Have you ever clicked a link in Gmail expecting it to open in Chrome, but it pops up in Microsoft Edge or Firefox instead? It’s annoying—and confusing. You may have already set your favorite browser as default, but Gmail seems to ignore it. Here you can say Gmail is opening links in wrong browser.
This article explains why Gmail opens links in the wrong browser and exactly how to fix it, step by step. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone, you’ll find a simple solution here. No technical language, no complicated tricks—just clear help that works.
Let’s solve this once and for all.
Why Does Gmail Open Links in the Wrong Browser?
Gmail should follow your computer or phone’s default browser setting. But sometimes, it doesn’t. This happens when Gmail is opened in a different browser or when system settings get mixed up. If you’re using multiple browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, the system might get confused. It can also happen due to Chrome profiles or certain browser extensions.
Here are common causes:
- Default browser not set correctly.
- Using Gmail in a browser that isn’t your default.
- Multiple user profiles in Chrome.
- Extensions that manage links.
- Admin policies on work or school accounts.
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Check If Your Default Browser Is Set Correctly
Your device decides which browser to use when opening links. If it’s not set properly, Gmail links may go to the wrong place. Let’s check and fix that first.
For Windows 10/11 OS Users:
- Click the Start Menu.
- Search and open Default apps.
- Scroll down to Web browser.
- Click the browser listed there (e.g., Microsoft Edge).
- Choose your preferred browser like Google Chrome.
For macOS Users:
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click Desktop & Dock.
- Scroll to Default Web Browser.
- Select the browser you want (e.g., Google Chrome).
Example: If Gmail opens links in Edge, but you prefer Chrome, select Chrome here.
Restart Your Computer After Changing Settings
Changing the default browser doesn’t always work instantly. Restarting your computer helps apply the change properly across all apps—including Gmail.
Do this:
- Click Start > Power > Restart on Windows.
- On macOS, click the Apple icon > Restart.
After reboot, try opening a link in Gmail again.
Use Gmail in Your Default Browser
If you open Gmail in a browser that’s not set as default, it may still try to handle links inside that browser. To fix this, always use Gmail in the browser you’ve set as default.
Follow The Below Steps:
- Open your default browser (e.g., Chrome).
- Go to www.gmail.com.
- Log into your Gmail account.
- Try clicking a link from any email.
Tip: If your default is Chrome, but you’re using Gmail in Firefox, Gmail may still use Firefox for links.
Set Gmail as the Handler for Email Links in Chrome
Chrome has a feature that lets Gmail handle mail links (like mailto:). If this isn’t set up correctly, it might interfere with how links open.
Set Gmail as Default in Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Go to Gmail.com.
- Look at the right side of the address bar.
- If you see a double-diamond icon (🔷), click it.
- Choose Allow Gmail to open all email links.
- Click Done.
Note: If you don’t see the diamond icon, go to chrome://settings/handlers and enable “Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols.”
Be Careful With Chrome Profiles
If you use different Chrome profiles for personal and work accounts, they each store separate settings. So, one Chrome profile might be default, but Gmail is open in another profile that doesn’t follow that setting.
Fix Profile Confusion:
- Click your profile icon in Chrome (top-right).
- Check which profile is active.
- Switch to the one you’ve set as default.
- Open Gmail in that profile.
Example: If your work Chrome profile is default, but Gmail is running in a personal profile, links might not open correctly.
Disable Browser Extensions That Interfere With Links
Some extensions—like link redirectors, ad blockers, or security plugins—can change how Gmail opens links. Try disabling them temporarily to test.
Steps in Chrome:
- Open a new tab and go to chrome://extensions/.
- Turn off all extensions.
- Refresh Gmail and try clicking a link.
- If the link opens correctly, enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.
Note: Some VPN or security extensions can also block or reroute Gmail links.
Fix Gmail Opening Links in the Wrong Browser on Android
On Android phones, Gmail might open links in the wrong browser app if the default app is not set correctly.
Follow The Steps:
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Tap Apps or Applications.
- Go to Default apps.
- Tap Browser app.
- Choose your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome).
Now, all Gmail links should open in the selected browser.
Fix Gmail Opening Links in Wrong Browser on iPhone
If you’re on iOS and Gmail links are opening in Safari or another browser you don’t prefer, you can set a different browser as default.
Steps for iPhone/iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap the browser you want to set (e.g., Chrome).
- Tap Default Browser App.
- Select your new default browser.
Try Gmail again—links should now open in the new browser.
Reset Your Browser Settings (Only If Needed)
Still facing issues? It might be due to hidden settings or corruption in your browser profile. You can reset your browser to factory settings as a last resort.
For Chrome Browser:
- Open Settings.
- Click Reset settings on the left menu.
- Choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm the reset.
Warning: This will remove all your extensions, saved passwords, and custom settings.
Tips to Avoid Gmail Link Issues in the Future
To prevent Gmail from opening links in the wrong browser again, follow these good habits:
Best Practices:
- Always use Gmail in your default browser.
- Avoid opening multiple browser windows for Gmail.
- Keep only one active Chrome profile per task.
- Regularly check browser default settings after updates.
- Don’t overload your browser with extensions.
- Keep your browser and OS updated.
Final Thoughts
Gmail opening links in the wrong browser can be frustrating, but it’s usually easy to fix. By setting the right default browser, managing Chrome profiles, and adjusting a few key settings, you can ensure Gmail behaves exactly how you want.
Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, the steps above will help you take control of your email experience and make it smoother and faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do Gmail links open in Firefox even though I set Chrome as default?
A: Gmail might still be open in Firefox. Open Gmail in Chrome and make sure it’s your system default.
Q: Gmail still opens in Edge after I changed the setting. What’s wrong?
A: Restart your computer to apply changes fully. Also, check if extensions or admin policies are forcing Edge.
Q: Can I stop Gmail links from opening in the same browser always?
A: No. Gmail follows your system’s default browser setting. You can change that setting anytime.