You can change which search engine appears when you search from your browser's address bar
Most browsers ship with a default search engine — usually Google, Bing, or Yahoo — but you can swap it for a different one in a few clicks. The process differs slightly between browsers, but the setting lives in the same place: your browser's search settings. You do not need to install anything or change how you browse; you are just telling your browser which search engine to use when you type a query into the address bar.
Why change it? Some people prefer a search engine that collects less data about their searches. Others want to use a search engine optimized for a specific task, like finding academic papers or shopping for used goods. Some workplaces require a particular search engine for security reasons. The choice is yours, and switching back takes the same few clicks.
Key Takeaways
- Your browser's default search engine is the one that runs when you type into the address bar; changing it does not affect how you search by visiting a search engine's website directly.
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you change the default search engine in their settings — no extensions or downloads required.
- You can set a different search engine as your default and still use other search engines by visiting their websites or using search shortcuts.
- Some search engines (like DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, and Startpage) are built into most browsers' search engine lists; others require you to add them manually.
How to change your search engine in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three-line menu icon in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Search engine in the left sidebar. Under "Search engine used in the address bar," you will see a dropdown menu showing your current default. Click it to see the list of search engines Chrome already knows about — Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia are usually there.
Select the one you want. Chrome will switch your default when ready; you do not need to restart the browser. If the search engine you want is not in the list, scroll down to the Other search engines section and click the Add button. You will need to type the search engine's name and the URL it uses for searches (most search engine websites have this information in their settings or help pages).
How to change your search engine in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three-line menu icon in the top right. Select Settings, then click Search in the left sidebar. Under "Default Search Engine," you will see a dropdown showing your current choice. Firefox includes Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, and Startpage by default. Click the dropdown and select the one you want.
To add a search engine that is not in the list, scroll down to One-Click Search Engines. Many websites (including Wikipedia, Amazon, and smaller search engines) let you add them as search options here. Click the + button next to any site you want to add, and Firefox will remember it. You can then set it as your default by going back to the dropdown.
How to change your search engine in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar, then select Settings (or Preferences on older Macs). Click the Search tab. Under "Search engine," you will see a dropdown with Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. Select the one you want, and Safari will use it when ready.
Safari's built-in list is smaller than Chrome or Firefox, and adding custom search engines is more complicated — it requires editing a settings file or using a third-party tool. If you need a search engine not in Safari's list, your easiest option is to visit that search engine's website directly and bookmark it, or use a different browser for that particular search.
How to change your search engine in Edge
Open Edge and click the three-dot menu icon in the top right. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar. Scroll down to Search engine and click the dropdown under "Address bar search engine." Edge includes Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia. Select the one you want.
To add a custom search engine, scroll down to Address bar search engine and click Manage search engines. Click Add and fill in the search engine's name and the URL it uses for searches. Once you add it, you can set it as your default from the dropdown above.
Understanding search engine shortcuts and what they do
Changing your default search engine does not lock you into using only that engine. Most browsers let you use other search engines by typing a shortcut before your search. For example, in Chrome or Firefox, you can type "g search term" to search Google even if your default is DuckDuckGo, or "d search term" to search DuckDuckGo even if your default is Google.
To set up these shortcuts, go to your browser's search engine settings and look for the search engines you have already added. Each one will have a short code (usually one or two letters) next to it. You can edit this code to whatever you want. This way, you can keep your default search engine private or lightweight while still having quick access to Google or another engine when you need it.
Common search engines you can choose from
Google is the most widely used search engine and is built into every major browser. It returns broad results and integrates with Gmail, Google Maps, and other Google services if you are signed in.
Bing (Microsoft's search engine) is also built into every major browser. It emphasizes image and video results and integrates with Windows and Microsoft 365 if you use those.
DuckDuckGo is built into Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It does not track your searches or build a profile of your browsing habits. Results are less personalized than Google, which some people prefer for privacy reasons.
Ecosia is built into most browsers. It uses the same search results as Bing but donates a portion of its revenue to tree-planting projects. Your searches are not tracked for advertising.
Startpage is available in Firefox and can be added to other browsers. It returns Google results without Google tracking your search.
Yahoo is built into most browsers. It returns Bing results and is owned by Verizon Media.
What happens to your old search history when you switch
Changing your default search engine does not delete your search history or affect your browser's history in any way. Your old searches remain in your browser's history, and you can still see them if you open your history menu. The change only affects which search engine your browser uses going forward when you type into the address bar.
If you want to clear your search history before switching, you can do that separately in your browser's settings. In Chrome and Edge, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data. In Safari, go to History > Clear History. You can choose to clear only search history or all browsing data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my search engine affect my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and all other browser data stay exactly as they are. Changing your search engine only changes which search engine runs when you type into the address bar. Everything else in your browser remains untouched.
Can I use a different search engine on my phone?
Yes. Chrome for Android and iOS, Firefox for Android and iOS, and Safari on iPhone all let you change your default search engine in their settings. The process is the same as on desktop: open settings, find the search engine option, and select a different one from the list.
What if I want to switch back to my old search engine?
Go back to your browser's search settings and select your old search engine from the dropdown. The change takes effect when ready. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want.
Do I need to install an extension to change my search engine?
No. Every major browser has a built-in search engine setting that does not require any extension or read. Extensions that claim to change your search engine are unnecessary and may collect data about your searches, so it is safer to use your browser's built-in setting instead.
Why does my search engine keep changing back to Google?
Some websites, browser extensions, or malware can reset your search engine without your permission. Check your browser extensions (especially any you do not remember installing) and remove the ones you do not use. If your search engine keeps resetting even after you change it, run a malware scan on your computer using your operating system's built-in security tool (Windows Defender on Windows, or Malwarebytes on Mac).