Chrome uses Google as the default search engine, but you can swap it for another one in about 30 seconds

When you type in Chrome's address bar without a web address, it searches the internet using whatever search engine you have set as default. By default, that is Google. If you want to use a different search engine — DuckDuckGo, Bing, Yahoo, or another option — you can change this in Chrome's settings. The process is the same whether you use Chrome on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

This matters if you are trying to reduce how much search data Chrome and Google collect about you. Switching to a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo or Startpage means your searches will not be tied to your Google account, even if you are signed into Chrome. It does not stop Chrome itself from collecting data about your browsing, but it does break the link between your searches and your Google profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's settings menu lets you change the default search engine without installing anything or restarting the browser.
  • You can choose from search engines Chrome already knows about, or add a custom search engine by typing its search URL.
  • Changing your default search engine only affects searches you type in the address bar — it does not change what search engine appears on your home page unless you also change that separately.
  • If you sign into Chrome with a Google account, your choice of search engine will sync across all your devices.

Open Chrome Settings and find the Search Engine section

Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome. A menu will drop down. Click Settings. On the left side of the page, click Search engine. You will see a list of search engines Chrome already knows about, with Google marked as the default.

The search engines listed here — Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Baidu, Yandex — are ones Chrome has built-in support for. You can click any of them to make it your default. The change takes effect when ready. The next time you type in the address bar, that search engine will handle your search.

Choose from Chrome's built-in search engines or add your own

If the search engine you want is already listed, click it and you are done. If you want to use a search engine that is not on the list, you can add it manually. Scroll down on the same page to a section called Other search engines. Click the Add button.

A small form will appear asking for three things: the search engine name (for example, "Startpage"), a shortcut (a short code like "sp" that you can type in the address bar), and the search URL. The search URL is the tricky part. You need to find the exact URL that the search engine uses when you perform a search. For most privacy-focused search engines, this information is listed in their help or settings pages. For example, Startpage's search URL is https://www.startpage.com/sp/search?query=%s — the %s is a placeholder that Chrome will replace with whatever you type. Once you fill in all three fields, click Add.

Understand what changing your default search engine does and does not do

Changing your default search engine changes only what happens when you type in the address bar. It does not change the search box that appears on your Chrome home page or new tab page — that is a separate setting. If you want to change that too, go back to Settings, click Home on the left, and look for the search engine option there.

Switching to a privacy-focused search engine means your searches are no longer sent to Google or tied to your Google account. However, Chrome itself still collects data about which websites you visit, how long you stay on them, and other browsing behavior. Changing your search engine does not stop that. If you want to reduce Chrome's data collection, you would also need to adjust your privacy settings or consider using a different browser.

Sync your search engine choice across devices

If you sign into Chrome with a Google account, your choice of default search engine will automatically sync to all the devices where you use that account. This means if you change your default search engine on your laptop, it will change on your phone and tablet too. If you do not want this to happen, you can turn off sync for settings. Go to Settings, click You and Google on the left, then Manage your Google Account. Click the Data and privacy tab, scroll to Data from apps and services you use, and turn off Web & App Activity or manage what syncs.

If you use Chrome without signing in, your search engine choice will stay only on that device and will not sync anywhere.

Troubleshoot if your search engine keeps changing back

Sometimes malware or unwanted browser extensions can change your default search engine without your permission. If you set a new default and it keeps reverting to Google or another search engine, check your extensions. Click the three dots, go to More tools, then Extensions. Look through the list for anything you do not recognize or did not install yourself. Click the trash icon to remove it.

You can also check whether any programs on your computer are set to change Chrome's settings. Go to Settings, click Reset and clean up on the left, then Clean up computer. Chrome will scan for harmful software. If it finds anything, follow the prompts to remove it. After that, set your search engine again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my search engine stop Google from tracking me?

It will stop Google from seeing your searches, but not from tracking your browsing. Chrome still collects data about every website you visit. To reduce tracking, you would also need to adjust Chrome's privacy settings or use a different browser entirely.

Can I use a different search engine on my phone?

Yes. On Android, open Chrome, tap the three dots, go to Settings, tap Search engine, and choose a different one. On iPhone, the process is the same. Your choice will sync across devices if you are signed into Chrome.

What if my search engine is not on the list?

You can add it manually by going to Settings, Search engine, scrolling to Other search engines, and clicking Add. You will need the search engine's URL with %s as a placeholder for your search term. Most search engines list this in their help section.

Does changing my search engine affect Google's ability to see my browsing history?

No. Chrome sends browsing data to Google regardless of which search engine you use. Changing your search engine only affects searches you type in the address bar, not the broader data Chrome collects about your web activity.

If I remove my Google account from Chrome, will my search engine choice stay?

Yes. Your search engine setting is stored on that device. If you sign back in with a different account or no account at all, the setting will remain unless you change it again.