By default, every Chromebook comes with Google Chrome set as the system browser. For a long time, ChromeOS didn’t allow users to change the default browser at all—everything opened in Chrome whether you liked it or not. Thankfully, that has changed.
Modern versions of ChromeOS now let you set a different default browser, as long as that browser is installed as an Android app. This means you can use browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, and others as your primary browser on a Chromebook.
Now, if you are here reading about how to change the default browser on a Chromebook, we assume you prefer browsing with something other than Chrome. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything step by step, including common issues and limitations.
Important Things to Know Before Changing the Default Browser
Before we jump into the steps, there are a few important points to understand:
- You cannot change the default browser to a Linux browser
- Only Android browsers can be set as default
- Google Chrome cannot be completely removed
- Some system links may still open in Chrome
Keeping these limitations in mind helps avoid confusion later.
Which Browsers Can Be Set as Default on Chromebook?
You can set the following browsers as default (Android versions):
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera
- Brave Browser
- DuckDuckGo Browser
- Vivaldi
As long as the browser is installed from the Google Play Store, it can usually be selected as the default.
1. Install Your Preferred Browser on Chromebook
If the browser is not already installed, this step is required.
- Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
- Search for the browser you want to use (for example, Firefox or Edge).
- Click Install.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
Once installed, the browser will appear in the Launcher.
2. Open Chromebook Settings
- Click on the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Click the gear icon to open Settings.
This is where ChromeOS manages default apps.
3. Go to Default Apps Settings
- In Settings, click Apps from the left panel.
- Click Default apps.
- Select Browser app.
ChromeOS will now show a list of supported browsers installed on your Chromebook.
4. Change the Default Browser on Chromebook
- From the list of available browsers, select your preferred browser.
- Close the Settings window.
Your selected browser is now set as the default browser on your Chromebook.
From this point on, most links will open in the newly selected browser instead of Google Chrome.
How to Confirm the Default Browser Has Changed
To make sure the change worked:
- Click a web link from an app, email, or document.
- If the link opens in your chosen browser, the default browser has been successfully changed.
If it still opens in Chrome, continue to the troubleshooting section below.
What Still Opens in Google Chrome (Even After Changing Default)
Even after changing the default browser, some things may still open in Chrome:
- ChromeOS system pages
- Settings-related links
- Some Google services
- Certain notifications
This behavior is normal and cannot be changed.
Can You Set Firefox Linux Version as Default?
No. Linux browsers cannot be set as the system default on ChromeOS.
If you install Firefox or Edge using Linux:
- It will work normally as an app
- It will not appear in Default apps
- Links will not open in it automatically
Only Android browsers integrate with ChromeOS default app settings.
Default Browser Option Missing? Try These Fixes
If you don’t see the option to change the default browser:
- Make sure ChromeOS is updated
- Confirm the browser is installed from Play Store
- Restart your Chromebook
- Check if your device is managed (school/work)
On managed Chromebooks, changing the default browser may be disabled.
How to Switch Back to Google Chrome as Default
If you want to go back to Chrome:
- Open Settings → Apps → Default apps.
- Click Browser app.
- Select Google Chrome.
The change applies instantly.
Does Changing the Default Browser Affect Performance?
No. Changing the default browser:
- Does not slow down ChromeOS
- Does not affect system stability
- Only changes how links are opened
Each browser runs independently.
Best Browser Choices for Chromebook Users
- Firefox – Privacy-focused, clean interface
- Edge – Great sync with Windows PCs
- Brave – Built-in ad and tracker blocking
- Opera – Free VPN and battery-saving features
Choose based on your browsing habits.
Chromebook Default Browser vs Guest Mode
In Guest Mode, Chrome is always the browser used. Default browser changes apply only to signed-in user profiles.
Wrapping Up
With that, we wrap up our detailed guide on how to change the default browser on a Chromebook. While ChromeOS still revolves heavily around Google Chrome, it’s great to see that users now have real choice when it comes to everyday browsing.
As long as you install your preferred browser from the Play Store, changing the default browser is quick and easy. We hope this guide helped you switch browsers confidently and understand the limitations of ChromeOS when it comes to default apps.
