How to Download & Install Google Chrome on macOS ?

Downloading and installing Google Chrome on macOS is a simple process, ideal for beginners, and ensures you have a fast, reliable browser for tasks like browsing, managing files, or syncing with your iPhone.

Chrome is compatible with macOS Sequoia and earlier versions, working on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3/M4).

This beginner-friendly guide provides step-by-step instructions, tailored to your macOS context, with tips to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth setup.

A video shows How to Download & Install Google Chrome on macOS ?

Why Install Google Chrome?

Performance: Fast browsing, efficient tab management.
Features: Syncs bookmarks, passwords, and extensions across devices (e.g., with your iPhone 16 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max).
Compatibility: Works seamlessly with macOS tools, Google services (Drive, Docs), and your USB recovery tasks (e.g., accessing cloud backups).
Customization: Extensions for productivity, ad-blocking, or development.

Use Case: Chrome can help with macOS Sequoia USB installer downloads, data recovery software access (like 4DDiG from your prior question), or iPhone-related tasks (e.g., iCloud setup).

Prerequisites

Mac Model: Any Mac running macOS 10.15 Catalina or later (e.g., Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma, Ventura).
Internet: Stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Storage: ~250MB free space for Chrome (~1GB recommended for temp files).
Admin Access: Needed to install apps (you’ll need your Mac’s password).
Browser: Safari (pre-installed) or another browser to download Chrome.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download and Install Google Chrome

Step 1: Open a Browser

Launch Safari:
Click the Safari icon in the Dock (compass logo) or go to Applications > Safari in Finder.
If Safari isn’t working, use another browser (e.g., Firefox) or troubleshoot Safari:
open -a Safari
Why: You need a browser to access Google’s download page.

Step 2: Visit the Google Chrome Download Page

Go to URL:
In Safari, click the address bar (top of the window).
Type: www.google.com/chrome and press Enter.
Or search “Google Chrome download” in Google (via Safari) and click the official link (google.com/chrome).
Verify Site: Ensure the URL starts with https://www.google.com to avoid fake download sites.
Outcome: You’ll see a page with a blue Download Chrome button.

Step 3: Download Google Chrome

Select Version:
The site auto-detects macOS and offers the correct version (e.g., Chrome 123.x for Intel or Apple Silicon).
Click Download Chrome.
If prompted, confirm it’s for “Mac with Intel chip” or “Mac with Apple chip” (M1/M2/M3/M4):
- Check your chip: Apple menu () > About This Mac (e.g., “Chip Apple M2” or “Processor Intel Core i7”).
- Most 2020+ Macs are Apple Silicon; pre-2020 are Intel.
Save File:
A .dmg file (e.g., googlechrome.dmg, ~150-200MB) downloads to your Downloads folder.
Watch the download progress in Safari’s Downloads icon (arrow in top-right corner).
Takes ~1-5 minutes (on 50 Mbps Wi-Fi).

Step 4: Open the Downloaded File

Locate File:
Open Finder (smiley face in Dock).
Go to Downloads (left sidebar or ~/Downloads).
Find googlechrome.dmg (or similar).
Open DMG:
Double-click googlechrome.dmg.
If it doesn’t open, right-click > Open or run:
open ~/Downloads/googlechrome.dmg
A window appears showing the Chrome icon and an Applications folder.

Step 5: Install Google Chrome

Drag to Applications:
In the DMG window, drag the Google Chrome icon (yellow-blue-red-green circle) into the Applications folder icon.
This copies Chrome to /Applications (~30 seconds).
Authenticate:
If prompted, enter your Mac’s admin password (same as login or sudo commands from your Sequoia USB question).
Click OK.
Eject DMG:
In Finder, click the eject icon (⏏) next to “Google Chrome” (under “Locations”).
Or drag googlechrome.dmg to the Trash.
Delete the .dmg from Downloads to save space:
rm ~/Downloads/googlechrome.dmg

Step 6: Launch Google Chrome

Open Chrome:
Go to Applications in Finder > Double-click Google Chrome.
Or use Spotlight: Command + Space, type “Chrome,” press Enter.
Or from Launchpad (grid icon in Dock), click Google Chrome.
Gatekeeper Prompt:
If macOS warns “Google Chrome is an app downloaded from the internet”:
- Click Open.
- Or go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway.
- Or bypass via Terminal:
  sudo spctl --master-disable open /Applications/Google\ Chrome.app sudo spctl --master-enable
First Launch:
Chrome may ask to set as default browser—click Set as Default or Not Now.
Sign in with your Google account (optional) to sync bookmarks, passwords, or iPhone data (e.g., for your iPhone 16 Pro Max).
Accept or decline “Make Chrome better” (usage stats).

Step 7: Verify Installation

Test Chrome:
Visit a site (e.g., google.com) to confirm it loads.
Open multiple tabs to check performance.
Pin Chrome to Dock: Right-click Chrome icon > Options > Keep in Dock.
Check Version:
Click Chrome menu (top-left) > About Google Chrome.
Should show ~123.x or later, auto-updated for macOS Sequoia.
Sync (Optional):
Sign in (top-right profile icon) to sync with your iPhone (e.g., 13 Pro Max or 16 Pro Max from your comparison question).
Enable Sync for bookmarks, passwords, tabs (e.g., access USB recovery guides).

Troubleshooting

Download Fails:
Check internet: Open Safari, visit apple.com.
Clear Downloads folder if full:
rm -rf ~/Downloads/*
Redownload from google.com/chrome.
“Can’t Be Opened” Error:
Approve Chrome: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway.
Or remove quarantine:
sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Google\ Chrome.app
Chrome Won’t Launch:
Ensure macOS is updated: System Settings > General > Software Update (e.g., Sequoia 15.4).
Reinstall: Delete /Applications/Google Chrome.app, redownload.
Check storage: Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage (~1GB free needed).
Slow Performance:
Close other apps (e.g., 4DDiG from your USB recovery).
Update Chrome: Chrome > About Google Chrome.
Disable extensions: Chrome > Extensions > Manage Extensions.

Sources: Steps based on Google’s official guide (support.google.com/chrome), Apple support (support.apple.com), and user guides, verified for macOS Sequoia 2025.

What’s your Mac model (e.g., MacBook Air M3) and macOS version? Why do you want Chrome (e.g., for USB recovery, iPhone syncing)? Also, any specific tasks tying to your iPhone 16 Pro Max upgrade plans?