Set Google as your default search engine in three steps

The process differs slightly depending on which browser you use, but the general path is the same: open your browser settings, find the search engine section, and select Google from the list. Most browsers let you change this in under a minute without installing anything or restarting.

Your default search engine is what runs when you type a question directly into the address bar instead of clicking a search box. Changing it does not affect your browsing history or any other settings — it only changes where those searches go.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you set Google as default through their settings menu without downloading anything extra.
  • The setting controls only what happens when you search from the address bar, not what search box appears on your home page.
  • If Google is not listed as an option in your browser, you can usually add it by visiting Google's homepage and selecting it as an option.
  • Changing your default search engine does not erase your search history or affect your bookmarks and passwords.

How to change the default search engine in Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three-line menu icon in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Search engine in the left sidebar. Under "Search engine used in the address bar," you will see a dropdown menu showing your current default. Click it and select Google from the list.

If Google does not appear in the dropdown, click Manage search engines and site search to see all available options. Google is usually already installed. If you still do not see it, visit google.com in a new tab, then return to Settings and refresh the search engine list.

How to change the default search engine in Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three-line menu icon in the top right. Select Settings, then click Search in the left sidebar. Under "Default Search Engine," you will see a dropdown showing your current choice. Click it and select Google.

Firefox comes with Google pre-installed as an option. If you want to remove other search engines from the dropdown to keep it clean, scroll down to "One-Click Search Engines" and click the X next to any you do not use.

How to change the default search engine in Safari

Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar. Select Settings (or Preferences on older Macs), then click the Search tab. Under "Search engine," click the dropdown menu and select Google.

Safari includes Google as a built-in option. The change takes effect immediately, and you do not need to close and reopen the browser.

How to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and click the three-dot menu icon in the top right. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar. Scroll down to "Search engine" and click the dropdown under "Address bar search engine." Select Google from the list.

Edge also includes Google as a pre-installed option. If you want to set Google as your default for the home page as well, scroll up slightly to "Home" and choose your preference there separately.

What happens when you change your default search engine

Changing your default search engine affects only what happens when you type into the address bar. It does not change your browsing history, saved passwords, bookmarks, or any other browser data. You can switch back to a different search engine at any time using the same steps.

If your browser has a search box on the home page or new tab page, that may use a different search engine. You can usually change that separately in the same settings area, though the option location varies by browser.

If Google is not showing up as an option

Most browsers come with Google pre-installed, but if it does not appear in your dropdown menu, visit google.com in a new tab. Some browsers automatically detect the search engine and add it to your options. Return to your browser settings and refresh the page — Google should now appear in the list.

If you are using a work or school computer, your administrator may have restricted which search engines you can choose. Contact your IT department if you cannot find Google in the list after refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my default search engine delete my search history?

No. Your search history remains in your browser regardless of which search engine you set as default. Changing the default only affects where new searches go, not what you have already searched for.

Can I use Google for the address bar but a different search engine for my home page?

Yes. Most browsers let you set these separately. Look for a "Home" or "Homepage" section in your settings in addition to the search engine setting. You can choose different search engines for each.

What if my browser keeps switching back to a different search engine?

Some software or browser extensions can change your default search engine without permission. Check your installed extensions or add-ons and remove any you do not recognize. On Windows, also check your Control Panel under Programs to see if any suspicious software is installed.

Is there a difference between Google and Google.com as a search engine option?

No. They are the same search engine. Some browsers list it as "Google" and others as "Google.com," but both send your searches to the same place.