Change your default search engine in Chrome settings in three steps

Google Chrome comes set to use Google as your search engine, but you can change it to Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or another search engine in your browser settings. The change takes effect when ready and applies every time you type in the address bar or use the search box.

You do not need to uninstall Chrome or create a new browser profile. The setting lives in one menu and takes less than a minute to change. If you share a computer, each user account in Chrome keeps its own default search engine.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Chrome settings, go to Search engine, and pick a new default from the dropdown list of built-in options.
  • Chrome offers Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo as standard choices without any extra steps.
  • You can add a custom search engine by entering its web address, though most people use one of the built-in options.
  • Changing your default search engine does not affect your search history or any other Chrome settings.
  • If you use Chrome on multiple devices, you will need to change the setting separately on each one.

Open Chrome settings and find the search engine menu

Start by opening Google Chrome on your computer. In the top right corner, click the three vertical dots (called the menu button). A dropdown list will appear.

Click Settings from that list. A new tab will open showing your Chrome settings. On the left side, you will see a menu with several options. Click Search engine from that left menu.

You are now in the search engine settings. At the top, you will see a section labeled "Search engine used in the address bar" with a dropdown menu showing your current default search engine.

Select a new default search engine from the list

Click the dropdown menu next to "Search engine used in the address bar." A list of built-in search engines will appear. Chrome includes Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo as standard options.

Click whichever search engine you want to use. The change happens when ready — you do not need to restart Chrome or click a save button. The next time you type something in the address bar or use the search box, your new search engine will handle the search.

If you do not see the search engine you want in the list, you can add a custom one. Scroll down in the settings to the section labeled "Other search engines" and click the Add button. You will need to enter the search engine's name and its web address, but most people find one of the built-in options meets their needs.

Understand what changes and what stays the same

Changing your default search engine affects only where your searches go when you use the address bar or search box. It does not change your search history, your bookmarks, your passwords, or any other Chrome setting. Your history remains in Chrome exactly as it was.

If you use Chrome on a phone or tablet, you will need to change the default search engine separately on that device. The setting does not sync across devices. On Android, open Chrome, tap the three dots in the bottom right, go to Settings, then Search engine. On iPhone or iPad, tap the three dots at the bottom right, go to Settings, then Search engine.

If you share a computer with other people and each person has their own Chrome profile, each profile can have a different default search engine. The change you make only affects your own profile.

Switch back to Google or change to a different search engine later

You can change your default search engine as many times as you want. The process is the same each time: open Settings, click Search engine, and pick a new one from the dropdown. There is no limit to how often you can switch.

If you want to go back to Google, follow the same steps and select Google from the list. You have not locked yourself into anything by changing once.

Why you might want to change your default search engine

Some people switch to DuckDuckGo because it does not track your searches or store them tied to your account. Others prefer Bing because they use Microsoft products like Outlook or OneDrive. Yahoo appeals to people who have used it for years and prefer its layout. Changing your default search engine is one way to take control of where your search data goes.

Keep in mind that changing your Chrome default search engine does not change what Google knows about you elsewhere. If you are signed into a Google account while you use Chrome, Google still sees your activity on Google websites and services. Changing your search engine is one piece of privacy control, not a complete solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my search engine delete my old search history?

No. Your search history stays in Chrome exactly as it was. Changing your default search engine only affects where new searches go. If you want to delete your search history, you can do that separately in Chrome settings under Privacy and security, then Clear browsing data.

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

No. Your Google account, Gmail, and all Google services work the same way. Changing your Chrome search engine only affects what happens when you search from the address bar. You can still use Google services normally.

Can I use a different search engine on my phone than on my computer?

Yes. Chrome on your phone has its own search engine setting separate from your computer. You change it the same way — through Settings, then Search engine — but the change only affects that device.

What if I want to search with Google one time but use a different default?

You can visit Google.com directly and search there, even if your default is set to a different search engine. You can also right-click in the address bar and choose which search engine to use for that single search.

Does my search engine choice affect which ads I see?

Your search engine choice affects which search results you get, but ad targeting depends on many factors including your Google account, your browsing history, and cookies from websites you visit. Changing your search engine is one factor among many.