[BUG] Claude on MacOS does not use default browser for logging in

[barryvan]

Preflight Checklist

• I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

The MacOS desktop app always opens Safari when trying to login with SSO. I do not use Safari, and do not have my passwords stored in it -- and I don't want to sign in to Google in that browser.

What Should Happen?

Just like the CLI and VS Code extension, the Claude app should use the default browser on the system, rather than forcing the use of Safari.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Download the Claude app
2. Click "Sign in with Google"
3. Observe that Safari opens, rather than the default browser

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

No response

Claude Code Version

1.9659.2

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Other

Additional Information

No response

[phillycheeze]

This bug has been reported a few times and it keeps getting auto-closed by the bot. Let's keep this issue alive!

[haffmaestro]

I have this same issue! So annoying because Safari isn't signed in to my SSO.

[elliot-strain]

This is basically a breaking change for me as our SSO is using browser certificates and since I don't normally use Safari, I need to regenerate the SSO browser certificate as I don't recall the password as I usually only need to add this annually. Before there was a workaround to copy the api.workos.com url into the browser that works, but it seems like it's just bypassing that domain completely in the safari login dialog box so that workaround that I had before is gone.

Please add support for using the default browser for login instead of forcing safari.

[RamiAwar]

It's 2026, how is this real?

[danylo-ironsail]

omfg, stupid thing! I rather go back to cli than use safari xD

[phillycheeze]

Workaround: even with Google Sign In, you can select the "Sign in with email" option. It'll send an email sign-in link, then you can open that link in any browser.

[haffmaestro]

Workaround: even with Google Sign In, you can select the "Sign in with email" option. It'll send an email sign-in link, then you can open that link in any browser.

Does not work with SSO for me.

[barryvan]

Just checking in on this one. Is there anything I can add or contribute to make triaging and/or resolving this more straightforward for the Claude team?

[alexpatin-monalee]

this has been a real nuisance especially when switching between work and personal accounts

[benjam67]

Claude fix this, make no mistake