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How to download and install Google Chrome on Mac

Google Chrome for Mac is free and comes from Google’s website as one installer for every Mac. Here is how to install it, move your bookmarks and passwords, and make it the default browser.

Google Chrome

  • macOS 13 or later
  • One file for Apple Silicon and Intel
  • Free
Official Google Chrome websitegoogle.com ↗

Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:

For any Mac.dmg

The links go to the developer’s website (google.com, dl.google.com). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.

Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:

brew install --cask google-chrome

Homebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.

No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.

Before you download

Chrome has a single installer that runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, so there is no version to choose. Check only your macOS version:

  1. Choose Apple menu › About This Mac.
  2. Look at the macOS version: Chrome needs macOS 13 Ventura or later.

Download Chrome only from google.com/chrome. Sites that offer «Chrome for Mac» under another address may bundle extra software or an old version.

How to install Chrome

  1. Open googlechrome.dmg in your Downloads folder.
  2. In the window that opens, drag Google Chrome to the Applications folder.
The Chrome disk image window: Chrome and the Applications folder to drag it to
  1. Eject the Google Chrome disk: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
  2. Open Chrome from Applications or Launchpad and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.

If you open Chrome straight from the disk image without copying it, it asks to install itself. Say yes, otherwise it won’t update.

What to set up after the first launch

  • Bookmarks and passwords from Safari. Open Chrome’s menu (three dots), choose Bookmarks and lists › Import bookmarks and settings and pick Safari.
  • Sync. Sign in with your Google Account to get the bookmarks, passwords and history from your other computers.
  • Default browser. Chrome offers it on first launch. Later: System Settings › Desktop & Dock › Default web browser.
  • Updates. Chrome installs a background updater from Google and updates itself. Chrome › About Google Chrome shows the version.
  • The installer. Move googlechrome.dmg from Downloads to the Trash once Chrome runs.

If Chrome won’t install or open

  • «Google Chrome is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete the file and download it again from Google’s website.
  • Chrome says your macOS is too old. Chrome needs macOS 13 or later. Update macOS in System Settings › General › Software Update, or use Safari.
  • Chrome keeps crashing after an update. Remove it completely, including the profile only if you have synced or exported it, and install it again: see how to uninstall Google Chrome on Mac.

Alternatives to Google Chrome

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Questions and answers

Is Google Chrome for Mac free?

Yes. Chrome is free for everyone, and you don’t need a Google Account to use it.

Is there a separate Chrome for Apple Silicon?

No. Google ships one universal installer that runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Can I keep both Safari and Chrome?

Yes. Safari is part of macOS and stays. You choose which one opens links in System Settings › Desktop & Dock.