How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (2024)

Using the search engine you like best is a preference many internet users don’t take lightly.

But it can also be tricky to configure the browser(s) you use to operate with the search engine you prefer by default each time.

So, if you want to change your default search engine to Google or any other major search engine within a specific web browser, follow the guide below. You’ll realize that changing it is a simple and fast process that greatly impacts your web-browsing experience.

Whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, here’s how to set your preferred search engines, regardless of your device.

Change Default Search Engine In Google Chrome

Here’s how to change your default search engine in Google Chrome.

Open the Chrome browser.

Click the three solid dots in the top right corner of the browser window. This is located below where the window’s X button would be on a machine using Windows, or below the down-facing arrow that opens the Tabs menu on a Mac.

If you’re signed into Chrome, it’s located next to your Google profile’s thumbnail.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (1)Screenshot from Google Chrome, February 2023

Select Settings.

Click the Search engine section on the left-hand side of the page to reveal the search engine menu.

Then click the down arrow where it says Search engine used in the address bar to reveal the different options available without manually adding a different search engine not already listed.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (2)Screenshot from Google Chrome, February 2023

Select your default search engine from the list that includes Google, Ecosia, Yahoo, Bing, or DuckDuckGo.

Note: If you’ve tried to set your search engine, but it doesn’t work, you may have malware. Get help restoring your Chrome settings.

Add, Edit, Or Remove Other Search Engines

To add, edit, or remove other search engines from the list, click the Manage search engines and site search arrow below the default search engine list.

To Add A Search Engine

Scroll down below the list of default Search engines.

At Other search engines, click Add.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (3)Screenshot from Google Chrome, February 2023

You’ll be prompted to fill out the search engine name, shortcut, and URL.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (4)Screenshot from Google Chrome, February 2023

Filling Out Text Fields To Add A Search Engine In Chrome

The Search engine field should be the label or name of the search engine (i.e., Brave, Yandex, Swisscows, etc.).

The Shortcut field should be the text shortcut you want to use to engage the search engine via your browser bar.

This allows you to enter the keyword in the address bar for quick, easy access. (Of course, you can still just type your search query in the address bar to use the default search engine, too.)

“The URL with %s in place of query” field should include:

  • the web address for the search engine’s results page.
  • use %s where the query would go.

To find and edit the web address of the results page:

  • Go to the search engine you want to add.
  • Do a search.
  • Copy and paste the web address of the search results page into the URL field. The address for the search results page is different from the website address.
    • For example, if you search for [football], the Google search results URL is “http://www.google.com/search?q=football”.
  • Replace the search term in the URL with %s.
    • For example, if you were using the Google search results URL, your search engine address would be “http://www.google.com/search?q=%s”.

To Set A Default Search Engine, Edit, Or Delete

Click the Manage search engines and site search button right below theSearch engine used in the address bar button.

Then, scroll down to the list of search engines and click the three-dot icon on the right of the search engine you want to set to default, edit, or delete.

It will open a little box offering the user to “Make default” or “Delete” the listed search engine we are altering.

There is also a small pencil icon next to the three dots that will allow you to edit the current input, whether that be the search engine name, shortcut, or URL.

Use the pencil icon to edit the current inputs or the three-dot icon to make a search engine the default – or delete it from the list.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (5)Screenshot from Google Chrome, February 2023

Change Default Search Engine In Firefox

Follow these steps to change your default search engine in Firefox.

Open the Firefox browser.

Click the hamburger menu (three solid lines) in the top-right corner of the browser window.

Select Settingsfrom the dropdown menu.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (6)Screenshot from Firefox, February 2023

SelectingSettings will open a new tab within the same Firefox window.

On the left-side navigation, click on Search with the magnifying glass icon to access the various search-related features within Firefox.

Scroll down to the Default Search Engine section and click the drop-down menu to reveal the six different search engines that can be used as the default for the browser.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (7)Screenshot from Firefox, February 2023

Select the search engine you want to be your default, and it updates immediately (no saving of the settings is needed).

To Add A Search Engine

To add a search engine not available in the above dropdown, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Find more search engines link (below a variety of other customized options, including search bar options, search suggestions, and search shortcuts).

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (8)Screenshot from Firefox, February 2023

Click on Find more search engines, select the add-on(s) you want to add, and click Add to Firefox.

