How to change the default search engine in Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox

Controlling your browsing experience is easier than you think, and knowing How to change the default search engine in Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox lets you customize your access to information, enhance your privacy, and optimize results based on your needs. Today, you are not forced to settle for Google, Bing or Yahoo if you prefer alternatives like DuckDuckGo, Ecosia or even more specialized engines.

In this very complete article, You will discover in detail and step by step how to modify your default search engine in the main browsers on the market from any device, be it a computer, tablet or smartphone. In addition, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each option, how to add custom engines, possible problems with malware, and what to keep in mind to always maintain your privacy and security online.

Why is it important to choose the default search engine wisely?

Most people don't pay attention to the search engine they use every day, but the choice has a direct impact on your online experience: from the results you get, to the number of ads you see, to the level of privacy and data protection. Browsers, whether Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari, usually come pre-configured with your preferred search engine, often because of commercial agreements between software companies and search giants.

For example, Google is usually present in most browsers as the default engine, while Microsoft Edge bet on Bing. However, there are a variety of alternatives (such as DuckDuckGo if you value privacy, Ecosia if you are concerned about the environment, or even topic engines like Wikipedia).

Differences between browsers and your default search engine

Each browser comes with a default search engine that determines the user experience, but all offer, to a greater or lesser extent, the ability to choose another that better suits your tastes and needs. Here are some examples of the most common defaults:

• Google Chrome: Google
• Mozilla Firefox: Google (formerly Yahoo in some countries and versions)
• Microsoft Edge: Bing
• Safari: Google (on Apple, although sometimes with a direct option to Yahoo, Bing or DuckDuckGo)
• Opera: Google

However, all of these tools offer some way to change, add, or remove search engines based on your preferences.

Advantages and reasons to change the default search engine

Not everyone is happy with the default search engines, and there are several reasons why you might want to change them:

• Privacy Concern: Search engines like Google track your searches to personalize ads and results, while alternatives like DuckDuckGo or Startpage prioritize anonymity.
• Most relevant results for your needs: You might get better answers or a more user-friendly interface from another search engine.
• Prevent data tracking: If you're uncomfortable with the idea of ​​sharing personal information with large companies, switching to a search engine that claims not to track its users may be the best option.
• Personal or professional preferences: You can set up a topic engine, such as Wikipedia, IMDB, or Google Scholar.
• Technical or accessibility reasons: Some browsers load faster, consume fewer resources, or are better suited to certain devices.

Whatever the reason, having the ability to customize the search engine is a fundamental tool for any user.

What happens when your search engine changes without your permission?

A common situation is that the default search engine changes suddenly and without warning. This usually happens for one of these reasons:

• Installation of unwanted softwareMany free programs include, in a hidden or unclear way, the option to change the default search engine during installation.
• Malware or malicious extensions: Certain viruses or add-ons can hijack your settings, redirecting your searches to disreputable services.
• Corporate policies or managed accounts: In work or study environments, there may be restrictions applied by the system administrator.

If you notice that your search engine is constantly resetting to a search engine you didn't choose, it's time to check your computer or device for malware and review the extensions installed in your browser.

How to change the search engine in Google Chrome

Changing the default search engine in Chrome is a fairly simple process, both on computers and mobile devices. We explain in detail how to do it:

Change it from your computer (Windows, Mac, Linux)

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner to open the menu.
3. Select "Settings."
4. In the options column, find and enter "Seeker".
5. You will see the option “Search engine used in the address bar” next to a drop-down menu. Select your preferred search engine (Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, etc.)
6. If the search engine you want does not appear, click on “Manage search engines” to add a new one.
7. You can add a custom search engine by clicking “Add,” typing in the name, a keyword, and the search URL (using %s where your query would go).
8. Click on the three dots next to the search engine you have added and select “Choose as default”.

With this, Chrome will use your new search engine whenever you enter a query from the address bar.

From your mobile (Android or iOS)

1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Press the three dots (usually top right in Android, down in iOS).
3. Go to "Configuration".
4. Look for the “Search” section.
5. Click and select the one you like best (Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo…)

How to change the default search engine in Mozilla Firefox

Firefox stands out for its flexibility and the ability to choose from several search engines or easily add your own. The process varies slightly depending on the device:

On computer (Windows, Mac, Linux)

1. Open Firefox and click on the menu (the three horizontal lines at the top right).
2. Sign in "Settings" or “Options”.
3. In the sidebar, click "Search" (magnifying glass icon).
4. You'll see a list of default search engines. Choose your preferred one from the "Default Search Engine" drop-down menu.

Firefox comes with options like Google, Bing, Amazon, DuckDuckGo, eBay, and Wikipedia, but you can add others.

• To add a new search engine, visit its website and, if you see a “+” icon over the magnifying glass, click to add it.
• You can access the “Find more search engines” option to install add-ons or extensions that further expand your options.
• If you want to delete one, select it from the list and click “Delete.”

It's a browser designed for customization, and this is especially noticeable in the search area.

