Google is the default search engine on most devices, but you may need to change it back if another search engine took over

When you type a search directly into your browser's address bar, your default search engine handles that query. On Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, Google is usually set as the default from the start. But if you installed a browser extension, clicked through a software installer without reading the fine print, or switched devices, a different search engine may have taken its place. Changing it back to Google takes two to five minutes depending on your device and browser.

The steps differ slightly by browser and operating system because each one stores this setting in a different place. The good news: you only need to change it once per browser, and the setting will stick until you change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default search engine is what runs queries when you type directly into the address bar, separate from which search engine you visit by typing its web address.
  • Google is the factory default on most new devices, but browser extensions and software installers can change it without asking.
  • The setting lives in your browser's preferences, not your operating system, so you may need to change it separately in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
  • If a search engine keeps resetting itself after you change it, a browser extension is likely the cause and should be removed.

How to change your default search engine in Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears. On the left side, click Search engine.

You will see a list of search engines Chrome has detected. Google should be in that list. Click on Google to select it. If Google is not listed, click the Manage search engines and site search option, then scroll down to find Google in the full list and click the three dots next to it, then select Make default.

How to change your default search engine in Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Search.

Under the Default Search Engine section, you will see a dropdown menu showing your current default. Click it and select Google from the list. Firefox will save the change immediately.

How to change your default search engine in Safari (Mac and iPhone)

On Mac: 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 select Google.

On iPhone: Open the Settings app (not Safari itself). Scroll down and tap Safari. Tap Search Engine. Select Google from the list.

How to change your default search engine in Edge

Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to the Search engine section. Click the dropdown under Address bar search engine and select Google.

What to do if your default search engine keeps changing back

If you set Google as your default and it reverts to another search engine after you close and reopen your browser, a browser extension is almost certainly the cause. Extensions can override your search settings without your permission, especially if they were installed as part of another program's setup.

Open your browser's extension or add-ons page. In Chrome, click the three dots, then More tools, then Extensions. In Firefox, click the hamburger menu, then Add-ons and themes, then Extensions. Look for anything unfamiliar or anything related to a search engine or toolbar. Click the trash or remove icon next to it. Then set Google as your default again. The setting should now stick.

If you are not sure whether an extension is safe to remove, search for its name online. Most legitimate extensions are well-documented, and you can reinstall it later if you need it. Removing an unknown extension is safer than leaving it in place.

The difference between your default search engine and your home page

These are two separate settings that often get confused. Your default search engine is what runs queries when you type into the address bar. Your home page is the page that loads when you open a new tab or window.

You can have Google as your default search engine but a different home page, or vice versa. If you want Google to appear when you open a new tab, you need to set your home page to google.com separately. The steps for this are in your browser's Settings under Home or Startup, depending on which browser you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my default search engine affect my search history?

No. Your search history is stored separately from your default search engine setting. Changing the default does not delete old searches or change where they are saved. If you want to clear your search history, you can do that in your browser's privacy settings, but it is a separate action.

Will Google track me more if I set it as my default?

Google tracks your searches whether it is your default engine or not, as long as you are signed into a Google account. The default setting does not change how much data Google collects. If you want to reduce tracking, you can use a private browsing window, sign out of your Google account, or use a privacy-focused search engine instead.

What if Google is not showing up in my search engine list?

Google should appear automatically in most browsers. If it does not, you can add it manually. In Chrome, go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then click Add and type in the details for Google. In Firefox, you can visit google.com, right-click the search box, and select Add Search Engine.

Can I set different default search engines for different browsers?

Yes. Each browser stores its own default search engine setting independently. You can set Google as the default in Chrome and Bing as the default in Edge, and each browser will use its own setting when you search from the address bar.