Guide to Changing the Default Search Engine Across Different Browsers
Adjusting your default search engine is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few clicks, irrespective of the browser you’re utilizing. If you find you prefer a different search engine later on, you can easily switch to another one or revert to the original default. While Google remains the leading search engine, a variety of alternatives are available. Let’s explore the steps needed to change the default search engine across popular browsers.
Switching the Default Search Engine in Chrome
The widely-used Chrome browser is compatible with all primary platforms. Preloaded on Chromebook and Android devices, it can also be downloaded on other operating systems.
For PC Users
To change your default search engine in Chrome on a PC, adhere to the following instructions:
- Open the Chrome browser and click on the three dots located at the top right corner, then navigate to “Settings.”
- Select the “Search engine” option on the left-hand side.
- Click the drop-down menu next to “Search engine used in the address bar” and select your preferred search engine from the list, which by default will likely be Google.
- No need to restart Chrome to save your changes. You can confirm by opening a new tab to see your selected search engine set as default. If it doesn’t appear, a quick restart of Chrome should remedy this.
For Mobile Users
- Tap the three-dot icon in the app (located at the top on Android and at the bottom on iPhone) and select “Settings” from the menu.
- Select “Search Engine” and choose your default search engine from the available options.
Changing the Default Search Engine in Firefox
Firefox, favored by those valuing privacy, operates seamlessly across all platforms. To change your default search engine on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Chromebook, follow these steps:
For PC Users
- In the Firefox browser, click on the three horizontal lines located at the top right and select “Settings” to adjust your default search engine.
- On the left, choose “Search.”
- Locate the “Default Search Engine” option, then click the drop-down menu beside it to select your desired search engine.
- If the search engine you want is absent from the list, scroll down and select “Find more search engines.”
- To remove unused search engines, click on the search engine listed under “One-Click Search Engines” and select the “Remove” option at the bottom right.
For Mobile Users
Here’s how to modify the default search engine in Firefox on Android and iOS:
- Tap on the three-dot icon (Android) or the three-bar icon (iPhone), and then choose “Settings” within the app.
- Navigate to “Search” and select the new default search engine, or tap on “Add search engine” to introduce a new option.
Changing the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is pre-installed on Windows PCs and can also be installed on systems running Linux and macOS. Here’s how to modify the default search engine on PC:
For PC Users
- Open the Edge browser, click on the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner, and then select “Settings.”
- Select “Privacy, Search, and services” from the left panel.
- Scroll to the bottom and click on “Address bar and search.”
- Use the drop-down menu next to “Search engine used in address bar” to choose a new search engine.
For Mobile Users
This is how to modify the default search engine on Android and iOS:
- In the Edge browser, tap the three-dot icon and select “Settings.”
- Select “General,” then click on “Select search engine.”
- Pick your preferred search engine from the list provided.
Alter the Default Search Engine on Opera
Opera users can also easily change the default search engine on any device.
For PC Users
- Click the three-bar icon in the upper-right corner and choose “Go to full browser settings” located at the bottom. Alternatively, click the red “O” icon in the top left corner and navigate to “Settings.”
- In the left pane, choose “Advanced” and scroll down on the right until you find the Search engine card.
- Click the drop-down menu beside “Search engine used in address bar” and select your desired search engine. If you wish to add another, click on “Manage search engines” to specify your preferred option.
For Mobile Users
- Tap the account icon (on Android) or the three-bar icon (on iPhone) located at the bottom of the Opera browser, then press the “Settings” icon (on Android) or the Settings option (on iPhone).
- Scroll down and select “Default search engine” to choose your preferred option from the list.
Adjusting the Default Search Engine in Brave
The Brave browser is packed with hidden features while also providing options for search engine selection. To change the default search engine on Brave for Windows and macOS, follow these steps:
For PC Users
- Click on the three-bar icon at the top and choose “Settings” from the menu.
- Select “Search Engine” from the left sidebar.
- Click the drop-down menu next to “Search engine used in the address bar” to pick your preferred search engine.
- Alternatively, you can click on “Manage search engines and site search” to add or delete search engines as needed.
For Mobile Users
- Open the Brave browser, tap the three-dot icon in the bottom right, and select “Settings.”
- Navigate to “Search engines,” and select “Standard Tab.”
- The default search engine is Brave; you can choose a new one from the provided list.
Modifying the Default Search Engine in Safari
Safari is available by default on macOS, iPhone, and iPad, and cannot be installed on other devices.
For macOS Users
- Launch Safari and click on “Safari” in the upper menu, then select “Preferences.”
- Navigate to the “Search” tab at the top.
- From the drop-down menu next to “Search engine,” choose your new default search engine.
For Mobile Users
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then tap on “Safari.”
- Select the “Search Engine” option and choose from the available list to set your new default search engine.
Common Questions
Why does my search engine keep reverting?
Your search engine may frequently revert to Bing or Yahoo due to an extension installed in your browser. Discover ways to resolve issues with a persistently changing search engine.
Can I revert to the default search engine after switching?
Once you select a different default search engine, all your search activities will utilize that engine. However, you can still access other search engines directly via their web links such as www.google.com, www.bing.com, etc. Alternatively, you can revert to the previous search engine by selecting it from the list as previously outlined.
Are there superior search engines for privacy?
Indeed, certain search engines prioritize user privacy more effectively than others.
Image credits and all screenshots contributed by Mehvish Mushtaq
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