its built-in advertising and tracker blocking. Australian users may also switch browsers when managing online banking, government services such as myGov, shopping accounts or streaming subscriptions.
Changing the default browser does not remove your other browsers. You can continue opening any browser manually, and you can usually select a different app for one occasion without changing the permanent setting.
Change the default browser on Android
On most Android phones, open Settings, then select Apps. Look for Default apps, Choose default apps or a similar option. Tap Browser app, and choose the browser you want to use, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera or Brave.
On a Google Pixel running a recent version of Android, the path is generally Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app. Samsung Galaxy phones commonly use Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Browser app, although the exact wording may change after a One UI update.
If you cannot find the setting, use the search field at the top of the Settings screen and type default browser. This is often quicker on phones with customised menus, including Oppo and Xiaomi models. The selected browser should open web links immediately after you return to another app.
Use the browser prompt when opening links
Some Android phones show a choice of browsers the first time you tap a link. Select your preferred app and choose Always instead of Just once if you want it to become the standard browser.
Selecting Just once opens the link without changing your default. This is useful when you want to check a website in a different browser temporarily, such as testing whether a page works correctly in Firefox while keeping Chrome as your everyday option.
If links keep opening in the wrong app, return to Settings > Apps > Default apps and check the browser selection. You can also open the current browser’s app page, tap Open by default, and clear any conflicting link preferences. Android menu names can vary, so the search function remains the most reliable method.
Check privacy and link behaviour on Android
Before choosing a browser, review its privacy features, password support, synchronisation and compatibility with websites you use regularly. A browser that blocks trackers may reduce unwanted advertising, while another may work more smoothly with Google accounts, Microsoft services or password managers.
Your browser choice also works alongside Android’s call and messaging controls. If unwanted texts or calls are a concern, you can follow this guide to block spam calls and messages on Android. Keeping these settings organised makes it easier to control both web activity and interruptions.
After changing the default, test several types of links. Open a link from an email, a messaging app and a note. Also check links from search results and PDF files, since some apps use their own built-in browser instead of the system default.
Set the default browser in Windows 11
In Windows 11, open Settings from the Start menu, then select Apps and Default apps. Search for the browser you want, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera, and open its settings page.
You may see a button labelled Set default near the top. Selecting it can assign the browser to the main web protocols and common file types in one step. If that option is not available, choose the browser manually for .htm, .html, HTTP and HTTPS.
Windows may display a prompt explaining that Edge is designed for the operating system. You can still select another browser if you prefer. The change affects links opened from applications such as Outlook, Teams, Word and many third-party programs, although some apps may continue using their own internal web view.
Set or restore the default browser in Windows 10
Windows 10 users should open Settings > Apps > Default apps. Under Web browser, select the current browser and choose a replacement from the list of installed applications.
If the browser you want does not appear, install it from its official website or the Microsoft Store where available. Open the browser once after installation, then return to the Default apps page. Some browsers also display a Make default button inside their own settings.
To restore Microsoft Edge, use the same Windows 10 or Windows 11 menu and select Edge under Web browser. This can be helpful on a shared family computer or a work PC where Windows features have been configured around Edge. On a personal computer purchased from an Australian retailer such as JB Hi-Fi or Officeworks, the steps are the same regardless of where Windows was installed.
Troubleshoot browser changes that do not stick
If Windows repeatedly switches back to another browser, check for system updates, browser updates and workplace policies. A company-managed computer may restrict default app changes. Antivirus software, device management tools and major Windows updates can also affect browser associations.
On Android, a software update or a newly installed browser may alter the available choices. Confirm that the browser is fully installed, then restart the phone and select it again through Default apps. On Samsung and other brands, a storage-cleaning feature may also reset permissions or app preferences.
If links open inside an app rather than your chosen browser, look for an option such as Open in browser, Open externally or Open with. Social media, shopping and banking apps often use embedded web views for convenience and security, so changing the system default may not override their internal behaviour.
Changing your default browser takes only a few minutes, but it can make links, searches and online services fit your preferences more closely. Choose the browser you trust, test links from several apps, and review privacy and synchronisation settings afterwards. For more practical Android and Windows guidance, explore Kepotek’s technology tutorials and keep your devices configured for safer, smoother browsing.
