Why you might want a different search engine

Your browser comes with a default search engine — usually Google, Bing, or Yahoo depending on which browser you use. When you type in the address bar without a full web address, your browser sends that search to whichever engine is set as default. Changing this takes two to five minutes and requires no technical skill, but many people never realize it is possible.

You might want to switch because a different search engine collects less data about your searches, because you prefer how another engine ranks results, or straightforward because you want to use something other than what came pre-installed. The process is slightly different depending on whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, but the principle is the same in all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your browser's default search engine is where searches go when you type in the address bar, and you can change it to any major search engine in your browser settings.
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you change the default in their settings menu, though the exact path differs slightly for each browser.
  • Some search engines like DuckDuckGo and Startpage are designed to collect less information about your searches than Google or Bing.
  • Changing your default search engine does not affect searches you do through Google's website directly — only searches typed into the address bar.

How to change the default in Chrome

Open Chrome and look for the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window. Click those dots, then select Settings from the menu that appears. On the left side of the settings page, 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 — probably Google. Click that dropdown to see the list of available search engines. Chrome includes Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo as built-in options. Select whichever one you want, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to save or restart anything.

If you want to use a search engine that is not in that list, you can add it manually. Scroll down to the Other search engines section and click Add. You will need the search engine's name, a short keyword you want to use for it, and the search URL — most search engines display this information on their settings page or help section.

How to change the default in Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Search in the left sidebar. At the top of the page you will see Default Search Engine with a dropdown menu showing your current choice.

Click the dropdown to see Firefox's built-in options: Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia. Select the one you want. If you want to add a search engine that is not in the list, scroll down to One-Click Search Engines. You can add engines from that section by clicking the plus sign next to them, or you can manually add a custom search engine by scrolling further and clicking Add.

How to change the default in Safari

Safari's settings are in a different place depending on whether you use a Mac or an iPhone. On a Mac, click Safari in the top menu bar, then select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Search tab. You will see a dropdown labeled Search engine with Google selected by default. Click it and choose from Google, Yahoo, Bing, or DuckDuckGo.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, scroll down and tap Safari, then tap Search Engine. The same four options appear. Select your choice and return to Safari — the change is when ready.

How to change the default in Edge

Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar. Scroll down to the Search engine section. You will see a dropdown showing your current default, usually Bing. Click it to see Edge's built-in options: Bing, Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. Select the one you want.

If you want to add a custom search engine, scroll down further to Address bar search engine and click Manage search engines. Click Add and enter the search engine's name, keyword, and search URL.

Search engines that collect less data

DuckDuckGo is built into all four major browsers and is designed to not store information about your searches or build a profile of your browsing habits. It shows results from multiple sources and does not track you across websites. Startpage is another option that does not collect search data; it retrieves results from Google but strips away the tracking information before showing them to you.

Ecosia is a search engine that uses its profits to plant trees. It does not sell your search data, though it does collect some information for its own operation. Brave Search is the search engine built by the Brave browser, but you can set it as your default in other browsers too — it does not track searches or build user profiles.

None of these alternatives will prevent websites themselves from collecting data about you when you visit them. Changing your search engine only affects where your searches go, not what happens after you click on a result. If you want more control over what data websites collect, you may also want to look at your browser's privacy settings or consider using a VPN (virtual private network).

What happens to your old search history

Changing your default search engine does not delete the search history you already have. Your old searches remain in your browser's history file, and you can still see them by pressing Ctrl+H (on Windows) or Command+Y (on Mac). If you want to delete that history, you can do so separately through your browser's settings — usually under Privacy or History — without affecting your new default search engine choice.

Going forward, new searches you type in the address bar will go to your new default search engine. If you search through Google's website directly (by going to google.com), those searches will still go to Google regardless of what your default is set to. Your default only controls what happens when you use the address bar as a search box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my search engine speed up my browser?

No. Search engine choice does not affect how fast your browser loads pages or runs. All major search engines return results at similar speeds. If your browser feels slow, the issue is usually something else — too many open tabs, too many extensions, or a slow internet connection.

Can I set different search engines for different browsers?

Yes. Each browser has its own settings, so you can use DuckDuckGo in Firefox and Google in Chrome if you want. You can also set different defaults on different devices — for example, DuckDuckGo on your phone and Google on your computer.

What if I want to use a search engine that is not in my browser's list?

Most browsers let you add custom search engines manually. You will need the search engine's name, a keyword shortcut, and its search URL. The search engine's website usually lists this information in its settings or help section. Once you add it, you can set it as your default the same way you would any built-in option.

Does changing my search engine affect searches I do on my phone?

Yes, but you have to change it separately on your phone. Phone browsers have their own settings. Open your browser's settings, find the search engine option, and select a new default. The process is the same as on a computer, just in a different menu location.

If I change my search engine, will websites know what I searched for?

Websites cannot see what you searched for in your browser's address bar. However, once you click on a result and visit a website, that website can see that you arrived from a search engine. Some search engines pass less information to websites than others, but this is separate from which search engine you use as your default.