Set Google as your default search engine in three steps
Your default search engine is the one that runs when you type words into the address bar without a full web address. Most browsers come set to Bing or their own search tool, not Google. Changing it back to Google takes less than a minute and works the same way in every major browser — you go into settings, find the search engine section, and pick Google from the list.
The exact steps depend on which browser you use, but the principle is identical: open settings, locate search engines, select Google. You do not need to download anything or restart your browser. The change takes effect immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Your default search engine is what runs when you type a question into the address bar, and it is separate from which search engine's website you visit.
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you change this in their settings menu under search engine or search preferences.
- Google must already be in your browser's list of search engines before you can set it as default — it usually is, but if not, you may need to visit Google.com first.
- Changing your default search engine does not affect bookmarks, passwords, or any other browser data.
Change your default search engine in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears. On the left side, click Search engine.
You will see a list of search engines under "Search engines used in the address bar." Google should already be in this list. Click on Google, and a radio button will appear next to it. That radio button means Google is now your default. Close the settings tab — the change is saved automatically.
If Google does not appear in the list, visit Google.com in a new tab first. Chrome will add it automatically. Then return to Settings and repeat the steps above.
Change your default search engine in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Search.
Under "Default Search Engine," you will see a dropdown menu showing your current default. Click it and select Google from the list. The change takes effect immediately. You can close the settings tab.
Firefox includes Google by default, so you should always see it in the dropdown. If for any reason it is missing, visit Google.com in a new tab and Firefox will add it to the list.
Change your default search engine in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar (on the far left). Select Settings or Preferences depending on your macOS version. Click the Search tab.
You will see a dropdown menu labeled "Search engine." Click it and select Google. Close the settings window. The change is immediate.
Safari comes with Google in its search engine list, so you should always see it available. This setting applies to searches you type in the address bar and in the search box on a new tab.
Change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to the Search engine section.
Under "Search engine used in the address bar," you will see your current default. Click on it to open a dropdown list. Select Google. The change saves automatically and takes effect right away.
Google is included in Edge by default. If it does not appear in the dropdown for any reason, visit Google.com first to add it to your browser's search engine list.
What to do if Google is not in your search engine list
If you follow the steps above and Google does not appear as an option, your browser has not yet learned about it. The fix is simple: visit Google.com in a new tab. Your browser will recognize Google and add it to the search engine list automatically.
After you visit Google.com, return to your browser's settings and follow the steps for your browser above. Google should now be available in the dropdown or list. Select it and you are done.
This happens most often on new computers or after a browser reset. It is not a sign that anything is wrong — browsers only add search engines to their list when they detect you using them.
Verify your change worked
To confirm Google is now your default, click on the address bar at the top of your browser and type a question or a few words — do not type a full web address. Press Enter. If Google's search results page appears, your default search engine is set correctly.
If a different search engine's results appear instead, return to your browser's settings and repeat the steps for your browser. Make sure you clicked on Google itself, not just looked at the list. The radio button or selection indicator should be directly next to Google's name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default search engine affect my bookmarks or saved passwords?
No. Your default search engine is completely separate from your bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, and other browser data. Changing it will not affect any of those things.
Can I set different default search engines for different browsers?
Yes. Each browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — has its own settings. You can set Google as default in one browser and use a different search engine in another. The settings do not affect each other.
What if I want to use a different search engine for one search without changing my default?
You can always visit any search engine's website directly and search there, even if it is not your default. Your default only affects what happens when you type in the address bar. Visiting Google.com, Bing.com, or any other search site works regardless of your default setting.
Do I need to restart my browser after changing the default search engine?
No. All major browsers apply the change immediately. You can start using Google as your default search engine right away without closing and reopening your browser.
Why does my browser keep switching back to a different search engine?
Some software or browser extensions can change your default search engine without your permission. Check your browser's extension or add-on list and remove anything you do not recognize. Then set Google as your default again. If it keeps changing, run a malware scan on your computer.