Google is already the default search engine in Chrome, but you can change it if you want

When you open a new tab in Chrome and type in the address bar, Chrome searches using Google by default. You do not have to change this setting unless you prefer a different search engine like Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo. If you have switched to another search engine and want to go back to Google, the process takes about 30 seconds and requires only a few clicks in Chrome's settings.

Chrome remembers your choice, so once you set Google as your default, it stays that way across all your devices where you sign in with the same Google account.

Key Takeaways

  • Google is Chrome's default search engine from the moment you install it, so you may not need to change anything.
  • To confirm or change your search engine, open Chrome settings, select "Search engine," and pick from the list of options.
  • The search engine you choose applies to searches you type in the address bar, not to searches within websites themselves.
  • If Google does not appear in the list of options, you can add it manually by entering its search URL.

Where to find the search engine setting in Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window. A menu will drop down. Click "Settings" near the bottom of that menu. You are now in Chrome's main settings page.

On the left side of the screen, you will see a list of categories. Click "Search engine" — it is usually the third or fourth item down. The page that opens shows you which search engine is currently set as your default, and a dropdown list of other search engines Chrome knows about.

How to set Google as your default search engine

In the "Search engine" settings page, look for the section labeled "Search engines used in the address bar." Below that heading, you will see a list of search engines with radio buttons next to each one. Click the radio button next to "Google." The dot will fill in, and Google is now your default.

You do not need to save or confirm anything — Chrome applies the change when ready. Close the settings tab and return to browsing. The next time you click the address bar and type a search, Chrome will use Google.

What to do if Google is not in the list

In rare cases, Google may not appear in the search engine list — this can happen if Chrome was installed by a school or workplace that restricts search options, or if a browser extension has removed it. To add Google back, scroll down on the same "Search engine" settings page until you see a section called "Other search engines."

Click the "Add" button. A small dialog box will appear asking for three pieces of information: a name (type "Google"), a shortcut (type "google"), and the search URL. For Google, the search URL is https://www.google.com/search?q=%s. Paste that URL into the third field, click "Add," and Google will appear in your list. Then click the radio button next to it to make it your default.

The difference between your default search engine and search within websites

Your default search engine only controls what happens when you type in Chrome's address bar at the top of the window. It does not change how search works inside individual websites. If you visit Amazon and use Amazon's search box, Amazon will search Amazon's products. If you visit Wikipedia and use its search box, Wikipedia will search Wikipedia.

This distinction matters because some people think changing their default search engine will change how every search on the internet works. It does not. It only affects searches you type into Chrome's address bar when you are not on a specific website.

How to search with a different engine without changing your default

If you want to use a search engine other than your default for a single search, you can type the search engine's name followed by your search term into the address bar. For example, type "bing how to reset my password" and Chrome will search Bing instead of Google, even if Google is your default.

Chrome learns which search engines you use this way. If you use Bing regularly, it will eventually appear in your list of search engines in settings, and you can switch between them more easily. This is useful if you prefer Google most of the time but occasionally want to try another engine without making it your permanent default.

Why your search engine choice might change on its own

If you install a browser extension that promises to improve your search results or change your homepage, that extension may change your default search engine without asking. Some extensions do this intentionally to earn money from search referrals. If you notice your search engine has changed and you did not change it yourself, check your extensions.

Click the three dots in the top right, go to "More tools," and click "Extensions." Look through the list for any extension you do not recognize or do not remember installing. Click the trash icon next to it to remove it. Then return to settings and set Google as your default again. After you remove the extension, your choice should stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my default search engine affect my Google account or Gmail?

No. Your default search engine is separate from your Google account. You can use Bing as your default search engine and still sign into Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services normally. Changing search engines does not disconnect you from any accounts.

Will my default search engine choice sync across my phone and computer?

Yes, if you sign into Chrome with the same Google account on both devices. Chrome syncs your settings, including your default search engine, across all devices where you are logged in. If you change it on your computer, it will change on your phone the next time Chrome syncs.

Can I use different search engines on different devices?

Yes. If you do not want your search engine choice to sync, you can sign out of Chrome on one device. Then change the search engine on that device, and it will stay different from your other devices. Sign back in when you are done if you want to sync other settings like bookmarks.

What happens if I uninstall and reinstall Chrome?

If you sign back into Chrome with your Google account after reinstalling, your search engine choice will return because Chrome stores it in your account settings. If you reinstall without signing in, Chrome will reset to Google as the default search engine.