Google can be the search engine used when you type a query into a browser’s address bar or search box. The setting is separate from your homepage, browser app, and Android home-screen Search widget.
Use the instructions for your browser and device below. Menu names can vary slightly by version, but the setting is usually called Search engine, Default Search Engine, or Address bar and search.
Chrome on a computer
These steps apply to Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS.
- Open Google Chrome. You can also enter chrome://settings in the address bar to open Settings directly.
- Click More (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Click Settings.
- Under Search engine, select Google.
If Chrome shows an Update option in the More menu, install the available update, then return to Settings and change the search engine.
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- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
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Chrome on Android
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap More (⋮) in the top-right.
- Tap Settings.
- Under Basics, tap Search engine.
- Tap Google.
Chrome on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap More (…).
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Search engine.
- Tap Google.
Microsoft Edge
These instructions apply to Microsoft Edge version 79 and later. Edge has two related settings, so change both if you want searches from a new-tab page to use Google as well.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click Settings and more (…) in the top-right.
- Click Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.
- Scroll down to Services, then click Address bar and search.
- In Search engine used in address bar, select Google.
- For Search on new tabs uses search box or address bar, select Address bar if you want new-tab searches to use the selected address-bar search engine.
If you select Google in the first menu but leave Edge set to use the new-tab search box, searches entered in that box may continue to follow the new-tab configuration rather than the address-bar setting.
Firefox on a computer
- Open Firefox.
- In the small search bar at the top-right, click Search.
- Click Change Search Settings.
- Under Default Search Engine, select Google.
Choosing a different engine for one search does not permanently change Firefox’s default.
Firefox on Android
- Open Firefox and tap the search-engine icon in the address bar.
- Tap Search Settings.
- Tap Default search engine.
- Select Google.
Choosing an engine from the search-engine icon while performing a search changes that search only. It does not change the default.
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Firefox on iPhone or iPad
- Tap the menu button. On an iPad, it is in the top-right.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Search.
- Tap the name of the current default search engine.
- Tap Google.
- Tap Settings to return to the menu, then tap Done.
Firefox for iOS may use different labels or layouts across releases. Look for the current search-engine name under Settings and Search.
Safari on Mac, iPhone, or iPad
- Open Safari.
- Click or tap the search bar.
- On the left side of the search bar, click or tap the magnifying-glass icon.
- Select Google.
This changes the search engine Safari uses from its search bar. It does not change the browser homepage.
If Google is not listed
Firefox may restrict some search engines by region, so Google might not appear in every location or installation. Check Firefox’s default-search-engine settings again.
If you are adding Google manually in Firefox for Android or iOS, use a URL with %s where the search terms belong:
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https://www.google.com/search?q=%s
The %s is required as a placeholder. A URL containing a fixed word such as https://www.google.com/search?q=test will not work as a reusable search-engine address.
Android home-screen Search widget
The Android Search widget is separate from Chrome’s search-engine setting. Changing Chrome to Google will not necessarily change which service the widget uses.
For devices distributed in the European Economic Area on or after March 1, 2020:
- Open the Google app.
- Tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Search widget.
- Tap Switch to Google.
Check that the change worked
- Open a new tab.
- Click or tap the browser’s address bar.
- Type a test query, such as weather tomorrow, without opening a bookmarked search page.
- Press Enter or tap the search button.
- Confirm that the results page is Google Search.
If the result is still coming from another service, check whether you searched through a separate new-tab box, an Android widget, or a browser extension. In Edge, verify both the address-bar engine and the new-tab search option.
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- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
What this setting does not change
| Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Default search engine | Where address-bar or configured search-box queries are sent |
| Homepage | The page opened when you use the browser’s Home button or startup setting |
| Default browser | Which app opens links from other apps |
| Android Search widget | Searches started from the widget on the home screen |
Setting your homepage to Google does not make Google the default search engine, and changing the default browser app does not change the search-engine selection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Why does my browser still use another search engine after I selected Google?
You may be searching through a separate new-tab search box, an Android Search widget, or an extension rather than the browser address bar. In Edge, select Google under Address bar and search, then choose Address bar for new-tab searches if needed.
Does setting Google as my homepage change my default search engine?
No. Homepage and search-engine settings are separate. Set Google under the browser’s Search engine, Default Search Engine, or Address bar and search menu.
Why is Google missing from Firefox’s search-engine list?
Search-engine availability can be restricted by region. Check Firefox’s default-search-engine settings again. You can also add Google manually with https://www.google.com/search?q=%s when Firefox permits custom engines.
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Can I change the search engine for just one Firefox search?
Yes. Tap or click the search-engine icon and choose an engine for that search. This is temporary and does not change the default search engine.
Why did changing Chrome not change my Android Search widget?
The widget has its own setting. Open the Google app, go to Profile picture or initial > Settings > Search widget, and choose Switch to Google where that option is available.
The Bottom Line
To make Google the default, open your browser’s search settings rather than its homepage settings. Chrome uses Settings > Search engine, Firefox uses Default Search Engine, Edge uses Privacy, search, and services > Address bar and search, and Safari changes the engine from the search bar’s magnifying-glass menu.
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