Developed by Apple, and based on the WebKit engine, the Safari browser for Mac has been available, as the default browser on Apple's devices, since 2004 together with the Mac OS x Panther, and in its mobile version for iOS since 2007. The best browser for Mac in 2020 By Alex Blake November 17, 2020 As a Mac owner, you probably know your computer comes with Safari installed, and maybe that's the only web browser you ever use. If your Mac is on Mac OS X Mavericks or an earlier version, follow these steps to Google Chrome as your default browser: 1. Click the Safari browser icon on your Mac dock to open Safari.
Safari is the default browser in macOS and has been ever since Apple first built its own web browser. Before that, for a while, it was Internet Explorer — but the less said about that the better, and before that, it was Netscape Navigator. Remember that?
Safari is a perfectly good web browser and offers most of the features of its competitor web browsers, including autofill for forms and credit card details, secure password storage, and the ability to request that websites do not track you. Given Apple's recent focus on privacy, it's not unlikely that Safari will soon be the best option all around for Mac users who want to surf the net securely.
However, there are perfectly good reasons why you might want to use a different browser. Performance is one of them. While Safari is pretty speedy, for some users in some circumstances it's slower than Chrome or Firefox. Or it might be that there are extensions you need that are only available in Chrome, or perhaps a website you use regularly doesn't work properly in Safari. So, here's how to open a different browser on Mac and set it default.
What is a default web browser?
Before we get to how to change your default web browser, it's worth considering what a default web browser is and does. Put simply, it's the web browser that opens a link when you click on it in an email or other document. If you use Spotlight and click on a result from the web, it will open in your default browser. In fact, any task that opens a URL will be performed in that web browser. It doesn't mean, of course, that you can't use other browsers to surf the net.
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So, if you just need to access specific sites in Chrome or Firefox, you don't need to change your default browser. Even if Safari is your default browser, you can open any link in another browser, by holding down the Control key when you click on it and selecting Copy Link, then paste it in the address bar of any browser you like.
Clearing cache and cookies can remove outdated information and fix possible bugs on websites. CleanMyMac X automates the cleanup: it lets you clear all browsing data at the touch of a button. Additionally, you can run a full system scan to optimize and maintain your macOS. It's free to try the app, so you don't lose anything!
How to set the default browser on Mac through System Preferences
Apple changed the way you set the default browser in OS X Yosemite and it has remained the same since then. Previously, as you'll see below, you had to open Safari to, say, make Google Chrome the default browser. As Apple realized, eventually, that's plain daft. Here's how to do it now.
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Choose the General tab.
- Just over halfway down, there's a menu next to the 'Default web browser.' Click on it and choose the browser you want to set as the default.
How to change the default web browser from the browser's settings
Every browser wants to be the default — it's the most obvious way to increase user numbers. And so whenever you open a browser that's not the default, you'll see a pop-up window asking if you want to set it as your browser of choice. If you choose so, it will change the System Preferences setting and position itself as the default.
If you refuse and later decide you want to make it the default, after all, that's easy too. Here's how you do it in some of the more popular browsers for macOS.
Safari
- Launch the Safari browser.
- Go to the Safari menu and choose Preferences.
- In the general tab, press the Set Default button.
- Press Use 'Safari' to confirm.
Chrome
- To make Chrome the default browser, first of all, launch it.
- Click on the Chrome menu and select Preferences.
- On the web page that opens, scroll down until you see the 'Default browser.'
- Click 'Make default' and confirm.
Firefox
- Launch Firefox.
- In the Firefox menu, click Preferences.
- At the top of the page, you should see 'General' and underneath it, a message saying that Firefox isn't currently your default browser. To the right of that, click Make Default.
If you want to change your default browser to any other browser not mentioned in this article, you can take a similar route: browser menu > Preferences > Make (Set) default.
3 quick tips to make your browser faster
Whichever web browser you use, there are some tips you should remember in order to keep it running optimally.
1. Always use the most up-to-date version.
Safari updates with macOS system updates, so make sure you install system updates when they become available. Most browsers automatically update themselves when you close and reopen them. But if you keep them open permanently, they won't update. So the easiest way to keep them updated is to quit them every now and again.
2. Don't keep lots of tabs open at once.
Open tabs, even those that are hidden, consume RAM, processor cycles, and energy. The more you have open, the slower your Mac will become. So close tabs you no longer need.
