What "default search engine" means and why it matters

Your default search engine is the search tool that runs whenever you type a question or phrase into your browser's address bar — called the omnibox in Chrome. Right now, Chrome may be set to Google, Bing, Yahoo, or another engine. Changing it means your searches go to your chosen engine instead of whatever came with your browser.

This is different from your default browser. You can use Chrome as your browser but search with Bing, or use Firefox but search with Google. The two settings work independently.

Most people set Google as their default because it's the search engine Chrome uses out of the box, and because they're already logged into their Google account. But the steps to change it are the same whether you're switching to Google from another engine or confirming Google is already your default.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's default search engine is set in Settings under Search Engine, not in your browser's home page or toolbar.
  • Google is Chrome's preset default, but you can change it to Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, or dozens of other search engines.
  • The change takes effect immediately and applies to searches typed in the address bar, not to links you click or bookmarks you use.
  • If you use Chrome across multiple devices, each device has its own default search engine setting — changing it on your phone does not change it on your computer.

How to set Google as 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'll see a list of search engines under "Search engines used in the address bar." Google should already be in that list. Click on Google to highlight it, then click the Make default button that appears to its right. The page will confirm that Google is now your default.

Close the Settings tab. The change is immediate — the next time you type in the address bar, your search will go to Google.

If Google doesn't appear in your search engine list

Google should be listed by default in Chrome. If it's not, you can add it manually. In the Search engine settings page, scroll down to "Other search engines" and click the Add button.

A small form will appear. Type "Google" in the first field (Search engine name), type "google.com" in the second field (Shortcut), and type "https://www.google.com/search?q=%s" in the third field (URL with %s in place of query). Click Add. Google will now appear in your search engine list, and you can make it your default using the steps above.

Switching from another search engine to Google

If your default is currently set to Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, or another engine, the process is identical. Go to Settings, click Search engine, find Google in the list, and click Make default. You don't need to remove the old search engine first — Chrome allows multiple search engines to be listed, and only one can be default at a time.

If you want to remove the old search engine from your list entirely, hover over it in the "Search engines used in the address bar" section and click the three dots that appear, then select Remove. This is optional and doesn't affect which one is default.

The difference between default search engine and home page

Your default search engine and your home page are separate settings. Your home page is what appears when you open a new tab or click the home button. Your default search engine is what runs when you type in the address bar.

You can have Google as your default search engine but set your home page to a different website, or vice versa. If you want both to be Google, you'll need to set them separately. To change your home page, go to Settings, click Appearance on the left, and toggle "Show home button" on. Then click the radio button next to "Open this page" and type "https://www.google.com".

Why Chrome might ignore your default search engine setting

If you've set Google as your default but searches are still going to a different engine, a few things could be happening. First, check whether you're typing in the address bar or in a search box on a web page. Search boxes on websites (like the box on Google's own homepage) use that website's search engine, not your default. Only typing in the Chrome address bar uses your default.

Second, if you use Chrome extensions, some of them can change your default search engine without asking. Check your extensions by clicking the puzzle piece icon in the top right of Chrome, then clicking the three dots next to any extension and selecting Manage extension. Look for permissions related to search. If an extension you don't recognize has search permissions, you can disable or remove it.

Third, if you share your computer with other users, each account has its own Chrome settings. Your default search engine only applies when you're logged into your account. If someone else is using Chrome under a different account, their default will be different from yours.

Syncing your default search engine across devices

If you're signed into the same Google account on multiple devices, Chrome can sync your settings across them — but search engine is not one of the settings that syncs automatically. You'll need to set your default search engine separately on your phone, tablet, and computer.

On Android, open Chrome, tap the three dots in the bottom right, go to Settings, tap Search engine, and select Google. On iPhone or iPad, open Chrome, tap the three dots in the bottom right, go to Settings, tap Search Engine, and select Google. On a Mac or Windows computer, follow the steps in the "How to set Google as your default search engine in Chrome" section above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default search engine affect my search history?

No. Your search history is stored separately from your default search engine setting. Changing your default does not delete or hide any past searches. If you want to clear your search history, go to Settings, click Privacy and security, click Clear browsing data, check the "Cookies and other site data" box, and click Clear data.

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

Not automatically through Chrome's settings. However, you can add multiple search engines to your list and switch between them manually. In the address bar, type your search term, then press Tab or Space. Chrome will show you a list of your search engines. Click the one you want to use, and your search will go to that engine instead of your default.

What happens if I uninstall and reinstall Chrome?

If you're signed into your Google account, Chrome will restore most of your settings, including your default search engine. If you're not signed in, Chrome will reset to its factory defaults, which means Google will be your default search engine again.

Can my internet provider or network change my default search engine?

No. Your default search engine is a setting stored in Chrome on your device. Your internet provider cannot change it. However, some malware or unwanted software can change it without your permission. If your default keeps changing on its own, run a malware scan using your device's built-in security tool or a third-party antivirus program.