You can search for the search engine you are looking for or browse the extensive list shown by Firefox.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (9)Screenshot from Firefox, February 2023

You will then be asked to give permission to add the add-on to the browser.

Once it has been added, it will show up in the list of available search engines under Default Search Engine.

To Remove A Search Engine

Scroll below the Search Shortcuts section and click on the search engine you want to remove and highlight.

Then, click the “Remove” button in the bottom right corner of that section.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (10)Screenshot from Firefox, February 2023

Note: If you remove a search engine that you added yourself and change your mind, you’ll have to add it again (the steps are above this section).

If you remove any of the search engines that come with Firefox by default, click Restore Default Search Enginesto bring them back.

Change Default Search Engine In Microsoft Edge

Edge, Microsoft’s latest web browser, is a full reboot of its legacy Internet Explorer browser – which the company announced in June 2022 will no longer be fully supported.

Since Microsoft recommends users get Edge and use IE Mode if they want to return to the interface and functionality of Internet Explorer, we will explain how to change your default browser solely to Microsoft’s fully supported browser, Edge – and not to IE.

Here’s how to change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge:

Open the Microsoft Edge browser.

Go to the search engine website you want to default to (e.g., www.google.com).

Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the browser window under the X button.

Slide down and click Manage Add-ons.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (11)Screenshot from Microsoft Edge, February 2023

Once you’ve clicked on Settings, clickPrivacy, Search, and Serviceson the left-side panel.

Then scroll to the bottom of the page where it says Address bar and search.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (12)Screenshot from Microsoft Edge, February 2023

Once the Privacy, Search, and Services menu opens, and choose the default search engine from the dropdown menu next to Search engine used in the address bar.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (13)Screenshot from Microsoft Edge, February 2023

All search engines that have been used in the browser will show up as a possible default option.

If the search engine you want to designate as the default does not show up, search for it in the address bar, then go back and look – it should be an option to choose as default after that.

Change Default Search Engine In Safari For Desktop

Here’s how to change your default search engine in Safari for desktop computers.

Open the Safari browser and go to the Safari menu in the upper-left corner.

Select Preferences from that dropdown.

Once the Preferences window opens, click the Search button with the magnifying glass icon across the top menu.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (14)

Click on the search engine you want to make your default.

Change Default Search Engine In Safari For iPhone

Open Settings on your iPhone.

Scroll directly down to the Safari button with the logo and an advance arrow.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (15)

Within theSettingtab, go under theSearchmenu and click where it saysSearch Engineto pick from the default search engine options.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (16)

Change Default Search Engine In Android

On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Chrome app.

To the right of the address bar, tap Moreand then Settings.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (17)

Under Basics, tap Search engine.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (18)

Select the search engine you want to use.

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (19)

Recently visited search engines will be added as your default search engine options.

Conclusion

Regardless of the device, operating system, or browser you’re using, setting and using the default search engine you favor most impacts your results and the types of search queries you use.

It also has an immediate and long-lasting impact on your everyday web experience.

Because of this, knowing how to easily change your default search engine across any device, operating system, and browser is important.

Just like different browsers offer different experiences, so do search engines. And each one leans into different features and characteristics to add value to its users and separate itself from the competition.

Search engines constantly strive to provide the best results and information through the most satisfying user experience.

These are both crucial for customer satisfaction and loyalty. These factors also separate the best search engines from the not-so-good ones.

Update the browser(s) you use to work better for you using the abovementioned steps. Update your default search engine, and (hopefully) you won’t have to revisit it again anytime soon.

More Resources:

  • 20 Great Search Engines You Can Use Instead Of Google
  • Meet The 7 Most Popular Search Engines In The World
  • SEO For Beginners: An Introduction To SEO Basics

Featured Image: Golubovy/Shutterstock

Category SEO

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari (2024)

FAQs

How To Change Your Default Search Engine In Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari? ›

To change these settings, choose Safari > Settings, then click Search. Choose the search engine you want Safari to use for your regular web browsing. Choose the search engine you want Safari to use for Private Browsing. Ask the search engine for search suggestions based on search terms you enter.

How do I change my default search engine in Safari? ›

To change these settings, choose Safari > Settings, then click Search. Choose the search engine you want Safari to use for your regular web browsing. Choose the search engine you want Safari to use for Private Browsing. Ask the search engine for search suggestions based on search terms you enter.

