The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Your browser’s default search engine is the service used when you type a query into the address bar. Changing it usually takes less than a minute, but the menu is different in each browser—and a browser’s new-tab search box may be controlled separately.
Use the section for your browser below. If you do not see your preferred provider, search with it once from the address bar first; browsers such as Edge and Chrome can then add compatible search sites to their available engine list.
1. Change the search engine in Google Chrome on Windows or Mac
- Open Chrome.
- Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Select Search engine in the left sidebar.
- Open the menu beside Search engine used in the address bar.
- Choose Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, Ecosia, or another available provider.
Chrome applies the change immediately. You can also open chrome://settings/search directly in the address bar.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute2. Change the search engine in Chrome on Android
- Open Chrome.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Search engine.
- Select the provider you want to use.
Android Chrome normally lists search engines that are available in your region. If a provider is missing, visit that provider’s website and perform a search first, then check the setting again.
3. Change the search engine in Microsoft Edge on Windows
- Open Edge and visit the search site you want to use.
- Perform at least one search from the address bar, not just from a search box on the website.
- Select Settings and more (…).
- Select Settings.
- Select Privacy, search, and services.
- Select Search and connected services.
- Select Address bar and search.
- Under Search engine used in the address bar, select your provider.
You can jump directly to this area by entering edge://settings/search. Edge can add sites that support the OpenSearch standard after you search with them from the address bar.
New-tab searches may still use Bing
Edge has separate controls for address-bar searches and the search box displayed on a new-tab page. If the new-tab page continues using Bing, look for its search-box option and select Address bar instead of Search box (Recommended), where that choice is available. Selecting the address bar sends the query through the default engine you chose above.
4. Change the search engine in Microsoft Edge on Android
- Open Edge.
- Tap the … menu.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Default search engine.
- Select a provider.
Microsoft’s Android app initially uses Bing. If the provider you want is not listed, Microsoft directs users to … > Send feedback.
5. Change the search engine in Mozilla Firefox on Windows or Mac
- Open Firefox.
- Select the three-line menu.
- Select Settings on Windows or Settings/Preferences on some older Mac versions.
- Select Search.
- Open the Default Search Engine menu.
- Choose your preferred provider.
Firefox also lets you assign a keyword to a search engine. For example, you could type @ddg privacy browser in the address bar to use DuckDuckGo for one search without changing the default.
Also popular on Amazon
- Windows 11 Shortcut Sticker ①Size:(7.25 x 9 cm) Windows Shortcut Sticker, Windows + Word/Excel Shortcuts Sticker for Windows systems Laptop and Desktop Computer. Compatible for Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems Laptop,Desktop
- BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY INSTANTLY-Stop Googling shortcuts! This visual cheat sheet puts the most essential Windows 11/10, Microsoft Word, and Excel commands directly onto your keys. Master copy/paste, formatting, navigation, and advanced functions without breaking your flow.
- TWO STYLES IN ONE PACK — MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY-Get both Clear stickers for a sleek, invisible look AND Color-coded stickers for fast visual identification. Use the clear set for work meetings, switch to color when learning new shortcuts. It's like having two products for the price of one.
- PREMIUM QUALITY THAT LASTS-Crafted from durable matte-finish vinyl. These stickers resist fading, smudging, and peeling from daily use. The adhesive is strong enough to stay put but removes cleanly with zero sticky residue—perfect for shared or company laptops.
- UNIVERSAL FIT FOR ANY KEYBOARD-Precisely cut to fit standard US layout keyboards. Compatible with all major brands including Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and external mechanical keyboards. Easy peel-and-stick application takes under 2 minutes.
6. Change the search engine in Firefox on Android or iPhone
Firefox for Android
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Search.
- Tap Default search engine.
- Select a provider.
Firefox for iPhone and iPad
- Tap the three-line menu.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Search.
- Tap the current search engine.
- Select another provider.
The names and order of these options can vary slightly by Firefox version and region.
7. Change the search engine in Safari on a Mac
- Open Safari.
- In the menu bar, select Safari > Settings.
- Open the Search tab.
- Open the Search engine menu.
- Select Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, or another listed provider.
In older macOS versions, the same window is called Safari Preferences. This setting controls searches entered in Safari’s Smart Search field.
8. Change the search engine in Safari on an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then Safari. On older iOS and iPadOS releases, tap Safari directly.
- Tap Search Engine.
- Select the provider you want to use.
Safari on iPhone and iPad uses Apple’s system setting rather than a search-engine menu inside the browser.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
When the browser keeps switching back
A changed search engine that reverts without your permission is usually caused by an extension, a browser policy, or unwanted software—not by the normal search-engine setting.
Also popular on Amazon
- 💻 ✔️ EVERY ESSENTIAL SHORTCUT - With the SYNERLOGIC Reference Keyboard Shortcut Sticker, you have the most important shortcuts conveniently placed right in front of you. Easily learn new shortcuts and always be able to quickly lookup commands without the need to “Google” it.
- 💻 ✔️ Work FASTER and SMARTER - Quick tips at your fingertips! This tool makes it easy to learn how to use your computer much faster and makes your workflow increase exponentially. It’s perfect for any age or skill level, students or seniors, at home, or in the office.
- 💻 ✔️ New adhesive – stronger hold. It may leave a light residue when removed, but this wipes off easily with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Fewer air bubbles – for the smoothest finish, don’t peel off the entire backing at once. Instead, fold back a small section, line it up, and press gradually as you peel more. The “peel-and-stick-all-at-once” method only works for thin decals, not for stickers like ours.
