Easy Steps to Install Chrome on Mac OS

While Safari is the go-to browser for many Mac users—thanks to its speed, security, and built-in features—it’s far from the only option. In fact, several third-party browsers offer powerful alternatives, and Google Chrome stands out among them. If you rely on Google services like Gmail or Google Docs, Chrome can provide a more seamless experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to download and install Chrome on your Mac, set it as your default browser, add extensions, and make the most of its features.

Getting Started: Downloading Chrome on Your Mac

You can download Chrome for Mac for free directly from Google’s official website.

Open Safari and go to google.com/chrome
Click the “Download Chrome” button to begin.
If the download doesn’t start automatically, select “download Chrome manually” to proceed.

Step-by-Step: Install Chrome on macOS

After Chrome finishes downloading, click the Downloads arrow in the top-right corner of the Safari toolbar, or open your Downloads folder.
Double-click the Chrome .dmg file to open the disk image.
Once it mounts, drag the Chrome icon into the Applications folder.
Then, go to Applications and double-click Google Chrome to launch it.

How to Set Chrome as the Default Browser in macOS

When you open Chrome for the first time, you’ll be prompted to set it as your default browser — simply click “Yes” to confirm.

If you selected “No” but change your mind later, follow these steps to make Chrome your default browser:

Click Make default.
Open Google Chrome.
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
In the sidebar, click Default browser.

Enhancing Your Privacy in Google Chrome

Privacy is a common concern for many Chrome users. When you sign into your Google account and sync your data, that information is stored on Google’s servers. On top of that, tracking cookies and other website trackers can monitor your activity as you browse. Fortunately, there are several ways to enhance your privacy in Chrome — and one of the easiest is by using CleanMyMac’s Privacy tool. It lets you quickly remove cookies, browsing history, download history, search records, and even autofill data. Best of all, CleanMyMac works not just with Chrome, but also with Safari and Firefox. You can download a free trial of CleanMyMac to see how it works for yourself.

How to Sync Chrome with Your Google Account

One of the great features of Chrome is its ability to sync your bookmarks, autofill data, and more across all your devices—provided you’re signed into the same Google account on each one. To sign in and start syncing, just follow these simple steps:

Open Chrome and click Add in the profiles section next to the address bar.
Select Sign in.
Enter your Google email address and click Next.
Type in your password and click Next again.
When prompted with a message asking if you want to sync your account data, click “Yes, I’m in.”

Now your browsing data will stay up-to-date on all your devices using Chrome.

How to Add Chrome Extensions

Chrome is already a powerful browser on its own, but it becomes even more versatile with extensions. Whether you want to save web pages to a note-taking app, block annoying ads, or discover the best coupons while shopping online, there’s an extension for that. Here’s a simple guide on how to install and manage Chrome extensions.

Steps to Find and Install Extensions on Chrome

In Chrome, visit the Chrome Web Store by either navigating directly to the site or going through Settings > Extensions > Open Chrome Web Store.
Browse extensions by selecting a category from the sidebar, or use the search box at the top to find a specific extension.
Click on any extension that catches your eye to learn more about its features and reviews.
When you’re ready to install, simply click Add to Chrome.

Managing Extensions in Google Chrome

To manage your Chrome extensions, click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser toolbar.
Select Settings, then go to Extensions. Alternatively, you can type chrome://extensions into the address bar and press Enter.
To learn more about a specific extension, click Details. From this screen, you can adjust any available options or settings. When finished, click the back arrow to return to the main extensions page.
To access extension options quickly, click the Extensions icon (a puzzle piece) on the toolbar. Then click the three dotsnext to an extension and select Options.
To update all extensions, visit the main extensions page (chrome://extensions) and click Update.
To disable an extension, find it on the extensions page and toggle the switch to the off position.
To completely remove an extension, locate it on the extensions page and click Remove. If you believe an extension is malicious, you can also select Report Abuse. Alternatively, click the Extensions icon on the toolbar, then the three dotsnext to an extension and choose Remove from Chrome.

Tips for Using Chrome Effectively on Your Mac

After installing a few extensions, there are plenty of other ways to make the most out of Chrome on your Mac.

Browse privately with Incognito mode

To open a new Incognito window, click the File menu and select New Incognito Window, or simply press Command + Shift + N. When browsing in Incognito mode, Chrome won’t save your browsing history, cookies, site data, or form entries. However, keep in mind that Incognito mode does not hide your IP address from your internet service provider or any network administrators.

Use keyboard shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts in Chrome can boost your productivity just like with any app. Here are some of the most handy ones to know:

Command + F — Search for text on the current webpage
Command + T — Open a new tab
Command + W — Close the current tab
Command + 2 — Switch to the second tab (replace “2” with any number to jump to that tab)
Command + Plus (+) or Minus (-) — Zoom in or out on the page
Command + L — Jump to the address bar

How to Customize Chrome’s Appearance

Besides adding extensions, you can also personalize Chrome by applying themes to change its look:

Click the three dots in the toolbar and select Settings, then go to Appearance.
Under Theme, click Open Chrome Web Store.
Browse through the available themes until you find one you like, then click on it.
Click Add to Chrome to apply the theme.
Open a new tab to see the new look in action.

If you want to switch back, just go to Settings > Appearance and click Reset to Default next to Theme.

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers across all platforms, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fast, seamlessly integrated with Google services like Docs and Gmail, and packed with helpful features. Plus, you can enhance your experience even more by installing extensions. Just follow the steps above to download and install Chrome on your Mac, then personalize it with extensions and themes to make it truly your own.