How to Change the Default Search Engine on Chrome (chrome://settings/searchengines)
Google Chrome is made by Google but that doesn’t mean that users are locked to using Google Search forever. Chrome is pliable with cross-platform compatibility meaning that a switch to an alternative for example Bing, DuckDuckGo or Yahoo, takes a few clicks with chrome://settings/searchengines. The process is simple enough on desktop and mobile although there is some difference in the level of customization on different platforms.
This guide talks about how to change the default search engine in Chrome devices of laptops/desktops/smartphones but also what the options are and what the limitations are.
What is the reason for the Default Search Engine Change in Chrome?
The default search engine is where search queries are sent to when the user types text into the address bar of Chrome (also called the omnibox). While Google Search is fast and extremely integrated, it is not always the best choice for everybody. Some users like privacy, some have different preferences in the way the results are presented, and some users are using search engines that work better with different ecosystems.
Chrome comes with several search engines built in to allow the user to decide which search engine works best for themselves.
How Chrome handles the Search Engines?
Chrome is taking advantage of the address bar as a URL field and search box. When a search is typed in instead of a website address, then Chrome automatically queries your selected default search engine sending the search data. Changing this setting will be reflected in searches for all browses; new tabs and shortcuts.
On the desktop version of Chrome there are also more advanced options, such as editing existing search engines, for instance, or adding searches from customized sites. Mobile versions though, are concerned with simplicity and they have fewer controls.
Changing the Default Search Engine on Desktop or Laptop
The process to add a desktop is the same in both Windows and Mac / Linux systems and hence switching and going through the process from one system to another is easy.
Accessing Chrome Settings
Accessing a Google doc file: (ask students to do their research) Start out by opening the computer’s Chrome browser. In the top right of the browser window click on the three-dot menu icon. From the dropdown menu select Settings. This opens a new tab on the main configuration panel.
Selecting a New Search Engine.
Under Settings, click on the Search engine search option which is located in the sidebar. If you click on this part a dropdown menu will open that is called “Search engine used in the address bar.” From here select a preferred search engine from a set of search engines.
The change comes into effect immediately. Any new searches typed into the address bar would now be on the current one selected.
Managing Search Engines and Customizing Them
Desktop Chrome is also flexible with the possibility of managing search engines and site search. This area allows users to:
- Edit existing search engines
- Remove search engines that are no longer needed
- Add custom search engines or site-specific searches
This particular feature can be particularly useful to those who search through some websites frequently, such as online stores or knowledge bases.
Changing the Default Search engine on a Mobile device
Chrome on mobile devices including android, iPhone and iPad also supports changing the default search engine, but not as easily as on desktop.
Opening Settings on Mobile
Install the Chrome application on the device. You tap on the three dots icon which is the menu icon which will usually be found at the top or bottom of the screen based on the platform. From the menu click on Settings.
Choosing a Search Engine
Go to Settings, and tap Search engine. A list of the available search engines, which are available will be presented. Select one and you will have it as a default one. Once decided upon, Chrome immediately makes a change in the setting.
Limitations Associated With Mobile Chrome
Unlike the desktop, mobile Chrome doesn’t enable users to add go to custom search engines. Only a predefined list could be used instead; While that can seem like a restricting thing, this makes the mobile experience simple and consistent.
Differences Between Desktop and Mobile Chrome
Most of the greatest separation is in the customization. The desktop version of Chrome has improved features i.e. search within the site and editing. Mobile Chrome is all about usability and all it gives is a list of search engines.
Functionally both platforms are equal to each other which is to change where the search would be sent to when searching in the address box. For most of the average day-to-day users, the options available on mobile are more than adequate.
Which Search Engine to Choose?
The best search engine is the one, that is based upon personal priorities. Some users have a need for strong privacy measures while others want to have a deep integration with email or map or cloud services. Chrome makes switching simple however, so it has been fostered to experiment with different options.
Since the changing of the setting is possible at any time there’s not much danger in trying several different search engines to find the right one for you.
Final Thoughts
Chrome may be made by Google, but it doesn’t retain the people in Google’s search ecosystem. On all devices including desktops, laptops and mobile devices it is a quick and reversible process to make the change to the default search engine. Desktop users get to take more advantage of deep customisation but for mobile users there is a streamlined approach.
For anyone who would like to personalise their browsing experience, changing the default search engine within Chrome is one of the easiest and most effective changes to make.
Also Read: MyGroundBizAccount – Useful Instructions for using it
