Google becomes your default search when you change it in your browser settings
Your browser — whether that's Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — has a default search engine built in. When you type a question or term into the address bar at the top of the window, that default engine is what runs the search. Google is not automatically the default on every browser; some come set to Bing, Yahoo, or another engine. Changing it to Google takes two to five minutes and involves going into your browser's settings menu.
The steps differ slightly depending on which browser you use, but the idea is the same: find the search settings, locate the list of available search engines, and pick Google from that list. Once you do, Google will handle every search you type into the address bar going forward — until you change it again.
Key Takeaways
- Your browser's default search engine is what runs searches when you type into the address bar, and it is not always Google by default.
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you change the default search engine through their settings menu in under five minutes.
- The steps are slightly different for each browser, but all involve finding "Search Engine" or "Search Settings" in the preferences.
- Changing your default search engine does not affect which search engine you use when you click a search link on a website.
How to set Google as default in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window. A menu will drop down. Click "Settings" near the bottom of that menu.
On the left side of the Settings page, click "Search engine". You will see a list of search engines that Chrome knows about, with a radio button next to each one. Google should be in that list. Click the radio button next to Google to select it as your default.
Chrome saves this change automatically. You can close the Settings tab and start using Google as your default search engine right away.
How to set Google as default in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Click "Settings" from the menu that appears.
On the left side, click "Search". Under the "Default Search Engine" heading, you will see a dropdown menu showing your current default. Click that dropdown and select "Google" from the list. Firefox saves the change when ready.
If Google does not appear in the dropdown, scroll down to the "One-Click Search Engines" section. Google is usually listed there. Click the three dots next to Google and select "Set as default".
How to set Google as default in Safari
Open Safari and click "Safari" in the menu bar at the very top of your screen (not inside the browser window, but at the top of your computer). Click "Settings" or "Preferences" depending on your macOS version.
Click the "Search" tab. You will see a dropdown menu labeled "Search engine". Click it and select "Google" from the list. Close the Settings window. The change takes effect when ready.
How to set Google as default in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Click "Settings" from the menu.
On the left side, click "Privacy, search, and services". Scroll down to the "Search engine" section. You will see your current default search engine listed. Click the dropdown menu next to it and select "Google" from the options. Edge saves the change automatically.
What happens after you change your default search engine
Once Google is set as your default, typing a question or search term into the address bar will send that search to Google instead of whatever engine was there before. The search results page will look like Google's normal results page.
Changing your default search engine does not affect searches you run by clicking a search box on a website. If you go to a news site and use their search box, that site's own search function will run, not Google. Your default only applies to searches you type into your browser's address bar.
You can change your default search engine back at any time by following the same steps and picking a different engine from the list.
Why your browser might not show Google in the list
Google should appear in the search engine list on all major browsers in most countries. If it does not, your browser may be in a region where Google is not available, or your computer's network settings may be blocking access to Google's search page.
If Google is missing from the list, check whether you can visit google.com directly in a new tab. If that page loads, Google is available to you. Some browsers allow you to add a custom search engine manually if it is not in the default list — look for an "Add" or "Add search engine" button in the search settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default search engine affect my bookmarks or browsing history?
No. Changing your default search engine only changes what happens when you type into the address bar. Your bookmarks, history, passwords, and all other browser data stay exactly the same.
Can I use different search engines for different searches?
Yes. You can keep Google as your default and still use other search engines by typing their web address directly (like bing.com) or by clicking a search link on a website. Your default only applies to the address bar.
Do I need to restart my browser after changing the default search engine?
No. All major browsers save the change when ready. You can start using Google as your default search right away without closing and reopening the browser.
What if I accidentally set the wrong search engine as default?
Follow the same steps you used to set Google as default, but select a different search engine from the list instead. You can change your default search engine as many times as you want.