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

When you open a new tab or search from your browser's address bar, your default search engine is what handles that search. Most browsers ship with Google as the default, but malware, browser extensions, or settings changes can swap it out for Bing, Yahoo, or a search engine you did not choose. Changing it back takes two to five minutes depending on your browser.

The steps differ slightly between Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge because each browser stores this setting in a different place. This guide covers the most common browsers on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Google is usually the default search engine already, but you can confirm and change it in your browser's settings under "Search engine" or "Search".
  • In Chrome, go to Settings > Search engine and select Google from the dropdown; in Firefox, go to Settings > Search and choose Google.
  • On Safari, go to Preferences > Search and pick Google from the dropdown menu.
  • If an unwanted search engine keeps returning after you change the setting, a browser extension or malware may be forcing it — uninstall recent extensions first.
  • Mobile browsers (Chrome on Android, Safari on iPhone) use the same steps as their desktop versions.

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. On the left sidebar, click Search engine.

You will see a dropdown menu labeled "Search engine used in the address bar." Click it and select Google from the list. Chrome will remember this choice the next time you search from the address bar or open a new tab.

If Google does not appear in the dropdown, click Manage search engines and site search at the bottom of the menu. Find Google in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Make default.

How to change your default search engine in Firefox

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

Under "Default Search Engine," you will see a dropdown showing your current engine. Click it and select Google. Firefox saves this immediately — you do not need to click a save button.

If you want to change the search engine for the search bar separately from the address bar, scroll down to "Search Shortcuts" and adjust those individually. Most people leave both set to Google.

How to change your default search engine in Safari

On Mac, click Safari in the top menu bar and select Preferences (or press Command + comma). Click the Search tab.

You will see a dropdown labeled "Search engine." Click it and select Google. Close the preferences window — Safari saves the change automatically.

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari and scroll down to "Search Engine." Tap the current engine and select Google.

How to change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.

Scroll down to "Search engine" and click the dropdown showing your current engine. Select Google from the list. Edge applies the change immediately.

What to do if the search engine keeps changing back

If you set Google as your default but another search engine returns the next time you restart your browser, something is forcing the change. The most common cause is a browser extension you installed recently.

Go to your browser's extension or add-on page. In Chrome, click the three dots > More tools > Extensions. In Firefox, click the hamburger menu > Add-ons and themes > Extensions. Look for anything you do not recognize or do not use regularly — toolbars, search helpers, and coupon extensions are frequent culprits. Click the trash or remove icon next to it.

After removing the extension, restart your browser and check your search engine setting again. If it stays on Google, the extension was the problem. If it changes back again, malware may be involved — run a full scan with Windows Defender (Windows) or Malwarebytes, or take your device to a technician.

Checking your search engine on mobile

On Android, open Chrome and tap the three dots in the bottom right. Go to Settings > Search engine and select Google. The process is identical to desktop Chrome.

On iPhone, the process depends on which browser you use. If you use Safari (the default), go to Settings > Safari > Search Engine and pick Google. If you use Chrome on iPhone, tap the three dots > Settings > Search Engine and select Google.

Mobile browsers sometimes reset to their default search engine after a major update. If your search engine changes after updating your phone's operating system or browser app, repeat these steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would my search engine change without me doing anything?

Browser updates, malware, or an extension you installed can change your default search engine. Some websites also try to change it when you visit them, though modern browsers block most of these attempts. If it keeps changing, check your extensions first.

Is Google the safest search engine to use?

Google is not inherently safer than other search engines — safety depends more on your browsing habits and browser security settings. Google does encrypt your searches and has strong privacy controls, but it does collect search data tied to your account. If privacy is your priority, DuckDuckGo and Startpage are alternatives that log less information.

Can I use different search engines for different types of searches?

Yes. Most browsers let you set a default search engine for the address bar while using a different one in the search box, or add multiple engines and switch between them. In Chrome and Firefox, you can right-click the search box on any website and select "Add as search engine" to create custom shortcuts.

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

This is rare but can happen if your browser is very old or heavily modified. Try visiting google.com, right-clicking the search box, and selecting "Add as search engine." If that does not work, update your browser to the latest version.