3. Keep your Mac clean of junk
Unnecessary files, including cache, cookies, language files, and old updates can slow down your whole system, as they take more and more space. The simplest way to get rid of them is to use a dedicated app like CleanMyMac X. To quickly delete useless files on your Mac, follow the steps:
- Download CleanMyMac X and launch it.
- Click Smart Scan.
- Click Run.
As you can see, setting your default web browser in macOS is very easy — choosing which browser to use maybe less so. Whichever browser you choose, you should maintain it to keep it running optimally, CleanMyMac X can help do that easily.
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By Adela D. Louie, Last updated: August 27, 2019
I use my MacBook Pro for a lot of things. First, I use it to edit my videos and photos. I also use it to watch movies. More importantly, I use it to surf the web in order to research for my job. Now, I want to know how to change my Mac device' default browser. But I don't know how to do it. Can you help me?
How to make google chrome default browser on mac. ~MacBook Pro User
Part I: Introduction
The default browser in your Mac operating system is Safari. This came into existence ever since the brand has created its very own browser.
Before Safari came into play, the default browser was Internet Explorer. And before that, was the Netscape Navigator. Were you alive during that time? Do you remember it?
Safari is quite a perfect web browser. It provides most features given by its competitors like FireFox and Chrome. For example, it has autofill or autosuggestion for your details (e.g. credit card information). It also stores passwords securely. It even gives you the ability to request websites without being tracked.
Apple has placed privacy as its priority especially during these present times. Given this, we might be into the near future where Safari would be the best web browser for Mac users.
This is true especially for those who simply want to browse the web and be secure all the time. Plus, there might be a time where your personal data is kept private from your web browser.
Although Safari is a good browser, you might be into different browsers like Firefox and Chrome due to a variety of reasons. Performance might be one of the reasons.
Safari is actually fast when it comes to being a browser. However, sometimes, it might be slower compared to Firefox or Chrome.
Or, you might simply want extensions or plugins that are not supported by Safari and are supported by the other two web browsers.
Sometimes, websites do not work properly on Safari as well. These are just some of the reasons why you might want to change browsers.
Part II: Browsers
Browsers are tools that allow you to surf the web and visit a variety of sites. It might even have extensions and plugins that allow the surfing experience better. Before we delve into changing your Mac device' default browser, let's tackle into what a default browser actually is.
The default web browser refers to the web browser that launches when you click a link in another document or email application.
When you utilize Spotlight and actually click a specific URL from the Internet, the default web browser will be opened. Any task or operation that launches a URL will open the default web browser. However, this doesn't mean that you cannot use other browsers in order to surf the web.
It is not necessary for you to change your actual default browser if you simply need to check out a particular site in Firefox or Chrome.
If Safari is your current default browser, you have the ability to open a particular link within another browser. You can do this by pressing the CTRL key while clicking a URL and then choosing Copy Link. After which, you can paste it into another browser's address bar.
Part III: Setting Up The Default Browser (For OS X Yosemite, macOS El Capitan Or Higher Versions)
Apple has altered the method of setting up your default browser in Yosemite. However, it has been kept the same since the said version of Mac's operating system.
Before, you still have to launch Safari in order to make another browser the default one. Free los vegas slots. This is plain silly. But, it has changed recently. Here's how to do it properly.
Step 01 - Press Apple menu.
Step 02 - Choose System Preferences.
Step 03 - Select the tab named General.
Step 04 - Halfway down the interface, you can see a menu located next to Default Web Browser. Click this menu and choose the specific browser that you wish to be used as default.
That's it! It's easy as 1-2-3. Now, let's check out how you can modify the default browser in previous versions of the operating system. The steps below shows the one for OS X Mavericks and previous versions:
Step 01 - Open Safari.
Step 02 - Press the Safari menu.
Step 03 - Select Preferences.
Step 04 - Click the tab named General.
Step 05 - Press the menu located next to the words Default Web Browser.
Step 06 - Select the browser you wish to be set as default.
Step 07 - Quit Preferences.
Step 08 - Quit Safari.
Part IV: Other Ways You Can Implement For Changing Your Default Browser
Actually, every browser out there wishes to be the default one. This is to increase the number of users they have. When you actually open a browser that is not the default one, it asks you if you wish to set it as the default browser for your device. A simple pop-up window will appear that asks this query.
If you wish to set the said browser as the default one, it will simply modify the settings of System Preferences. In this way, the said browser will be default one.
