Chrome uses Google as the default search engine out of the box

When you open a new tab in Chrome and type into the search bar, Chrome sends your search to Google by default. You do not need to change any settings for this to happen — it is already set up that way when you install the browser.

If you have switched your search engine to Bing, Yahoo, or another option and want to go back to Google, the process takes less than a minute. If Chrome is already using Google and you want to confirm it, you can check the same settings to verify.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome defaults to Google search in the address bar and new tab page, so you may not need to change anything.
  • To confirm or change your search engine, open Chrome settings, select Search Engine, and pick Google from the list.
  • If Google does not appear in the list, you can add it manually by entering Google's search URL.
  • Your choice of search engine in Chrome does not affect which search engine appears on the Google homepage itself.

How to check and set Google as your search engine

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

Click the dropdown and look for Google in the list. If Google appears, select it. If you have already selected Google, you will see a checkmark next to it. Close the settings tab — your change takes effect immediately and you can start searching with Google right away.

What to do if Google is not in the search engine list

If Google does not appear in your search engine list, you can add it manually. In the same Search Engine settings page, scroll down to "Other search engines" and click the Add button.

In the first field, type "Google". In the second field, type "google.com". In the third field, paste this URL: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s. Click Add, then select Google from the main dropdown menu at the top of the page. Chrome will remember this setting the next time you search.

The difference between your search engine and your homepage

Your search engine is what Chrome uses when you type a query into the address bar or a new tab. Your homepage is the page that loads when you open a new window. These are two separate settings, and changing one does not affect the other.

If you want the Google homepage to appear when you open a new window, you can set that separately in Chrome settings under Appearance. But for most people, the search engine setting is what matters — it controls where your searches go when you type in the address bar. You can have Google as your search engine but a different page as your homepage, or vice versa.

Why Chrome might have switched your search engine

If you recently noticed that Chrome is no longer using Google, a browser extension or a program you installed may have changed your settings. Some extensions and software change your search engine without asking permission.

Check your extensions by clicking the puzzle piece icon in the top right of Chrome, then selecting Manage Extensions. Look for any extension you do not recognize or did not install yourself. Click the toggle to turn it off, then check your search engine settings again. If the search engine has reverted to Google, you can remove the extension entirely by clicking the trash icon.

Keeping Google as your default search engine

Once you have set Google as your search engine, it will stay that way unless you change it again or install software that overrides it. Chrome does not automatically switch your search engine to something else on its own.

If you install a new extension or program and notice your search engine has changed, follow the same steps: check your extensions, remove anything suspicious, and reset your search engine to Google in settings. Checking your extensions regularly is the best way to catch unwanted changes before they affect your browsing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does setting Google as my search engine in Chrome affect other browsers?

No. Each browser has its own search engine settings. If you use Firefox, Safari, or Edge, you would need to change the search engine separately in each one. Changing Chrome does not affect the others.

Will changing my search engine affect my Google account or search history?

No. Your search engine setting and your Google account are separate. Changing where Chrome sends your searches does not sign you out, delete your history, or change your account settings. Your search history will still appear in your Google account if you are signed in.

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

Chrome does not have a built-in way to use different search engines for different queries. You can only set one default search engine in the address bar. If you want to search with a different engine, you can visit that search engine's website directly or use a keyboard shortcut extension.

What if I accidentally deleted Google from my search engine list?

You can add it back using the same method as above. Go to Settings, Search Engine, scroll to "Other search engines," click Add, and enter Google's information again. The URL to use is https://www.google.com/search?q=%s.