Chrome uses Google as the default search engine, but you can change it

When you type a question or search term into Chrome's address bar (called the omnibox), the browser sends that search to whatever search engine you have set as default. Chrome comes with Google already selected, so most people never change it. If you have switched to a different search engine and want to go back to Google, or if you are setting up Chrome for the first time, you can restore Google as your default in about 30 seconds through Chrome's settings.

The process is the same whether you use Chrome on Windows, Mac, or Linux. You do not need to reinstall anything or restart your browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's address bar searches using your default search engine, which is Google out of the box.
  • You can change your default search engine to Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or others in Chrome's Settings under Search Engine.
  • The change takes effect when ready and applies to all searches you type into the address bar.
  • If you have multiple user profiles in Chrome, each profile can have its own default search engine.

How to set Google as your default search engine in Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window. This opens a menu. Click Settings near the bottom of that menu.

On the left side of the Settings page, click Search engine. You will see a list of search engines that Chrome has detected on websites you visit. At the top, under "Search engines used in the address bar," you will see which one is currently set as default — it will have a dot or checkmark next to it.

Find Google in the list. Click the three dots next to it, then click Make default. The change happens when ready. You can close the Settings tab and start searching.

What happens if Google is not in your search engine list

If you have never visited Google's homepage or used Google to search, Chrome may not have added it to the list yet. In this case, click the search engine dropdown at the top of the Search engine settings page and select Google from the dropdown menu. If Google still does not appear, visit google.com in a new tab, then return to Settings. Chrome will detect Google and add it to the list.

Once Google appears in your search engines, follow the steps above to make it default.

Checking that your change worked

Click the address bar at the top of any Chrome page. You should see a small magnifying glass icon on the left side of the address bar, followed by "Google" and the text "Search with Google." Type any word or question and press Enter. If your search results come from Google, the change was successful.

If you still see results from a different search engine, return to Settings and repeat the process. Make sure you clicked Make default and not just Edit.

Managing multiple search engines in Chrome

You can keep other search engines in your list without making them default. This is useful if you want quick access to a specific search engine for certain tasks. For example, you might keep DuckDuckGo in your list so you can search with it occasionally, while keeping Google as your default for everyday searches.

To use a non-default search engine for a single search, click the address bar, type your search, then before pressing Enter, look for a dropdown or icon that shows other search engines. Click the one you want to use. Different versions of Chrome show this slightly differently, but the option is always available in the address bar.

What to do if you cannot find the search engine setting

On some computers, your network administrator or organization may have locked Chrome's settings so you cannot change the default search engine. This is common in schools and workplaces. If you see a message saying "This setting is managed by your administrator" when you try to change the search engine, you will need to contact your IT department or network administrator to make the change.

If you are using a personal computer and see this message, it may mean that malware or an unwanted extension has taken control of your settings. Check your installed extensions by clicking the three dots, then More tools, then Extensions. Remove any extension you do not recognize or did not intentionally install.

Using different search engines in different Chrome profiles

If you have set up multiple user profiles in Chrome (for example, one for work and one for personal use), each profile can have its own default search engine. The search engine you set in one profile does not affect the others. To change the default search engine for a different profile, sign into that profile, then repeat the steps above.

To switch between profiles, click your profile icon in the top right corner of Chrome, next to the three-dot menu. Select the profile you want to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your bookmarks, history, saved passwords, and all other Chrome data remain unchanged. Only the search engine that handles queries typed into the address bar will change.

Can I set a different default search engine for private browsing?

No. Chrome uses the same default search engine for both regular and private browsing. The setting applies to your entire profile, not to individual browsing modes.

What if I want to use Google for some searches but a different engine for others?

Keep both search engines in your list and set Google as default. When you want to use a different search engine, click the address bar, type your search, then click the search engine icon or dropdown to switch before pressing Enter.

Does this setting sync across my devices if I sign into Chrome on multiple computers?

Yes. If you sign into the same Google account on multiple computers, your default search engine setting will sync across all of them. If you change it on one device, the change will appear on your other devices within a few minutes.

Can I set Google as default without signing into a Google account?

Yes. You do not need a Google account to use Google as your default search engine in Chrome. The setting is independent of whether you are signed into Chrome.