However, if you refused before and you simply want to change it now, that would be easy. Here's how to set the default browser in a few of the popular web browsers out there.
Changing The Default Browser To Chrome: Mac os x el capitan download link.
Step 01 - Open Chrome.
Step 02 - Press the Chrome menu.
Step 03 - Choose Preferences.
Step 04 - A web page will be launched. Scroll down to the end of the interface until you actually can see the words Default Browser.
Step 05 - Press Make Default.
Changing The Default Browser To Firefox:
Step 01 - Open Firefox.
Step 02 - Go to Firefox menu.
Step 03 - Select Preferences.
Step 04 - Go to the left-hand sidebar. Ensure that General is selected.
Step 05 - At the top, you should be able to see the words, General. Below it, you will see a message that states that Firefox is not your default browser. Go to the right part of that and press Make Default.
Changing The Default Browser To Opera:
Step 01 - Open Opera.
Step 02 - Press Opera menu.
Step 03 - Press Preferences. How to watch directv on my mac.
Step 04 - A web page will be launched. Ensure that Basic is the one selected. This is located on the left side of the interface.
Step 05 - Press the option that makes Opera your default browser.
Changing The Default Browser To Vivaldi:
Step 01 - Open Vivaldi.
Step 02 - Go to Vivaldi menu.
Step 03 - Select Preferences.
Step 04 - Select Startup. This is located on the left-hand side of the interface.
Step 05 - Press Set As Default.
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Part V: Tips To Help You Enhance The Speed Of Your Browser
Even if you use a specific type of browser, you can do some of the tips we outline below to help you improve its speed and performance:
Tip 01: Use The Most Recent Or Up-To-Date Version
Ensure that you go for the installation of system updates when they are available. Safari usually updates when your macOS undergoes through system updates so that's a good thing. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox usually undergoes through automatic updates when you quit them and launch them again. However, if you always keep them open, they will not be able to update themselves. That's why it's best to quit these browsers every now and then to update them regularly.
Tip 02: Avoid Opening A Lot Of Tabs Simultaneously
Tabs that are open still consume processor cycles, RAM, and energy even though they are not currently being used. The more tabs you have opened, the slower the performance of your Mac will be. Thus, it is necessary for you to close tabs that you don't use or don't need.
Tip 03: Keep Your Mac And Your Browser Clean
Our browsers have a lot of unnecessary files. These include cookies, cache, old updates, and language files. Nissan consult 3 software crack free. These files result in the slowing down of your Mac device and even your browser. The best way to get rid of these unnecessary files that take up much space is to useFoneDog's Mac Cleaner tool. Below are the advantages of this tool and how to use it step-by-step:
* It helps protect your private information by clearing it your entire browser of historical data, saved personal information and passwords, cookies, caches, etc.
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* It helps speed up the performance of your web browser thus giving you better user experience.
* It comprehensively scans your entire Mac for unnecessary browser data that might result to the slowing down of your surfing experience.
* The comprehensive scan and complete cleanup of your browser can be done with just a few simple clicks.
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* It is very easy to use. Even if you are not tech savvy, you can easily use the tool to do the cleaning up of your browser.
* It is very fast and powerful.
Laser engraved dog tag. * You are given a free trial for the first five hundred (500) megabytes (MB) of data. Without shelling out money, you can experience the tool immediately.
* One on one support and email support is available to help you in case you get stuck on using the tool.
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Here's how to use it step-by-step to clean up your browser:
(Screenshots below are under dark mode on Mac.)
Step 01 - Download the tool from the official website of the brand.
Step 02 - Launch the software on your computer.
Step 03 - Click the ToolKit icon.
Step 04 - Choose Privacy.
Step 05 - Press Scan.
Step 06 - After the scanning process is finished, view and choose the items you wish.
Note: Move your mouse to the occupation information on the right side of the files in browsers, you can view more detailed information by clicking the Show button in grey.
Step 07 - Press the Clean button.
Step 09 - Click Confirm.
Step 10 - Wait until the cleanup process is finished.
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Part VI: Conclusion
You can easily change the default browser of your Mac device especially if you wish to use Firefox or Chrome. In case you wish to change your default browser, you can easily opt for another browser by following our guide here.
Plus, to improve browsing experience it is a must for you to heed our tips above. The best way to enhance your user experience is to use FoneDog's Mac Cleaner tool. This will help keep your privacy safe and your browsing experience better.
