Not loving the default search engine your browser uses? Don’t blame the browser, just change the default search engine at any time to customize your browsing experience. While Google is the default search engine in most browsers, there are other great choices as well. Let’s examine how to change the default search engine in various browsers.
Content
- Change the Default Search Engine in Chrome
- Change the Default Search Engine in Firefox
- Change the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
- Change the Default Search Engine on Opera
- Change the Default Search Engine in Brave
- Change the Default Search Engine in Safari
- Frequently Asked Questions
Change the Default Search Engine in Chrome
The popular Chrome browser works on all major platforms. And, the default is, as you’d expect, Google. But, it’s easy to switch things up.
On your Desktop, open Chrome and click the three dot menu in the top right corner. Select Settings and choose Search engine in the left pane.
Click Change and select a search engine. Click Set as default to switch.
If you don’t see the search engine you want, click Cancel and choose Manage search engines and site search. Add any other search engine you want. Then, set it as your default. It’ll also appear in your search engine list.
On Mobile
On your mobile phone, tap on the three-dot icon in the app (at the top on Android and the bottom on iPhone). Select Settings from the menu.
Go to Search Engine and select one from the list to make it the default search engine.
Change the Default Search Engine in Firefox
Chrome might be popular, but Firefox is still one of the top browsers around, and it lets you customize your search engine.
Note: If you’re looking for a Firefox alternative, try Zen Browser, a Firefox fork.
Open Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines at the top right and select Settings to choose a default search engine. Click Search in the left pane. Click the drop-down box under Default Search Engine. If your desired search engine isn’t listed, scroll down and click on Find more search engines.
On Mobile
Open Firefox on your mobile phone and tap on the three-dot icon (Android) or hamburger menu (iPhone) and select Settings. Select Search. Choose a default search engine or add one that’s not on the list by tapping Manage alternative search engines.
Change the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows users. It’s actually a good browser with lots of productivity perks. Of course, Bing is the default search engine, but you are free to change it.
Open Edge and click the three dot menu at the top right. Select Privacy, search, and services in the left pane. Scroll all the way down and click on Address bar and search.
Click on the drop-down menu next to Search engine used in address bar and select a new search engine. If you don’t see the one you prefer, click on Manage search engines to add or remove search engines from the Edge browser.
On Mobile
Open Edge on your mobile device, tap on the hamburger menu at the bottom, and select Settings. Select General and choose a search engine from Select search engine.
Change the Default Search Engine on Opera
Opera is one of the easiest browsers to switch search engines on.
Open Opera and click the red O at the top left corner. Select Settings. Scroll down until you see Search engine. Click the drop-down box to choose your new search engine. Or, select Manage search engines to add one that’s not on the list already.
On Mobile
Tap the account icon (Android) or O icon (iPhone) and tap Settings (maybe a gear icon, depending on phone type). Scroll down and tap Search. Tap Default search engine to change the default.
Change the Default Search Engine in Brave
The Brave browser is loaded with hidden but useful features while also allowing you to choose your search engine, though I prefer the default Brave search myself.
Click on the hamburger menu at the top right and select Settings. Click Search engine in the left pane and press Change beside the current search engine. Choose the one you want. Also, change your search engine for private windows with the Private Window drop-down box. If you want to add a new search engine, select Manage search engines and site search at the bottom of the Search engine window.
On Mobile
Open Brave on your mobile device, tap on the three-dot icon in the bottom right, and tap Settings. Tap Search engines. Select your default browser for both the Standard Tab and Private Tab sections.
Change the Default Search Engine in Safari
For all the Apple users out there, you’re probably using Safari, which also lets you change your default search engine. If you’re having trouble getting Safari to work right on your phone, try these fixes.
Open Safari and click on Safari at the top left, then go to Preferences. Click on the Search tab at the top. Select a new default search engine from the Search engine drop-down menu.
On Mobile
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and tap on Safari.
Tap on Search Engine and select the new default search engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my search engine keep changing?
Viruses, extensions, and other problems might be changing your search engine without your permission. Learn how to stop this from happening.
Can I use the default search engine after changing to a different one?
When you switch to a new default search engine, all your searches will be performed using it. You can still access the other search engines by opening the site directly in your browser. Or, switch back to the original default at any time.
Which search engines are best for privacy?
If you’re switching search engines for privacy reasons, try these alternatives instead.
Image credit: All images by Crystal Crowder and Mehvish Mushtaq
Crystal Crowder –
Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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