In this article, we look at what a home page is, why you may want one, and then tell you the many ways you can make any website your home page.
What is a Home Page?
In this instance, your home page is the web page that shows up when you first open your web browser. It’s also the web page that shows up when you press the Home button on your computer.
For example, on my Chrome browser, the home button is the house icon in the top left corner. If you use Opera, your home button is the four squares at the top left.
Why Might You Want to Change Your Home Page?
Your default home page depends on your browser. On Chrome it’s Google Search. On Firefox it’s a Google search bar and a list of your most visited sites.
However, you may not want to see this when you open your browser. You may find it a timesuck to navigate to the site you always want to see.
Here are some ideas for pages you might prefer to be your home page.
- Your favorite search engine – Maybe you’re not a Google person?
- Your most visited news site – It’s good to catch up with what’s going on in the world when you first go online.
- Your web-based email account – Answer those urgent messages straight away.
- The homepage for your business – If you’re a business owner you need a site. Make sure it’s got a great name and is always up and running.
- Web Hosting Sun – Stay up to date with new articles from your favorite web hosting news site!
Whatever site you prefer, here’s how you can make any website your home page on a variety of web browsers.
Chrome
If you’re using Google’s Chrome browser. Here’s how to change your home page,
1 – Click on the 3 vertical dots at the top-right of the screen.
2 – Go to Settings
3 – On the setting screen, scroll down to Appearance.
4 – In the Appearance section, make sure Show Home Page is switched on.
5 – Enter the address of the website you want on the bottom line. This will set your home page to your desired page.
Firefox
Here’s how you change your homepage on Mozilla’s Firefox.
1 – While using Firefox, visit the page you want to be your home page.
2 – On the Menu Bar, click on the Firefox tab and click on Preferences.
3 – On the Preferences screen, the General section is at the top. That’s where you’ll find the Home Page options.
4 – Click Use Current Page, and your home page will be set.
Internet Explorer
The method on IE is very similar to that of Firefox.
1 – On IE, find your way to the page you want to be your home page.
2 – On the toolbar at the top of your IE browser, click on Tools.
3 – Click on Internet Options
4 – A pop-up will appear. At the top of the pop-up is your home page options.
5 – Click on Use Current. Your home page will be set.
Opera
1 – On Opera, visit the page you want to be your home page.
2 – Click on Opera on the Menu Bar, then Preferences.
2 – In the General section, you’ll find the home page options.
3 – Click Use Current to set your home page.
Safari
This is how to change your home page on the desktop version of Apple’s Safari.
1 – While using Safari, find your way to the page you want to become your home page.
2 – On the Menu Bar, click on Safari, then Preferences.
3 – On the Preferences screen, make sure you’re on the General tab.
4 – Click on Set To Current Page, and you’re done.
Android
We’re going mobile now. Here’s how you change your home page on your Android phone’s browser. Of course, there are many different web browsers you can use on Android, but if you’re using the default Android browser, here’s how you do it.
1 – On your Android browser, find the page you want to be your home page.
2 – Touch the three horizontal lines to bring up the menu.
3 – Click Settings, then General.
4 – Click Set Home Page.
5 – Now click Current Page to set your home page.
iOS Safari
If you’re an iPhone or iPad user you’re probably using Safari as your browser. Unfortunately, there’s no setting to change your home page on the mobile version of Safari.
The best way to easily get to your favorite page, and then venture off into the rest of the internet, is to put your favorite page on your device’s home screen. Here’s how you do it.
1 – Go on to Safari, and visit the page you want to add to your home screen.
2 – Click on the arrow and box icon, at the bottom of your screen, in the middle.
3 – On the bottom row of icons, scroll across to Add to Home Screen, click.
4 – Check your home screen. Your page should appear as an icon on your screen.
Now you know how to change your home page on any browser on your computer and mobile device. You’ll never have to look at the boring default screen ever again.
Enjoy!
