Yes, switching from Google to Chrome takes minutes: install Chrome, set it as default, import bookmarks, passwords, and turn on sync.
If you’ve been using the Google app or another browser and want a smoother setup across devices, this guide lays out a clear path. You’ll install the browser, set it to open links by default, bring over your bookmarks and saved logins, and tune a few settings so daily browsing feels familiar.
What Switching Actually Changes
Moving to Chrome affects where links open, which engine runs your searches, and how your data travels across phone and desktop. The steps below cover both computer and mobile so your experience stays consistent.
| Data You Can Bring | Where It Comes From | Where It Shows Up In Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Bookmarks | Other browsers or an HTML file | Bookmarks Bar and “Other bookmarks” |
| Passwords | Browser password store or CSV | Password Manager in Settings |
| History | Supported browsers on the same device | History page and address bar suggestions |
| Autofill data | Saved addresses and cards from other browsers | Autofill section in Settings |
| Open tabs | From another signed-in device | Tab search and History → Tabs from other devices |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store list or admin policy | Extensions menu and toolbar |
Move From Google Search To Chrome Browser: Setup Steps
Download And Install Chrome
On a computer, visit the official download page, choose your platform, and run the installer. On a phone, get the app from your store. Open it once to finish the setup.
Set Chrome As Your Default Browser
Windows 11/10
Open Windows Settings → Apps → Default apps. Pick Chrome under “Web browser.” If file types appear, assign Chrome to HTTP, HTTPS, and .htm/.html. You can also toggle it inside Chrome under Settings → Default browser. See the step-by-step guide in Make Chrome your default browser.
macOS
Open Chrome → Settings → Default browser. Click “Make default.” You can also set a default from macOS System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Default web browser.
Android
Open Settings → Apps → Default apps → Browser app → Chrome.
iPhone And iPad
Install the app, then go to iOS Settings → Chrome → Default Browser App → Chrome.
Bring Your Stuff With You
Import Bookmarks, History, And More
In Chrome on a computer, open the menu → Bookmarks and lists → Import bookmarks and settings. Pick the source browser or choose “Bookmarks HTML file,” then finish the import. A new folder named “Imported” may appear if you already had bookmarks. For full steps, see Import Chrome bookmarks & settings. You can repeat the import any time; Chrome merges folders and keeps current items. Big bookmark libraries may take a short moment to show fully.
Passwords And Autofill
Open Settings → Autofill → Password Manager to view saved logins. Use the import option if you exported a CSV from another app. You can also export a backup CSV from the Password Manager and store it safely.
Make Chrome Feel Like Home
Sign In And Sync
Sign in with your Google Account so bookmarks, history, passwords, open tabs, and settings travel across devices you own. Pick what to sync, or keep it to bookmarks and passwords only. If a work or school admin manages your device, follow their policy.
Start Page, Search, And The Address Bar
Set the New Tab Page to show shortcuts you use. If you prefer a custom homepage, add one under “On startup.” The address bar also searches, so you can keep your current engine or choose another. Many users leave it on Google; the change applies across desktop and mobile once you sign in.
Extensions And Profiles
Install your must-have tools from the Chrome Web Store. If you share a computer, create separate profiles for work, personal use, or family members. Each profile keeps its own history, bookmarks, and extensions, which keeps things tidy.
Edge Cases And Special Setups
Managed Work Devices
Some organisations set policies that control defaults and sync. If you see “Managed by your organisation,” check with your admin before changing items like extensions or site permissions. Profiles help here: keep a personal profile for home tasks while the work profile stays under policy.
Very Old Phones
Older Android builds can lose new browser updates after a while. If your phone no longer receives updates, you can still use the app you have, yet security patches stop arriving. A newer device keeps your browsing safer and your sync stable.
Multiple Accounts On One Device
Create one profile per person and sign each into the right account. For shared machines, set a lock screen for every profile and keep saved logins separate. Colour-code themes so you never mix them up.
Default Steps Cheat Sheet
| Platform | Path To Set Default | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11/10 | Settings → Apps → Default apps → Chrome | Assign HTTP, HTTPS, .htm, .html |
| macOS | Chrome Settings → Default browser | Also available in System Settings |
| Android | Settings → Apps → Default apps → Browser app | Pick Chrome from the list |
| iOS/iPadOS | Settings → Chrome → Default Browser App | Open the app once after setting |
Privacy And Safety Quick Wins
Use Safety Check
Open Settings → Privacy and security → Safety Check. Update the app, review saved passwords for leaks, and reset any risky site permissions.
Control Notifications
If websites keep pinging you, open Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Notifications. Block noisy sites and allow only the ones you trust.
Strengthen Passwords
Use the built-in generator when signing up on new sites. Store the login in Password Manager and turn on two-step verification on the services that offer it. Export a backup CSV and keep it in an encrypted vault if you need an offline copy.
Speed Up Daily Tasks
Pin Tabs And Use Tab Search
Right-click a tab and pin it so it stays small and anchored. Use the tab search box (the dropdown at the top) to jump to any page across windows. Closed something by mistake? Press Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+T to bring it back.
Profiles For Work And Home
Create a profile for work with a different theme and only the extensions you need there. Switch profiles from the avatar menu to keep your day organised and clutter low.
Smart Omnibox Tricks
Type math, weather, or a site setting right in the address bar.
Clean Break Or Side-By-Side?
You don’t need to remove your old browser. Many people keep two. Use Chrome for daily work and leave the other app for a few tasks while you get used to the new setup.
Shortlist Of Settings To Check
Search And Default Apps
Open Settings → Search engine to pick the engine that matches your habits. If another app keeps stealing link handling, revisit your system’s default apps screen and set Chrome again. Pin the app to your taskbar or Dock for quick access.
Privacy Controls
Under Privacy and security, review cookies, site permissions, and clear-browsing-data options. Blocking third-party cookies can cut tracking, yet some sites need them to sign in. Add those sites to exceptions so your login sticks.
Downloads And File Types
Choose a default download folder that syncs with your cloud drive. Toggle “Ask where to save each file” if you sort files by project. If PDFs open in a viewer you dislike, switch the handler in the system settings or use the built-in viewer.
Reset And Recovery
When Extensions Cause Trouble
If pages freeze or popups keep appearing, click the Extensions menu and turn items off one by one until the issue clears. Remove the one that caused the error and reinstall from the official store only. Stick to add-ons with plenty of reviews and clear permissions.
Clear Conflicting Settings
Open Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults. This keeps bookmarks and saved passwords but resets startup page, search, and pinned tabs. Sign back in to restore your sync.
What To Do Next
Finish the setup on each device you use so links always open in the same place, your data stays in sync, and your start page looks familiar. With defaults set, imports done, and Safety Check clean, you’re ready to browse without friction.