Chrome uses Google as the default search engine, but you can change it if you want something else

When you open a new tab in Chrome and type in the address bar, Chrome searches using Google by default. If you want to search with a different engine — Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or another option — you can change this setting in about two minutes. The change only affects Chrome on that specific device, so if you use Chrome on your phone and your laptop, you'll need to change the setting on each one separately.

If you're trying to switch from a different browser to Chrome and want Google as your search engine, Chrome already has that set up for you. You don't need to do anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's search engine setting is in Settings under Search Engine, not in your browser toolbar.
  • You can choose from Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, and several others, or add a custom search engine if you have a specific one in mind.
  • The change only affects the device you're using — if you sign into Chrome on another computer, you'll need to change the setting there too.
  • If a website or extension has changed your search engine without your permission, you can reset it back to Google in the same Settings menu.

How to change your search engine in Chrome on a computer

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'll see a list of search engines Chrome knows about: Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, and sometimes others depending on your region. Click the one you want to use. That's it — Chrome will use that search engine the next time you search from the address bar or a new tab.

If you don't see the search engine you want, you can add a custom one. Scroll down to "Other search engines" and click Add. You'll need the search engine's name, a short keyword you can type to use it quickly, and the search URL. Most search engines display this information on their settings page, but you may need to look it up on their website.

How to change your search engine on Chrome for Android or iPhone

On a phone, the process is slightly different because the menu layout is different. Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the bottom right corner (Android) or top right corner (iPhone). Tap Settings.

On Android, tap Search engine and choose from the list. On iPhone, tap Search Engine under the Search section. Select the engine you want. The change takes effect when ready.

What to do if an extension or website changed your search engine

Sometimes a browser extension or a website you visit will change your search engine without asking. You'll notice this when you search and get results from an engine you didn't choose. Go back to Settings > Search engine and select Google (or whichever engine you actually want). The setting will stay changed unless another extension overrides it again.

If this keeps happening, the problem is likely an extension. Go to Settings > Extensions and look at the list. Disable or remove any extension you don't recognize or don't use anymore. Extensions can change search settings as part of what they do, and some do it without being clear about it in their description.

Why you might want to use a different search engine

Google is the most widely used search engine and works well for most searches. Some people switch to other engines for specific reasons: DuckDuckGo doesn't track your searches, Bing integrates with Microsoft services if you use Outlook or OneDrive, and Yahoo has a different layout some people prefer. There's no security or safety difference between them — they're all legitimate search engines. The choice is about what features matter to you and how you want your search history handled.

You can also test a different search engine without making it your default. Just go to the search engine's website directly and search from there. If you like it after a few days, then change your default setting.

Syncing your search engine choice across devices

If you sign into Chrome with a Google account, Chrome can sync your settings across devices — including your search engine choice. This means if you change your search engine on your laptop, the same engine will be your default on your phone and any other device where you're signed into that Google account.

To check if sync is on, go to Settings > Sync and personalization. If you see your account name and a blue checkmark, sync is active. If you don't want your settings synced, you can turn off sync for specific categories, but this requires going into the sync settings and unchecking "Search engine" — most people leave it on because it's convenient.

Resetting Chrome's search engine to the default

If you want to go back to Google after using a different search engine, just go to Settings > Search engine and click Google. There's no "reset" button you need to press — selecting Google again is all it takes.

If you can't find Google in the list (which is rare), you can add it back manually. Click Add under "Other search engines" and enter: Name: Google, Keyword: google.com, Search URL: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s. Then select it as your default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my search engine in Chrome affect other browsers?

No. Each browser has its own search engine setting. If you use Firefox, Safari, or Edge, they each have their own default search engine that you'd need to change separately. Changing Chrome's search engine only affects Chrome.

Will my search history change if I switch search engines?

No. Your search history in Chrome stays the same no matter which search engine you use. The search engine you choose only affects where your searches go when you type in the address bar — it doesn't change what Chrome remembers about your past searches.

Can I use different search engines for different types of searches?

Not automatically through Chrome's settings. You can only set one default search engine. If you want to use different engines for different searches, you'd need to visit each search engine's website directly, or use an extension that lets you choose which engine to use for each search.

What if my search engine setting keeps changing back on its own?

This usually means an extension is overriding your choice. Check Settings > Extensions and disable or remove anything you don't recognize. If it's still happening, your computer may have unwanted software — run a malware scan using Windows Defender (Windows) or the built-in security tools on Mac.

Is Google safer than other search engines?

All major search engines use similar security protections. The difference is in privacy: Google stores your search history tied to your account, while DuckDuckGo doesn't store searches at all. None of them are "unsafe" — the choice is about what you're comfortable with regarding data collection.