How do I set a different search engine as my default? ›

Set your default search engine
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, select More. Settings.
  3. Select Search engine.
  4. Next to "Search engine used in the address bar," select the Down arrow .
  5. Select a new default search engine.

How do I change the default search engine in Edge? ›

Open Microsoft Edge and click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. Click on “Privacy, search, and services”. Click on the dropdown menu next to “Search engine used in the address bar” and pick your preferred search engine (e.g., Google).

How do I change the default search engine in Firefox? ›

To learn more, see Add or remove a search engine in Firefox. and select Settings. Select Search in the left pane. Use the drop-down menu under Default Search Engine to change the default search engine.

What is the safest search engine for Safari? ›

If you care about privacy, use this default search engine in Chrome, Safari and Firefox. DuckDuckGo can better protect your privacy and personal data while searching the web.

What search engine does Apple recommend? ›

Apple Uses Google Search Engine on Its Devices

Despite the growing competition, Apple chooses Google Search Engine over Bing, DuckDuckGo, and other available options as the default search engine for iPhone and other iOS devices.

What search engine does Safari use? ›

Safari, made by Apple, is a web browser, not a search engine. Apple doesn't have its own search engine and uses Google as the default on Apple devices.

Why does my computer keep changing my default search engine? ›

A browser hijacker can forcefully redirect you to certain websites and change your home page. They might be phishing sites, or sites laden with intrusive ads. Some browser hijackers and adware inject ads into your browser. Some browser hijackers may even contain spyware in the form of a keylogger.

How do I change the default browser from Edge to Chrome? ›

Scroll down to “Web browsers” on the right-hand side, click on “Microsoft Edge” and then click on the web program of your choice in the following list of installed browsers. In Windows 11, also open Settings, go to Apps > Default apps and click on “Firefox” or “Google Chrome,” depending on your preference.

What search engine does Firefox use? ›

Firefox is a free, Open Source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation and Mozilla Corporation in 2004. The Firefox web browser can be used with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. Firefox uses the Google search page as its homepage and default search engine.

Is Bing better than Google? ›

While Google still dominates the market, providing additional search features and taking a mobile-first approach to indexing, Microsoft Bing has vastly improved its offering to differentiate itself from competitors, heading towards a more visually immersive search experience.

How do I change my default website in Edge? ›

Here's how to change your home page in the new Microsoft Edge :
  1. Open Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more > Settings .
  2. Select Appearance.
  3. Turn on Show home button.
  4. You can either choose New tab page or select Enter URL for a page that you want to use as your home page.

How can I change my default search engine? ›

Follow the steps described below to set your default search engine:
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More > Settings.
  3. Click Search engine.
  4. Next to Search engine used in the address bar, click the Down arrow.
  5. Select a new default search engine.
Oct 2, 2023

How do I change my default browser from Firefox to Safari? ›

Make Safari your default web browser on Mac
  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Open Desktop & Dock settings for me.
  2. Click the pop-up menu next to “Default web browser” on the right, then choose Safari.

Why is Bing my default search engine in Firefox? ›

It's possible that either Firefox sync is causing this (do you have a computer with bing set as the default perhaps?) or that you have an extension causing this. Try resetting Firefox, Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings, then change your search engine to Google (It will be yahoo, our new partner).

How do I set Google as the default browser on Safari? ›

Launch System Preferences from your Mac's Dock, from the Applications folder, or from the Apple menu bar ( -> System Preferences...). Select General, the first icon in the preference panel. Click the dropdown menu next to "Default web browser" and select your choice from the list of installed browsers.

Why is my Safari search defaulting to Google? ›

What is a Default Search Engine? A default search engine is a pre-configured search tool that your web browser uses to fulfill your search queries. Safari on Mac and iOS devices comes with Google search set as the default search engine, but users have the option to choose their preferred search engine.

How do I go back to Safari instead of Google? ›

If you accidentally change your default browser or just want to change it back to Safari, you can easily adjust your default.
  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar. ...
  2. Click the pop-up menu next to “Default web browser” on the right, then choose Safari.

How do I get rid of unwanted search engines in Safari? ›

Firstly, open Safari. Then, click the 'Preferences' option in the toolbar. In the 'General' tab, you will find a 'Default search engine' option. Change this to your preferred search engine, and you're done!

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