- 💻 ✔️ Compatible and fits any brand laptop or desktop running Windows 10 or 11 Operating System.
- 💻 ✔️ Original Design and Production by Synerlogic LLC, San Diego, CA, Boca Raton, FL and Bay City, MI, United States 2025. All rights reserved, any commercial reproduction without permission is punishable by all applicable laws.
Check extensions
- Open the browser’s extensions manager.
- Disable recently installed or unfamiliar extensions one at a time.
- Search again after each change.
- Remove the extension that restores the unwanted provider.
In Edge, select the puzzle-piece Extensions icon, choose Manage Extensions, or open edge://extensions.
Check whether Edge is managed
On an Edge computer, open edge://policy to view policies applied to the browser. On edge://extensions, a briefcase symbol or “managed by your organization” message can indicate an administrator-controlled extension.
Work and school computers may enforce a search provider through policies such as DefaultSearchProviderEnabled, DefaultSearchProviderSearchURL, or ManagedSearchEngines. Those settings cannot normally be overridden from Edge’s ordinary Settings page. Do not remove workplace policies without asking the administrator.
Address bar versus a website’s search box
Changing the default search engine affects queries typed into the browser’s address bar. It does not necessarily change:
Also popular on Amazon
- 💻 ✔️ EVERY ESSENTIAL SHORTCUT - With the SYNERLOGIC Reference Keyboard Shortcut Sticker, you have the most important shortcuts conveniently placed right in front of you. Easily learn new shortcuts and always be able to quickly lookup commands without the need to “Google” it.
- 💻 ✔️ Work FASTER and SMARTER - Quick tips at your fingertips! This tool makes it easy to learn how to use your computer much faster and makes your workflow increase exponentially. It’s perfect for any age or skill level, students or seniors, at home, or in the office.
- 💻 ✔️ QUALITY GUARANTEE - We stand behind our product! It’s made with outstanding military-grade durable vinyl and the professional design gives our stickers an OEM appearance. Our responsive and dedicated customer service team is here to promptly respond to your messages and resolve any issues you may have.
- 💻 ✔️ From BASIC to ADVANCED - Whether you are a seasoned computer professional or a beginner, the SYNERLOGIC Sticker will save you both time and frustration, guaranteed! You can easily reach a new level of computer proficiency using our convenient and affordable sticker.
- 💻 ✔️ Cross-platform compatibility. The sticker is specially designed to work for both PC and Mac computer keyboards.
- the search box on a browser’s new-tab page;
- search forms embedded in websites;
- search tools supplied by an extension;
- searches launched by another app or operating-system widget.
If only one of these still uses the old provider, check that feature’s own settings rather than repeatedly changing the browser default.
Quick comparison
| Browser and device | Setting location |
|---|---|
| Chrome desktop | Menu > Settings > Search engine |
| Chrome Android | Menu > Settings > Search engine |
| Edge Windows | Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Search and connected services > Address bar and search |
| Edge Android | Menu > Settings > Default search engine |
| Firefox desktop | Menu > Settings > Search |
| Firefox mobile | Menu > Settings > Search |
| Safari Mac | Safari > Settings > Search |
| Safari iPhone/iPad | Settings > Apps > Safari > Search Engine |
FAQ
Why does my new-tab page still use Bing after I changed the default search engine?
The new-tab search box can be separate from the address-bar search engine. In Edge, select the new-tab option for Address bar instead of Search box (Recommended), if that option is available.
Why is my preferred search engine missing from the list?
Some browsers only add compatible providers after you visit the search site and perform a search from the address bar. If it still does not appear, the browser or device may restrict available providers.
Can I use a search engine that is not listed?
Chrome, Firefox, and Edge can support additional providers when they expose the required search configuration, commonly through OpenSearch. Visit the provider first and check the browser’s search settings afterward.
Also popular on Amazon
- 💻✔️ EVERY ESSENTIAL SHORTCUT - With the SYNERLOGIC Windows Reference Keyboard Shortcut Sticker, you have the most important shortcuts conveniently placed right in front of you. Easily learn new shortcuts and always be able to quickly lookup commands without the need to “Google” it.
- 💻✔️ Work FASTER and SMARTER - Quick tips at your fingertips! This tool makes it easy to learn how to use your computer much faster and makes your workflow increase exponentially. It’s perfect for any age or skill level, students or seniors, at home, or in the office.
- 💻 ✔️ New adhesive – stronger hold. It may leave a light residue when removed, but this wipes off easily with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Fewer air bubbles – for the smoothest finish, don’t peel off the entire backing at once. Instead, fold back a small section, line it up, and press gradually as you peel more. The “peel-and-stick-all-at-once” method only works for thin decals, not for stickers like ours.
- 💻✔️ Compatible with Windows 10 AND 11.
- ⚠️📐 STICKER SIZE - This sticker measures 3" wide and 2.5" tall and designed to fit 14" and smaller laptops. We have a larger sticker (for 15.6" and up) in our store as well.
Why does my search engine change back every time I restart the browser?
Check extensions first, especially ones installed shortly before the problem began. On Edge, also inspect edge://policy for administrator-enforced settings.
Does changing the browser search engine change Google searches inside websites?
No. The browser default normally controls searches typed into the address bar. A website’s own search form can continue using its own service.
The Bottom Line
For most browsers, the setting is under Settings and then Search or Search engine. Edge places it under Privacy, search, and services > Search and connected services > Address bar and search. If the change does not affect a new-tab search box or keeps reverting, treat that as a separate setting or investigate extensions and device policies.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
