How to Switch Tabs with Your Keyboard on PC or Mac

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: June 13, 2024 Fact Checked

This wikiHow teaches you how to switch between browser tabs using the keys on your keyboard.

How to Switch Tabs with a Keyboard on Mac or PC

If you're using Windows, press "Ctrl + 1-9" to view your open browser tabs. Press "Ctrl + Tab" to switch between open programs. If you're browsing Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on Mac, press "Cmd + 1-9" to view your open browser tabs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Switching Tabs on Windows (All Browsers)

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To open a tab with your keyboard, press Ctrl+t.^{[1]
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For example, pressing Ctrl+3 will bring you to the 3rd open tab.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Switching Tabs on macOS (Safari)

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To open a tab with your keyboard, press ⌘ Command+t.
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For example, pressing ⌘ Command+3 will bring you to the 3rd open tab.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Switching Tabs on macOS (Chrome and Firefox)

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To open a tab with your keyboard, press ⌘ Command+t.^{[9]
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Research source}
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For example, pressing ⌘ Command+3 will bring you to the 3rd open tab.^{[12]
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