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To make Google the default for searches typed into Safari on iPad, open Settings > Apps > Safari > Search Engine and choose Google. Apple’s general iPad guide documents a second route, Settings > Search > Search Engine, which reaches the same control on some software versions. The change takes effect in the combined address and search field and needs no purchase or accessory.
Change the default search engine
- Open the Settings app on the iPad.
- Tap Apps, then tap Safari.
- Tap Search Engine.
- Select Google from the list.
- Return to Safari, tap the address and search field, and run a test search. Google results should open.
Apple’s Safari guide for iPad gives steps 1 through 4 in this order. Apple’s general guide to default apps and search lists a different path, Settings > Search > Search Engine. If the Safari route does not show a Search Engine row, check the Search route. If neither is visible, search the Settings app for “Search Engine.” Menu labels can vary by iPadOS version, so the exact screen you see may differ slightly from Apple’s documentation.
Where the setting is in Apple’s documentation
| Apple guide | Path given | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Search for websites using Safari on iPad | Settings > Apps > Safari > Search Engine | Choosing the engine, plus the separate Search Engine Suggestions switch |
| Change your default search engine on iPad | Settings > Search > Search Engine | Setting the default search engine from the general Search settings |
Private Browsing can use a different engine
Apple documents an optional separate search engine for Private Browsing in Safari. If Google is set as the regular engine but searches in a private window still go elsewhere, this is usually the cause. To fix it, go to Settings > Apps > Safari, turn off Also Use in Private Browsing, then tap Private Search Engine and choose Google. With the switch on, private searches follow the regular engine.
Search suggestions are a separate control
Search Engine Suggestions controls the autocomplete list that appears while you type. It is not the same as the default engine. Apple says that when suggestions are enabled, Safari asks the selected search engine for suggestions based on what has been typed. Apple’s Safari guide places the Search Engine Suggestions switch below the Search Engine row in Settings > Apps > Safari. Turning suggestions off does not change which engine runs your search, and choosing Google does not turn suggestions on or off.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Google is not in the list: Apple’s documentation confirms that you can choose a search engine but does not list every option available in every country or software version. Use the engine options shown on your device.
- Searches still open another engine: confirm Google is selected under Search Engine, not only opened as a website, then check the Private Browsing setting described above.
- Autocomplete looks wrong: check the Search Engine Suggestions switch, which is separate from the default engine.
- Japan: Apple’s default-apps guide, published December 18, 2025, says users in Japan may see a search engine choice screen in Safari. The choice can be changed later in Settings > Apps > Safari.
Privacy notes from Apple
Apple’s “Safari Search & Privacy” page, published May 20, 2021, says common queries may be shared with a web search engine to improve results, and that information tied to Siri Suggestions and search features is associated with a 15-minute rotating, device-generated identifier rather than your Apple ID. This describes Apple’s stated policy on that page, not an independent audit. Google’s own handling of searches is governed by Google’s policies, not by the Safari setting.
Which setting to choose
The only real decision is scope. Set Google as the default search engine to use it for all regular Safari searches. Then decide whether Private Browsing should match: leave Also Use in Private Browsing on for one engine everywhere, or turn it off and pick a separate Private Search Engine.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
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