Safari uses Google by default, but you can switch to Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or Ecosia in the settings menu

Safari's search bar — the box at the top of the browser where you type queries — is set to Google out of the box. If you want a different search engine, you change it in Safari's preferences, not in the search bar itself. The process takes about 30 seconds and works the same way on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

The search engine you pick here applies to the search bar only. If you click a search box on a website itself, that website's own search still works as normal. You are only changing what happens when you use Safari's built-in search feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Safari offers Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, and Ecosia as built-in search engine options in the preferences menu.
  • The change applies only to Safari's search bar at the top of the browser, not to search boxes on websites themselves.
  • On Mac, open Safari preferences, click Search, and pick a new engine from the dropdown menu.
  • On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, scroll to Safari, tap Search Engine, and select your choice.
  • Your selection syncs across all your Apple devices if you use iCloud sync.

How to change the search engine on Mac

Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Search tab.

You will see a dropdown menu labeled Search engine. Click it and choose from Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or Ecosia. The change takes effect when ready — the next time you use the search bar, it will use your new engine.

If you have multiple user accounts on your Mac, each account's Safari settings are separate. Changing the search engine in one account does not change it in another.

How to change the search engine on iPhone and iPad

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Safari. Tap Search Engine. Select Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or Ecosia.

The change applies to Safari on that device only. If you own both an iPhone and an iPad, you need to change the setting on each one separately — unless you have iCloud sync turned on, in which case the change syncs automatically within a few minutes.

What each search engine does differently

Google is the default. It returns results based on your search history and location, and it shows ads at the top of the results page. Google owns Safari's parent company, Apple, which is why it is the preset choice.

Bing is Microsoft's search engine. It works similarly to Google but tends to weight recent news and images more heavily. Bing also offers rewards points if you use it regularly, though the points accumulate slowly.

DuckDuckGo does not track your searches or store your search history. It shows fewer personalized results than Google, which means the same search returns the same results for everyone. It has no ads, though it does show sponsored results at the top.

Yahoo is powered by Bing's search technology but has its own interface and news integration. It is rarely chosen as a primary search engine but works reliably if you prefer it.

Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue. It is powered by Bing's technology and does not track you personally, though it does show ads to fund tree-planting projects.

How to search with a different engine without changing your default

If you want to use a different search engine for a single search without changing your default, you can visit the search engine's website directly. Type google.com, duckduckgo.com, bing.com, or ecosia.com into Safari's address bar, then search from there.

Some people bookmark their preferred search engines for quick access. You can also add a search engine to Safari's search suggestions by visiting its website, clicking the address bar, and tapping the search engine icon that appears.

What happens if you change your mind

You can switch back to Google or try a different engine at any time by returning to the same settings menu. There is no penalty for changing your search engine, and you can change it as often as you want.

If you have multiple devices and want them all to use the same search engine, make sure iCloud sync is turned on. On Mac, go to Safari Settings, click the General tab, and check that Sync is enabled. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap iCloud, and make sure Safari is toggled on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my search engine affect my bookmarks or browsing history?

No. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords stay exactly as they are. Changing the search engine only changes what happens when you use the search bar — nothing else in Safari is affected.

Can I use a search engine that is not on Safari's list?

Not as your default search engine through Safari's settings. However, you can visit any search engine's website directly and search from there. Some third-party search engines also offer browser extensions, though Safari's extension support is limited compared to other browsers.

If I change the search engine on my iPhone, does it change on my Mac too?

Only if you have iCloud sync enabled for Safari. If sync is on, the change propagates to all your devices within a few minutes. If sync is off, each device keeps its own setting.

Does the search engine change affect private browsing?

No. Private browsing uses the same default search engine you set in settings. The only difference is that Safari does not save your history, cookies, or search queries when you use private browsing.

What if Safari is not showing the search engine I want?

Safari's built-in list includes only Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, and Ecosia. If you want a different engine, visit its website directly and bookmark it, or look for a Safari extension that adds it as an option.