On mobile (Android or iOS)

1. Open the Firefox application.
2. Tap the menu icon (three dots) next to the address bar.
3. Select "Settings."
4. Go to the “Search Engine” section.
5. Choose the search engine from the list or tap “Add search engine” > “Other” to configure it manually (this option is usually only available on Android).
6. Enter the name and custom search URL (remember to use %s in the URL instead of the query).

On iOS, you'll typically have Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo available. The mobile version of Firefox on Android allows you to manually add search engines, something not all browsers make easy.

Change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge

Edge, both on PC and mobile, comes configured with Bing, but you can easily change it to another search engine of your choice.

From your computer (Windows, Mac)

1. Open Edge and click on the three horizontal dots (top right).
2. Select "Settings."
3. Click on “Privacy, Search, and Services”.
4. Scroll to the bottom and look for the section “Address and Search Bar”.
5. In the “Search engine used in the address bar” menu, choose the search engine from the list (Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, etc.).
6. If you need to add a custom one, first visit the search engine's site and search from the address bar. Edge will recognize the engine and you can select it from the list.
7. Go to “Manage Search Engines” to edit, set as default, or delete search engines.

In Edge, you can also easily manage all the search engines detected by the browser and add any you want, following the OpenSearch standard.

On the mobile version (Android, iOS)

1. Open Edge on your smartphone.
2. Press the three dots “…” on the bottom bar.
3. Go to “Settings,” then head to the “Advanced” section.
4. Find “Default Search Engine” and select your preferred search engine from the list.

On Edge mobile, you'll typically only be able to choose from options like Bing, Yahoo, Google, or DuckDuckGo, and adding custom engines manually isn't always supported.

Set the default search engine in Apple Safari

Safari maintains a more restrictive search engine policy, but also offers a selection of alternatives.

On Mac (macOS)

1. Open Safari and click “Safari” in the menu bar.
2. Choose "Preferences" and then the “Search” tab.
3. Choose your preferred search engine from the drop-down menu: Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ecosia, or DuckDuckGo.

There is no way to manually add search engines from preferences. If you want a different option you will have to resort to external extensions such as How to write the at symbol.

On iPhone or iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

1. Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone o iPad.
2. Swipe to “Safari.”
3. Click on the “Search” section.
4. Select “Search Engine” and choose between Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ecosia, or DuckDuckGo.

Safari on iOS does not allow adding custom engines without using extensions or external applications.

Change the default search engine in Opera

Opera stands out for its customization and variety of built-in search engines, both on desktop and mobile.

From your computer (Windows, Mac, Linux)

1. Open Opera and click the gear icon in the left sidebar to access the settings.
2. Scroll down to the section "Seeker".
3. You'll see a drop-down menu next to "Which search engine to use from the combined search and address bar."
4. Choose from Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Amazon, Bing and Wikipedia.
5. If you want to add a custom engine, go to “Manage Search Engines” and click “Add.”
6. Enter the name, a keyword, and the URL with %s for your query.
7. You cannot delete the factory default engines, only the ones you added.

Opera even allows you to choose theme engines or online stores as default (Amazon, eBay, IMDB...), ideal for those looking for something very specific without going around in circles.

On mobile (Android or iOS)

1. Open the Opera app.
2. Tap the menu icon in the bottom right corner (on most versions).
3. Go to “Settings”.
4. Look for “Default Search Engine” in the corresponding section.
5. Choose from the list of options that Opera offers for mobile (often Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Amazon, eBay, IMDB, Wikipedia, Qwant…).

Unlike the desktop version, you can't always manually add custom search engines in Opera Mini and other Opera mobile browsers.

How to add and remove custom search engines

If your preferred search engine isn't listed, most modern browsers allow you to add it manually, although this process may vary and, on some platforms, may be limited.

• In Chrome: Go to “Settings > Search Engine > Manage Search Engines,” click “Add,” fill in the required fields, and use the search URL with %s wherever you want the query to go.
• In Firefox: Add search engines from the search bar if the + icon appears, or use add-ons from the add-ons page. On mobile, you can do this manually on Android.
• An Edge: Visit the search engine from the address bar so Edge can detect it, then add it from your search engine settings.
• In Opera: Use the “Manage Search Engines” option, click “Add,” enter the name, keyword, and the appropriate search URL.
• In Safari: It is not available natively, only through extensions like .

Removing custom search engines is usually as easy as going to Engine Management, selecting the one you want to delete, and clicking “Remove from list.”

Possible problems and common solutions

Sometimes changing your default search engine may not work as you expect. Here are the solutions to the most common problems:

• The engine changes gears again without your consent: You probably have malware or an unwanted extension. Scan your computer with an updated antivirus and remove any suspicious software or extensions.
• Your browser is managed by an organization: In work or study environments, the settings may be locked. Learn how to remove browser hijackers in Microsoft Edge here..
• The search engine you want is not listed: Try searching in the search engine itself from the address bar, or add the URL manually using the correct format with %s.
• Changes are not saved: Make sure your browser is not in incognito or private mode and that you have write permissions on your user profile.

If all else fails, you can restore your browser settings to factory defaults, although this will remove other customizations.

Related article:

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Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.