Google is already Chrome's default search engine in most cases

When you open a new tab in Google Chrome and type in the address bar, Chrome searches using Google by default. You do not need to change any settings unless you have switched to a different search engine and want to switch back, or unless your Chrome was set up by an employer or school that chose a different default.

If you are seeing Bing, Yahoo, or another search engine when you use the address bar, something has changed your settings. This can happen when you install certain extensions, when malware redirects your searches, or when someone else with access to your computer changed the setting. The steps below show you how to check what your current default is and change it back to Google if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Google is Chrome's factory default search engine, so you likely do not need to change anything.
  • You can see which search engine is set as your default by opening Chrome settings and going to Search Engine.
  • If your default has changed to Bing, Yahoo, or another engine, you can switch it back to Google in the same settings menu in under one minute.
  • If you cannot find Google in the list of search engines, or if the setting keeps changing back, you may have an unwanted extension or malware that needs to be removed first.
  • Changing your default search engine in Chrome does not affect which search engine you use on other browsers or devices.

How to check your current default search engine

Open Chrome and look at the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window. Click on those dots, then click Settings. On the left side of the page that opens, click Search engine.

You will see a section labeled "Search engine used in the address bar." The search engine listed there is your current default. If it says Google, you are all set. If it says Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, or anything else, follow the steps in the next section to change it.

How to change your default search engine to Google

While you are still in the Search engine settings page, look for the dropdown menu under "Search engine used in the address bar." Click on that dropdown. You will see a list of search engines that Chrome knows about.

Look for Google in that list and click on it. The change takes effect when ready. Close the settings tab and go back to your browser. The next time you click on the address bar and start typing, Chrome will search using Google.

What to do if Google is not in the list

If you open the dropdown menu and Google does not appear as an option, Chrome has lost track of Google as a search engine. This is unusual and usually means an extension or piece of unwanted software has interfered with your browser settings.

The fastest way to fix this is to remove any extensions you do not recognize. Click the three dots in the top right, go to More tools, then click Extensions. Look through the list for anything you did not install yourself — extensions with names like "Search Helper," "Web Assistant," or anything you do not remember adding. Click the trash icon next to each one to remove it. Then go back to Settings and check the Search engine dropdown again. Google should reappear.

If Google still does not show up after removing extensions, or if you see extensions reappear on their own, your computer may have malware. Consider running a full scan with Windows Defender (on Windows) or Malwarebytes, or take your device to a technician who can check it.

Why your default search engine might keep changing

If you set Google as your default and it keeps switching back to something else on its own, an extension or installed program is overriding your choice. The most common culprits are browser extensions that promise to improve your search results, show you coupons, or block ads — many of these actually change your search engine without asking.

Go back to your Extensions page (three dots, then More tools, then Extensions) and remove anything suspicious. Pay special attention to extensions you did not install yourself or do not remember installing. After removing them, set Google as your default again and see if it stays.

If the problem continues, check your computer's installed programs. On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps and features. Look through the list for programs you do not recognize and uninstall them. On Mac, open Finder, go to Applications, and drag any unfamiliar programs to the Trash.

The difference between your default search engine and your home page

Your default search engine and your home page are two separate things. Your default search engine is what Chrome uses when you type a question or search term in the address bar. Your home page is the page that appears when you open a new tab or open Chrome itself.

You can have Google as your default search engine but have a different home page, or vice versa. If you want to change your home page as well, go back to Settings, click Appearance on the left side, and look for the "Home" section. You can set it to open a blank page, a specific website, or your most visited sites.

How to use a different search engine on purpose

If you want to keep Google as your default but use a different search engine for a single search, you can do that without changing your settings. Go to the website of the search engine you want to use — DuckDuckGo.com, Bing.com, or whatever you prefer — and search from there. That single search will use that engine, but your default will stay on Google.

You can also add other search engines to your list without making them your default. In the Search engine settings, scroll down to "Other search engines." You can add a new search engine by clicking the "Add" button and typing in the name and web address. Then, whenever you want to use that search engine, you can click on it in the dropdown menu without changing your default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my default search engine in Chrome affect other browsers?

No. Your default search engine setting in Chrome only affects Chrome. If you use Firefox, Safari, Edge, or another browser, each one has its own separate default search engine setting. You would need to change the setting in each browser individually if you want them all to use the same search engine.

Can my employer or school force a different default search engine on me?

Yes, if you are using a work or school device that is managed by your organization's IT department, they can set a default search engine that you cannot change. If you think this is happening, contact your IT support to ask what your organization's policy is. On your personal device, only you can change your search engine settings.

Is Google the safest search engine to use?

Google is a major search engine with strong security practices, but "safest" depends on what matters to you. Google collects search data to improve its service and show you targeted ads. If privacy is your main concern, DuckDuckGo or Startpage do not store your search history. All major search engines filter out malicious websites, so any of them will protect you from obvious scams.

What if I accidentally deleted Google from my search engine list?

You can add it back. In Settings, go to Search engine, scroll down to "Other search engines," and click the "Add" button. Type "Google" as the name, "google.com" as the URL, and "g" as the shortcut. Click Add, then use the dropdown to set it as your default.

Why does Chrome sometimes search on Google even though I set a different default?

If you type something that looks like a web address (like "example.com"), Chrome will try to go to that address instead of searching. If you type actual search words or a question, Chrome will use your default search engine. This is by design and cannot be changed.