Switching to Safari is easier when you move your saved information before changing your default browser. Start on your Mac, check your important websites and keep Chrome installed while you settle in.
You do not need to change browsers everywhere at once. A short trial gives you time to discover whether Safari suits your work, extensions and devices.
Import Your Chrome Bookmarks on Mac
Apple provides a direct import option when Chrome is installed on your Mac.
- Open Safari.
- Choose File > Import From Browser > Google Chrome.
- Select the available items you want to transfer.
- Click Import.
- Check that your important bookmarks appear and open correctly.
Menu wording can vary by Safari version. Apple also supports importing browser data from exported files, and directs password transfers through the Passwords app where applicable.
If you use an exported password file, treat it as sensitive. Apple warns that imported browser-data files can contain unencrypted information and should be deleted after use. Avoid putting a password export in email or a shared folder.
Make Safari Your Default Browser on Mac
On macOS Ventura 13 or later:
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Choose Desktop & Dock.
- Find Default web browser.
- Select Safari.
This changes which browser opens ordinary web links. It does not transfer your bookmarks or sign you into websites automatically.
Before making the change permanent, try your banking website, booking system, online store dashboard and any other service you depend on.
Switch Your Default Browser on iPhone
On current iOS versions:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Choose Default Apps.
- Tap Browser App.
- Select Safari.
Image: Apple Support. Open Browser App within Default Apps to choose Safari. Appearance may vary by iOS version.
Changing the default browser is separate from changing your search engine. You can switch browsers without deciding to use a different search provider.
Check Your Extensions Before Leaving Chrome
Make a list of the Chrome extensions you actually use, particularly password managers, accessibility tools and business utilities.
Look for Safari versions through Safari > Safari Extensions. After installation, manage them under Safari > Settings > Extensions. Review the websites each extension can access.
Do not assume a Chrome extension will transfer and behave identically. If a crucial work tool has no suitable Safari equivalent, keeping Chrome for that task may be the sensible option.
Review Safari’s Privacy Settings
Open Safari > Settings > Privacy and check Prevent cross-site tracking.
Apple says this setting limits tracking by third-party content providers across websites. It does not make your browsing anonymous or prevent a website you sign into from recognising your account.
Check individual websites after changing privacy or extension settings. If something stops working, investigate the specific setting rather than disabling every protection.
What Should You Check Before Switching?
Start with your essential extensions. Make sure suitable Safari versions exist and work as expected.
Next, test the websites you rely on for uploads, payments, video calls and editing. Confirm that your important passwords are available before removing anything from Chrome.
If you also use Windows or Android devices, consider how you will access bookmarks and credentials across them. A browser change should make your routine easier across the devices you actually own.
Give Safari a normal working week before deciding. Keep Chrome available during that trial, then choose based on how your actual browsing works, rather than a promise that one browser is better for everyone.