A clear, step-by-step guide to using web browsers on your phone and computer in 2026.
Browsers covered
• Google Chrome
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Samsung Internet, plus short notes on Brave, Opera and others
Steps are given for Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows and Mac where they differ.
What's inside
• Getting started: what a browser does, choosing one, installing it and setting your default browser
• Everyday browsing: the address bar and search, tabs and tab groups, bookmarks and reading list, history, downloads, start page and keyboard shortcuts
• Sign-in and passwords: sync between devices, built-in password managers, passkeys and autofill
• Privacy: private and Incognito windows, how cookies and tracking work, tracking protection, site permissions and clearing browsing data
• Safety and security: HTTPS and the padlock, warning pages, phishing, fake download buttons, extensions and add-ons, updates and security checkups
• AI in the browser: what Gemini in Chrome, Copilot in Edge, Firefox's AI chatbot and Apple Intelligence in Safari can do, how to use them safely and how to turn them off
• Reading and accessibility: zoom and text size, reader mode and read aloud, dark mode and themes, translating pages
• Troubleshooting and FAQ: a slow browser, pop-ups and unwanted notifications, pages that will not load, resetting your browser, and quick answers
Easy to follow
• Original illustrations of a browser window, web addresses, cookies, HTTPS, permission prompts and fake download buttons
• Menu paths shown step by step
• Search every page at once
• Clean, modern design with dark mode
• Works offline, with no account needed
• Available in 8 languages: English, Español, Português, Français, Deutsch, العربية, हिन्दी and Bahasa Indonesia
Written for everyday users, from beginners to people who want to tighten their privacy and security settings.
Based on the official help pages of Google, Apple, Microsoft, Mozilla and Samsung.
This is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google, Apple, Microsoft, Mozilla or Samsung. Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox and Samsung Internet are trademarks of their respective owners. Menus and features can vary by version, device and region.
Learn Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox: tabs, passwords, privacy and safety