Google is already Chrome's default search engine in most cases

When you open a new tab in Chrome and type in the search box, Google handles your search by default. You do not need to change anything if this is already happening — Chrome comes set this way from the factory. The only reason to follow these steps is if your search engine has changed to something else, like Bing or Yahoo, and you want Google back.

This happens most often when you install a browser extension that changes your settings, or when another program modifies Chrome during its own installation. The fix takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome uses Google for searches in the address bar and new tabs unless another program or extension has changed this setting.
  • You can check and change your default search engine in Chrome's Settings under Search Engine, in the section labeled "Search engine used in the address bar".
  • If Google does not appear in the list of search engines, you may need to remove a browser extension that is controlling your searches.
  • Changing the setting takes effect when ready — no restart required.

How to check and change your search engine in Chrome Settings

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 section labeled "Search engine used in the address bar". Below that is a dropdown menu showing your current default search engine. Click the dropdown to see all available options. If Google is listed, click it to make it your default. The change takes effect when ready.

What to do if Google is not in the list

If Google does not appear as an option, a browser extension has likely taken control of your search settings. Go back to Chrome Settings and click Extensions on the left side. Look through the list for any extension you do not recognize or did not intentionally install. Click the trash icon next to it to remove it.

After removing the extension, go back to Settings > Search engine. Google should now appear in the dropdown. Select it. If multiple extensions are present and you are unsure which one is causing the problem, remove them one at a time and check the search engine list after each removal.

Resetting Chrome to its default settings

If removing extensions does not restore Google as an option, you can reset Chrome's settings to their factory state. Go to Settings, click Advanced at the bottom of the left menu, then click Reset and clean up. Select Restore settings to their original defaults. Chrome will ask you to confirm — click Reset settings.

This action removes all extensions, clears your browsing data if you choose, and returns your search engine to Google. Your bookmarks and saved passwords remain unless you specifically tell Chrome to delete them during the reset process.

Why your search engine may have changed without your action

When you install a new program on your computer — particularly free software — that program sometimes includes a browser extension or modifies your Chrome settings as part of its installation. You may not see this happen because the option is buried in the installer's advanced settings, which most people skip over.

Some websites also try to change your search engine when you visit them, though Chrome blocks most of these attempts. If you notice your search engine has changed after installing something new, that program is usually the cause. Uninstalling the program and removing its associated Chrome extension will restore your settings.

How to prevent unwanted search engine changes

When installing new software, read through the installer carefully instead of clicking "Next" repeatedly. Look for checkboxes that mention changing your browser, homepage, or search engine, and uncheck them. Many installers hide these options in an "Advanced" or "Custom" section.

You can also manage which extensions are allowed to change your settings. In Chrome Settings, go to Extensions, click on any extension, and look for permissions listed under "Site access" or "Permissions". Extensions that request permission to change your search settings are worth examining — if you did not intentionally install it, remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my search engine in Chrome affect other browsers on my computer?

No. Each browser — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari — has its own separate settings. Changing the search engine in Chrome does not affect Firefox or any other browser. You would need to change the setting in each browser individually if you want them all to use the same search engine.

Will resetting Chrome delete my passwords and bookmarks?

Resetting Chrome removes extensions and returns settings to their defaults, but it does not delete passwords or bookmarks unless you specifically choose to clear that data during the reset. Chrome will show you a checkbox for each type of data before you confirm the reset — you control what gets deleted.

What if Google is in the list but searches are still going to a different search engine?

Check whether you are typing in the address bar (the long box at the very top) or in a search box on a webpage. The address bar uses your default search engine setting. A search box on a website, like the one on a news site, will use whatever search engine that website has chosen, regardless of your Chrome settings.

Can I set different search engines for different situations?

Chrome does not have a built-in way to use different search engines for different tasks. You can only set one default. If you need multiple search engines, you can open different browser tabs and search in each one manually, or use browser extensions designed for this purpose — though be cautious with extensions, as some change your settings without permission.