What changing your default search engine means
Your default search engine is the one that runs when you type a question directly into your browser's address bar instead of going to a search website first. Changing it means picking a different search engine — Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or another option — to handle those searches instead. The steps differ depending on which browser you use and which operating system runs your computer.
This is different from changing your home page (the page that loads when you open your browser) or your search homepage (the page you see when you visit a search engine's website). Those are separate settings, though some browsers let you change them together.
Key Takeaways
- The steps to change your default search engine vary by browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge each have different menus and settings locations.
- You can only choose from search engines your browser officially supports, though most major options are available in all major browsers.
- Changing your default search engine does not affect searches you do by visiting a search website directly — only searches typed into the address bar.
- Some browsers reset your default search engine if you install certain software or extensions, so check your settings periodically if this keeps happening.
How to change it in Google Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. On the left side, click Search engine. You will see a list of search engines Chrome knows about, with your current default marked with a dot.
Click the search engine you want to use as your default. It will become active immediately. If the search engine you want is not in the list, you can add it: scroll to the bottom and click Manage search engines and site search, then click Add next to "Search engines" and enter the search engine's name, a shortcut (like "g" for Google), and its search URL. Once you add it, you can set it as your default.
How to change it in Mozilla Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left, click Search. Under "Default Search Engine," you will see a dropdown menu showing your current choice. Click the dropdown and select a different search engine from the list.
Firefox also shows a row of search engine icons below the address bar when you open a new tab. You can click any of those icons to search with that engine for that one search, without changing your default. To add a search engine that is not in Firefox's built-in list, visit that search engine's website, right-click the address bar on that site, and select Add as Search Engine.
How to change it in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar. Select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Search tab. Under "Search engine," click the dropdown menu and choose your preferred option. Safari offers Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo as built-in choices.
Safari does not allow you to add custom search engines the way Chrome and Firefox do. You are limited to the four options Safari provides. If none of those work for you, you may need to visit your preferred search engine's website directly when you want to search.
How to change it in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left, click Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to the "Search engine" section. Click the dropdown under "Search engine used in the address bar" and select your preferred option.
If you want to add a search engine that is not in Edge's list, scroll down further to Address bar search engine and click Manage search engines. Click Add, then enter the search engine's name, keyword, and search URL. Once added, you can set it as your default from the dropdown menu.
What to do if your default keeps changing back
Some software, browser extensions, or malware can reset your default search engine without your permission. If you change it and it reverts on its own, first check your installed extensions. In Chrome, click the three dots, go to More tools, then Extensions. Look for any extension you did not install yourself or do not recognize, and click the trash icon to remove it. Do the same in Firefox by clicking the hamburger menu, selecting Add-ons and extensions, and removing suspicious ones.
If removing extensions does not stop the changes, run a malware scan using your computer's built-in security tool (Windows Defender on Windows, or Malwarebytes on any system). Some programs bundle search engine changes as part of their installation. When you install new software, read the installation screens carefully and uncheck any boxes that offer to change your browser settings.
Search engines available in most browsers
| Search Engine | Available in Chrome | Available in Firefox | Available in Safari | Available in Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Bing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yahoo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DuckDuckGo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ecosia | Yes (add manually) | Yes | No | Yes (add manually) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default search engine affect my search history?
No. Your search history stays in your browser regardless of which search engine you use. Changing the default only changes which engine handles new searches typed into the address bar. Your old searches remain stored in your browser's history.
Can I use a different search engine for just one search without changing my default?
Yes. In Chrome and Firefox, you can click a different search engine icon in the search bar or address bar for a single search. In Safari and Edge, you can visit the search engine's website directly and search from there. Your default setting will not change.
What if my preferred search engine does not appear in my browser's list?
Chrome, Firefox, and Edge let you add custom search engines by entering the engine's name and search URL. Safari does not support custom search engines, so you would need to visit that search engine's website directly each time you want to use it. Some smaller search engines provide instructions on their website for adding them to browsers.
Does changing my default search engine on my phone work the same way?
No. Phone browsers have different settings menus. On iPhone Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Search Engine. On Android Chrome, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Search engine, and choose your option. The available engines may differ from desktop versions.
Why does my browser keep suggesting I change my search engine?
Some browsers show notifications when they detect your default search engine has changed unexpectedly, or when they want to suggest their preferred option. You can dismiss these notifications. If they keep appearing, check your extensions and installed software for anything that might be changing your settings automatically.