How to change your default search engine
Your default search engine is the one that runs when you type in the address bar without a full web address. Most browsers come set to Google, but you can change it to Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or another search engine in a few clicks. The steps differ slightly by browser, but the setting lives in the same place on all of them: your browser's settings menu.
The change takes effect immediately and applies to all searches you do from the address bar going forward. You can always change it back later if you want to switch again.
Key Takeaways
- Your default search engine is what runs when you type a question or phrase directly into the address bar at the top of your browser.
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you pick your default search engine from their settings menu, and the change takes effect right away.
- Some search engines like DuckDuckGo prioritize privacy, while others like Google and Bing show more results and personalized suggestions.
- Changing your default search engine does not affect search bars on websites themselves — only searches you start from your browser's address bar.
How to change your 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 already knows about — Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo are usually there. Click the one you want to use as your default. A dot will appear next to it to show it is now active.
If you want to use a search engine that is not on the list, scroll down to Other search engines and click Add. Type the name of the search engine, then paste its search URL (you can find this by searching for "[search engine name] search URL" in your current browser). Chrome will then add it to your list and you can set it as default.
How to change your search engine in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select Settings.
On the left, click Search. Under Default Search Engine, you will see a dropdown menu showing your current choice. Click it and select a different search engine from the list. Firefox includes Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and others by default.
To add a search engine that is not on the list, scroll down to One-Click Search Engines. You can add new ones here by visiting a website that offers search and clicking the plus icon that appears in the address bar when you visit it.
How to change your search engine in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar. Select Settings (or Preferences on older Macs).
Click the Search tab. Under Search engine, click the dropdown menu and choose from Google, Yahoo, Bing, or DuckDuckGo. The change takes effect immediately.
Safari does not let you add custom search engines the way Chrome and Firefox do, so you are limited to the four options provided.
How to change your search engine in Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings.
On the left, click Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to Search engine and click the dropdown menu under Address bar search engine. Select the search engine you want to use.
If you want to add a search engine that is not listed, scroll down further to Address bar search engine and click Manage search engines. Click Add, fill in the name and search URL, then click Add as default.
Why you might want to change your search engine
Google is the most widely used search engine and returns the most results for most searches. However, other search engines have different strengths. Bing integrates with Microsoft services and shows image and video results prominently. Yahoo combines results from multiple sources. DuckDuckGo does not track your search history or store personal data, which appeals to people concerned about privacy.
Some people also change their search engine because they prefer how a different one displays results, or because they want to support a company whose values align with theirs. Your choice does not affect how websites work — it only changes where your browser sends the searches you type into the address bar.
What happens if you change your mind
Changing your default search engine back is just as simple as changing it the first time. Go back into your browser's settings, find the search engine section, and pick a different one. There is no penalty or waiting period — the new default takes effect immediately.
You can also use a different search engine for a single search without changing your default. In most browsers, you can type the search engine's name followed by your search term (like "bing weather today") and your browser will send that search to Bing instead of your default engine. This works if you have added that search engine to your browser's list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my default search engine affect searches I do on websites?
No. Changing your default search engine only affects searches you type into your browser's address bar. If a website has its own search box, that search goes to wherever the website sends it, regardless of your browser settings.
Can I use different search engines on different devices?
Yes. Each device has its own browser settings, so you can set Chrome on your phone to use DuckDuckGo while keeping Google as your default on your laptop. The settings do not sync across devices unless you sign into your browser account and turn on sync.
What if my search engine is not in the list?
Chrome and Firefox let you add custom search engines by providing the search URL. Edge also has this option. Safari is limited to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. If you use Safari and want a different search engine, you would need to search manually by visiting that search engine's website.
Will changing my search engine make my browser faster or slower?
No. Your browser's speed depends on your internet connection and how much memory your browser is using, not which search engine you have set as default. All major search engines return results at similar speeds.
Can I set a different default search engine for private browsing?
Most browsers do not let you set separate defaults for private and regular browsing. Your default search engine applies to both. However, DuckDuckGo is designed for privacy and is available as a default option in all major browsers if that is your concern.