Setting Google as your default search engine depends on which browser you use
The steps differ between Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge because each browser stores this setting in a different place. Chrome makes it simplest — Google is already the default in most cases. Firefox, Safari, and Edge require you to dig into settings, but the process takes less than a minute once you know where to look. Mobile browsers (on iPhone and Android) have their own separate defaults, which you set independently from your computer.
You do not need to download anything or create a new account. Your browser already knows about Google as a search option. You are just telling it to use Google instead of whatever it is using now — typically Bing, Yahoo, or your internet provider's search page.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome uses Google by default, so you may not need to change anything — check your settings under Search Engine to confirm.
- Firefox requires you to open Preferences, select Search, and choose Google from the dropdown menu under Default Search Engine.
- Safari on Mac uses Bing by default; change it by opening Safari menu, selecting Preferences, clicking Search, and choosing Google.
- Edge defaults to Bing; open Settings, select Privacy and Services, scroll to Search Engine, and select Google.
- Mobile defaults are separate from desktop — iPhone and Android each have their own search engine settings in their main Settings apps.
How to change the default in 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. Under Default search engine, you will see a dropdown menu showing which engine is currently set. Click the dropdown and select Google if it is not already chosen.
Chrome usually ships with Google already selected, so you may find nothing to change. If you see a different engine listed, the dropdown will show you all available options. Google appears in the list by default. Once you select it, the change takes effect immediately — the next time you use the address bar to search, Google will handle the results.
How to change the default in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right. Select Settings. On the left side, click Search. Under Default Search Engine, you will see a dropdown menu. Click it and select Google from the list.
Firefox includes Google in its default list of search engines, so you do not need to add it manually. Once you select Google, it becomes your default immediately. If you use the address bar to search (rather than clicking the search box), Firefox will use your default engine for those searches too.
How to change the default in Safari on Mac
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Select Preferences. Click the Search tab. Under Search engine, click the dropdown menu and select Google.
Safari defaults to Bing, so you will likely see Bing selected when you open Preferences. The dropdown includes Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo as built-in options. Choose Google and close the Preferences window. The change applies immediately to searches you perform in the Safari address bar and search box.
How to change the default in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy and Services. Scroll down to the Search engine section. Click the dropdown under Search engine and select Google.
Edge defaults to Bing, Microsoft's own search engine. Google is included in the dropdown list of available options. Once you select Google, it becomes your default for all searches performed in the address bar and search box. The change takes effect immediately.
How to change the default on iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap Safari. Tap Search Engine. Select Google from the list of options.
iPhone includes Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo as built-in search engine options. Your choice here applies only to Safari on your iPhone — it does not affect Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers you may have installed. If you use a different browser on your phone, you will need to set the default separately within that app.
How to change the default on Android
Open the Settings app. Tap Apps or Application Manager (the name varies by phone maker). Search for your browser — Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, or whichever you use. Tap it, then look for Search engine or Search settings. Select Google from the available options.
The exact path depends on your phone manufacturer and Android version, but the principle is the same: find your browser in Settings, then locate the search engine option within that app's settings. If you use Chrome, you can also change the default directly within Chrome by following the Chrome steps listed above — the setting syncs across your devices if you are signed into your Google account.
What happens after you change your default
Once you set Google as your default, any search you perform in the address bar or search box will use Google to return results. If you type a question or phrase into the address bar instead of visiting a website, Google will process that search. Searches you perform this way appear in your Google search history if you are signed into a Google account.
Changing your default does not prevent you from using other search engines. You can still visit Bing, DuckDuckGo, or any other search engine directly by typing its web address. You can also right-click the address bar in most browsers and choose a different search engine for a single search without changing your default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default search engine affect my passwords or bookmarks?
No. Your default search engine setting is separate from your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history. Changing it does not delete or move any of your saved information. All your bookmarks and passwords remain exactly where they are.
Can I set different defaults for different browsers on the same computer?
Yes. Each browser has its own independent default search engine setting. You can set Google as the default in Chrome, Bing in Firefox, and DuckDuckGo in Safari all at the same time. The setting you choose in one browser does not affect the others.
What if Google does not appear in my search engine dropdown?
Google is built into all major browsers, so it should appear in the dropdown. If it does not, try restarting your browser. If it still does not appear, you may be using an older version — update your browser to the latest version and check again. You can also add Google manually by visiting google.com in your browser; most browsers offer to add it as an option after you search there.
If I change my default, will my old search history move to Google?
No. Your search history stays with the search engine where it was created. If you previously used Bing, your Bing search history remains in your Bing account. Google will start recording new searches you perform with Google once you change your default and sign into your Google account.
Do I need to change my default on my phone if I already changed it on my computer?
Yes. Phone and computer defaults are separate. Changing the default on your computer does not change it on your phone. You will need to follow the iPhone or Android steps above to set Google as the default on your mobile device.