How to make Safari default browser on Mac

Wondering how to make Safari default browser on Mac? Well, good news, the process is quick and easy. Setting Safari as your default makes sure all links and webpages open in Apple's built-in browser instead of Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser you may have installed.

Safari is built and designed to work seamlessly with your macOS, so for many of us, it's the logical choice; it offers better battery life, enhanced privacy, and smoother integration with Apple's ecosystem.

So, in this guide, we'll explain in a little more detail why setting Safari as your default browser is beneficial and, of course, how to do it step by step. Let's get this article started! 

Why set Safari as default browser on Mac?

While there are lots of browsers to choose from, Safari is quite simply optimized for macOS and provides quite a few notable advantages; let's take a look:

• Better performance and battery life. Safari is lighter on system resources, meaning your Mac runs cooler and your battery lasts longer.

• Enhanced privacy and security. With built-in Intelligent Tracking Prevention, Safari blocks third-party trackers and limits website fingerprinting.

• Seamless Apple integration. Safari syncs your bookmarks, tabs, and passwords across iPhone, iPad, and Mac using iCloud Keychain.

• Optimized for macOS features. Safari supports Handoff, AirDrop, and Siri Suggestions, making it the best browser for Apple users.

So, if you've been using an alternative browser and you're looking to switch back to Safari, follow the simple steps below, and we'll walk you through how to set Safari as the default browser on Mac.

How do I change my default browser on Mac to Safari

Because Apple loves to give us multiple ways to do things, here are two really easy ways you can switch over to Safari.

1. Change your default browser in your System Settings

1. Open System Settings from the Apple menu.

2. Scroll down and click Desktop & Dock.

3. Find the Default web browser section.

4. Click the dropdown menu and select Safari.

That's it! Safari is now your default web browser, and all links will open automatically; how easy was that? But it's not the only method.

2. Set Safari as your default browser from Safari itself

You can also change your default browser directly within Safari:

1. Open Safari on your Mac.

2. Click Safari in the top menu bar and select Settings.

3. In the General tab, look for Default Web Browser.

4. Select Safari from the dropdown menu.

And again, that's it. It's super easy, right? If you can't seem to find Safari on the list, don't worry; keep on reading.

Safari isn't listed when trying to switch default browser

Sometimes, users run into an annoying glitch where Safari isn't an option; if that's happened to you, here are a couple of things to try:

• Restart your Mac. A quick reboot can refresh system settings.

• Check for and install macOS updates. This will also update and patch any issues with Safari.

If you're having other issues or problems with Safari, like constant crashing or freezing, check out this guide on how to fix Safari when it quits unexpectedly.

Keep Safari running smoothly

So, now you know how to make Safari default browser, it's important to remember that, just like many other apps, it will need a little maintenance to keep its performance optimized. Over time, Safari can accumulate cache files, cookies, and unnecessary autofill data, which can slow it down or cause glitches.

The quickest way is to use a tool like CleanMyMac, which comes with a really powerful Cleanup feature that quickly removes cached website data, old cookies, and tracking files, plus outdated autofill passwords. Here's how:

1. Get your free CleanMyMac trial.

2. Select Cleanup from the sidebar.

3. Click Scan to analyze Safari's cache, cookies, and temporary files.

4. Review the results and select Clean to free up space and improve performance.

For more tips on boosting Safari's speed and memory usage, check out this guide on fixing Safari memory leaks.

Now that you know how to change default browser on Mac to Safari, you can enjoy faster performance, better battery life, and improved privacy while browsing.