Guide
How to change the default browser on a Mac
Your default browser is the one that opens when you click a link in Mail, Messages, Slack or any other app. You can change it in two places, and Tern lets you pick which Space those links land in.
Free · macOS 26 or later · Signed and notarized by Apple
In System Settings
- 1
Open System Settings
From the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen. - 2
Go to Desktop & Dock
In the list on the left. - 3
Choose your browser
Find Default web browser and pick the one you want from the menu. It takes effect straight away.
From Tern
- 1
Open Settings
Press ⌘, in Tern, or choose Tern › Settings. - 2
Make Tern the Default
In General, under Default browser. macOS asks you to confirm. - 3
Choose a Space for links
Set Open links in to the Space where you're signed in, or leave it on The Space that's open.
Questions
My browser isn't in the menu
It only appears after you have opened it once. Open the browser, then look again.
Why choose a Space for links?
Each Space keeps its own sign-ins. Sending links to your Work Space means a document from a colleague opens where you are already signed in.
Does changing the default move my bookmarks?
No. To bring your tabs, bookmarks and history over, use Tern's first run or File › Import from Another Browser.
Read next
Try Tern on your Mac
Free, for macOS 26 or later. Bring your tabs over in the first minute; the agent runs on your own Claude key.
Download for Mac