How to set default apps on Mac

Being able to set default apps on your Mac is a secretly incredibly useful feature whether you're running the latest macOS Sonoma or something older. For instance, you might currently have a document opening in Pages when you'd rather change to Microsoft Word. Within a few taps, you can change that and stick with your favored app for each task you regularly perform.

Such functionality extends to changing your default web browser and email reader too, so you can easily set up one of the best Macs to work just how you like it to. Whether you have the latest MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max or something older, this is a game changing tweak that will streamline your workflow admirably. Best of all, it makes the Mac feel more personal to you.

Here's how to set default apps on your Mac, including how to choose the default web browser and email reader.

If you've new to Mac, we also have guides on how to set up your new Mac and all the best Mac apps to enrich your life.

How to change the default Mac app for specific file types

You can change default apps for many different types of files in macOS. In this example, I use a .jpg (photo), but you can do these steps with plenty of different types of files. 

1. Right-click on a file that uses the file type you'd like to change the default for. For example, one with a .jpg extension (a photo).
2. Click on Get Info in the pop-up.
3. Click Open With if the section isn't already expanded.

4. Click the drop-down menu.
5. Click the app you want to use.

6. Click Change All...
7. Click Continue when the Finder asks you if you're sure.

Now, any time you open a file with that extension, the Finder will automatically open it with the app you've selected.

How to set your default web browser

1. Launch System Settings from the dock, Finder, or by clicking the Apple icon in the Menu bar.
2. Click Desktop & Dock.
3. Click the drop-down next to Default web browser.
4. Click the web browser you'd like to use as the default.

How to set your default email reader

Mail is likely the default email app on your Mac, but just in case you have others downloaded, you can set the default reader. Here's how:

1. Launch Mail from your dock or the Finder.
2. Click Mail in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the drop-down next to Default Mail Reader.
5. Click the app you'd like to set as the default.

You can also set default apps on your iPhone and iPad

Now that you're delighted to have things set up just how you like them on your Mac, it's also possible to switch the default apps on your shiny new iPhone 15 Pro or your iPad. The process isn't any more complicated although does require a slightly different route.

There's also less choice when it comes to setting default apps on either device, but it's possible to learn how to switch out your default mail and browser apps on both iOS and iPadOS within a few minutes. It's particularly useful if you work a lot on the move with either your iPhone or iPad as it means you can be more productive with less hassle of switching between unwanted apps.

Once you've found the best iPhone app and best iPad app for the task, follow the instructions so you can get things set up just how you like them without the bother of using an app you're not a fan of.