While Safari comes built into MacBook devices, some owners may prefer to use Chrome instead, especially if they’re more familiar with it. Fortunately, installing Chrome on a Mac is simple, as we’ll demonstrate in this guide.
In this article you will find the following:
Before we start:
Downloading Chrome means you’ll have one more app installed on your computer. To avoid clogging your device with redundant apps, consider eliminating any other third-party browsers on your old or latest MacBook Pro or Air M1 or M2 Silicon device or Apple device with an Intel chip.
MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller makes this process a breeze, enabling you to get rid of unwanted apps with the click of a button. This tool from MacKeeper searches for redundant apps and helps you remove them and their leftover files for a thorough clean. You can even use it to uninstall Chrome on Mac in the future.
Removing apps with MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller works in the following way:
- Download the MacKeeper app on your Mac and select Smart Uninstaller from the sidebar.
- Select Start Scan, review the apps selected, and click the Remove Selected button.
Downloading Chrome on Mac is simple. This article will guide you through installing and using the popular browser for your convenience.
Can you install Google Chrome on a Mac?
Yes, you can install Google Chrome on your MacBook, provided you have macOS Catalina 10.15 or later installed. You can download Chrome from the Google website, Google Play, and the App Store. The browser is also available on Windows, Linux, and Chromebooks. Keep in mind that Chrome has its pros and cons, as do other browsers. One of the issues you may experience is when Chrome keeps freezing on Mac, which can dampen your experience.
In addition to macOS Catalina 10.1, Chrome supports the following OS X versions:
- Big Sur
- Monterey
- Ventura
- Sonoma
- Sequoia
Chrome doesn’t support these macOS versions:
- Jaguar
- Panther
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Snow Leopard
- Lion
- Mountain Lion
- Mavericks
- Yosemite
- El Capitan
- Sierra
- High Sierra
- Mojave
A tip from the MacKeeper team:
Sharing your computer with other people poses a privacy risk, as they can access your search history. Prevent this by learning how to clear Google search history on Mac and practicing safe internet habits.
Should you get Сhrome on your MacBook?
Yes, if it has the features you are looking for. Customizing your browser with extensions is one of the reasons you may want to use Chrome. Browser speed may be another motivation for downloading Chrome. Additionally, you may be interested in the convenience that comes with syncing your Google account with other online accounts and apps.
Regardless of your reasons for choosing Chrome, it’s essential to clear your cache as part of your Mac maintenance routine. Learn how to clear cache on Mac Chrome to support your computer’s performance using our simple guide.
Is it OK to use Chrome on Mac?
Yes, it is safe to use Chrome on macOS. Chrome’s built-in privacy and security features provide a safe browsing experience to protect you from malicious sites that can steal your data and compromise your privacy. Its Incognito mode lets you browse privately, deleting your browsing history after you close your windows to prevent anyone with whom you share a laptop from knowing the contents of your searches.
How to download Chrome on Mac
Follow this approach to download Chrome on your Mac, iMac, or Mac mini device:
- Visit the Chrome website in your browser.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Google home page and hit the Download Chrome button, then click the Accept and Install button on the small pop-up window that appears on the page.
How to install Chrome on MacBook
Installing Chrome on a Mac is a straightforward process that takes little time and effort. Follow these steps to install Chrome on Mac:
- Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file named googlechrome.dmg to open it.
- Drag Chrome to the Applications folder.
How to use Google Chrome for Mac
Using Google Chrome on a Mac desktop is a breeze. In the following sections, we’ll demonstrate how to create a more seamless and convenient Chrome experience:
- Set Chrome as your default browser
- Sign in and sync your data (if you already have a Google Account)
- Manage extensions or themes in Chrome
- Use hotkeys for Google Chrome
- Switch Google Chrome to Incognito mode
1. Set Chrome as your default browser
Setting Chrome as your default browser ensures that the links you click on open in Chrome rather than Safari. Here’s how to do it:
- Open System Preferences and select General.
- Head to the Default web browser section, click the corresponding arrows, and select Google Chrome from the list.
2. Sign in and sync your data (if you already have a Google Account)
Syncing your data speeds up Chrome’s performance by auto-filling your online passwords. This allows you to quickly sign in to your apps and websites on the devices you’re signed in to if you already have a Google account.
Follow this approach to sign in to your Google account:
- Launch Google Chrome, click your profile icon, and select Add > Sign in.
- Enter your Gmail email address and follow the prompts.
3. Manage extensions or themes in Chrome
Customizing Chrome gives it a personal feel and enhances your overall experience. Follow these steps to manage your extensions and themes in Chrome:
- Click on the menu icon in the top-right corner of the Chrome window and select Extensions > Manage Extensions.
- Go through your extensions and add or remove them to your liking. You can also get more themes and extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
4. Use hotkeys for Google Chrome
Using hotkeys or shortcuts in Chrome is a productivity hack. Here are common combinations you can try to amp up your productivity levels:
- Open a new tab: Command + T
- Close the current tab: Command + W
- Go to the address bar: Command + L
- Zoom in or out of a page: Command + or Command -
- Look for something specific on the current page: Command + F
- Open specific tabs: Command + [number of the tab from the left] (for example, press command + 3 to jump to the third tab)
5. Switch Google Chrome to Incognito mode
Switching to Incognito mode helps keep your browsing activity hidden from your family members or anyone else using your Mac. To switch to Incognito mode, do this:
- Right-click the Chrome icon from the icons in the Dock.
- Select New Incognito Window from the list.
Enjoy continuity when you get Google Chrome on Mac
Chrome is the preferred browser for billions of users globally. When taking the path to switch to Chrome, this guide will help you install it, customize it according to your preferences, and enjoy continuity across the devices you’re signed in to.
Don’t get stuck with more browsers than necessary after installing Chrome on your Mac. Delete redundant browsers with MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller, which ensures no leftover files remain behind to clog up your disk and potentially slow down your laptop.
