How to Change Search Engine on Chrome (Step-by-Step With Screenshots)

Sharik Rasool

Last Updated on January 5, 2026

Introduction: When Chrome Stops Searching the Way You Expect

If you’ve ever typed a query into Chrome’s address bar and ended up on a search engine you didn’t choose, you’re not alone. Chrome’s default search engine can change due to updates, extensions, or software installs, often without much warning.

The good news is that fixing it is simple.

This guide shows how to change the search engine on Chrome, step by step, using clear instructions and visual references so you can follow along confidently, even if you’re not technical.

What Does Changing the Search Engine on Chrome Mean?

When you change the search engine in Chrome, you’re deciding which search provider Chrome uses when you type into the address bar (also called the omnibox).

Once updated:

All address-bar searches use your selected engine
New tab searches follow the same engine
You don’t need to visit the search engine’s website manually

How to Change Search Engine on Chrome (Desktop)

This works the same on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Step 1: Open Chrome Settings

Open Google Chrome
Click the three dots in the top-right corner
Select Settings

Step 2: Go to the Search Engine Section

In the left-hand menu, click Search engine
Look for “Search engine used in the address bar”

Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Search Engine

Click the dropdown menu
Select your preferred option (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, etc.)

Changes save automatically. There’s no “Apply” button.

How to Add a Search Engine That’s Not Listed

If your preferred search engine doesn’t appear, you can add it manually.

Step 1: Open Manage Search Engines

In Settings → Search engine
Click Manage search engines and site search

Step 2: Add a New Search Engine

Scroll to Site search
Click Add
Enter:
- Search engine name
- Shortcut keyword
- URL with %s in place of the search term

Example:

https://www.example.com/search?q=%s

Save and set it as default

How to Change Search Engine on Chrome (Mobile)

On Android

Open Chrome
Tap the three dots
Go to Settings
Tap Search engine
Select your preferred engine

On iPhone or iPad

Chrome on iOS follows a similar process:

Open Chrome
Tap More (three dots)
Go to Settings
Tap Search engine
Choose your preferred option

Why Your Search Engine Keeps Changing in Chrome

If your search engine keeps reverting, the cause is usually not Chrome itself.

Common reasons include:

Browser extensions overriding settings
Free software installs with bundled add-ons
Malware or adware
Managed device policies (work or school devices)

How to Prevent Chrome Search Engine Changes

To make your setting stick:

Review and remove unnecessary extensions
Avoid “Express” or “Recommended” software installs
Use Chrome’s built-in reset if needed
Run a malware scan if changes persist

If the problem continues after a reset, an extension is almost always responsible.

How to Reset Chrome Search Settings (If Needed)

If changes won’t stick:

Go to Settings
Click Reset settings
Select Restore settings to their original defaults

This:

Keeps bookmarks and passwords
Removes extensions
Resets search engine behavior

Why Many Users Choose Google as Their Default

Many users switch back to Google because of:

Familiar interface
Fast and relevant results
Strong local and map-based search
Consistent performance across devices

That said, Chrome works equally well with other search engines if privacy or alternative results matter more to you.

Chrome Search Engine vs Browser Confusion

A quick clarification helps here.

Chrome is a browser, not a search engine.
The search engine is the service Chrome sends your query to.

Changing the search engine does not change Chrome’s performance or features, only where results come from.

Conclusion: A 2-Minute Fix That Improves Daily Browsing

Knowing how to change the search engine on Chrome puts control back in your hands. It takes less than two minutes, works across devices, and immediately improves your browsing experience.

If your organization needs help managing browser settings, cleaning up unwanted extensions, or standardizing search behavior across teams, fill out our contact form or reach out to us today. We help users simplify technology so it works the way it should.