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How to Set a Custom Search Engine as Default in Chrome

Have you ever felt limited by the default search engines offered in Chrome? You aren’t alone. Fortunately, Chrome allows you to add custom search engines to customize your browsing experience. This article will show you how to set a custom search engine as default in Chrome.

How to Set a Custom Search Engine as Default in Chrome

Whether you prefer DuckDuckGo’s privacy focus or want to search video content from YouTube and want lightning-fast search results directly from the address bar, adding a custom search engine to Chrome is simple. Let’s start.

How to Add a New Search Engine in Google Chrome

Adding a custom search engine in Chrome is straightforward. However, the catch is that you can add a new search engine on a desktop, not mobile. Follow the below steps.

Step 1: Firstly, open Google Chrome on your Windows or Mac computer.

Step 2: Once launched, click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner. From the drop-down menu, select Settings.

select Settings

Step 3: Go to Search engine from the Settings screen.

Step 4: On the right pane, under Search engine, click ‘Manage search engines and site search.’

How to Set a Custom Search Engine as Default in Chrome_12 1

Step 5: Scroll down to Site search and click the Add button.

click the Add button

Step 6: Enter the following details in the ‘Add search engine’ pop-up.

  • Search engine: Enter the name you want to give to the search engine.
  • Keyword: Choose a unique keyword (e.g., “yt” for YouTube) to trigger the search.
  • URL: Enter the search URL of the website, including the parameter for search terms (e.g., https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%s). You can find this information on the website’s help page or by examining their search bar URL.
  • Step 7: Finally, click the Save button.

    click the Save button

    That’s it. The new search engine has been added to Google Chrome, ensuring seamless integration and effortless access to your preferred search engine from the Chrome address bar.

    Also Read: How to add or change autofill data on Google Chrome

    How to Set a Default Search Engine in Google Chrome

    What’s the point of adding or customizing your search engine in Chrome if it doesn’t work by default? Here is how to set the new or pre-existing search engine in Chrome as default. Let’s begin with the steps for the desktop.

    On Desktop

    Step 1: Firstly, open Google Chrome on your Windows or Mac computer. 

    Step 2: Once launched, click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner. From the drop-down menu, select Settings.

    select Settings

    Step 3: Then, go to Search engine from the Settings screen.

    Step 4: Next to ‘Search engine used in the address bar,’ choose your preferred search engine. 

    choose your preferred search engine

    With this, Chrome changes its default search engine to your preferred one. If your preferred search engine is unavailable in the drop-down, continue with the steps below.

    Step 5: Go to ‘Manage search engines and site search’ in the Search engine tab. 

    Go to ‘Manage search engines and site search’

    Step 6: Scroll down under the Search engines section or Site search section and click on the three-dot icon next to your preferred search engine. Then, choose Make default from the drop-down.

    choose Make default

    That’s it. You have successfully changed your search engine on Chrome. If you can’t access your desktop or want to change the search engine on your mobile, continue reading.

    On Chrome Mobile App

    Unlike adding a new search engine, you can change the default search engine in the Chrome mobile app. Moreover, the steps are the same for both Android and iOS. Follow along.

    Step 1: Firstly, launch the Google Chrome app on your Android or iOS device. Next, tap on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. 

    Step 2: Select Settings from the drop-down menu. On the next screen, tap on Search engine under Basics.

    Step 3: Finally, tap on the one you prefer from the list of search engines.

    tap on the one you prefer

    That’s about it. You have set a default search engine in Google Chrome. It is essential to note that, unlike on the desktop, the Google Chrome mobile app doesn’t allow you to add your preferred search engine that is not on the list.

    Also Read: How to take full page screenshots on Google Chrome

    How to Remove Search Engines in Google Chrome

    If you change your mind and want to remove the added or pre-existing search engine from Chrome, follow the below-mentioned steps. 

    Step 1: Firstly, open Google Chrome on your Windows or Mac computer. 

    Step 2: Once launched, click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. From the drop-down menu, select Settings.

    select Settings

    Step 3: Go to Search engine from the Settings screen.

    Step 4: On the right pane, under Search engine, click ‘Manage search engines and site search.’

    Go to ‘Manage search engines and site search’

    Step 5: Scroll to the Search engines section or Site search section and click on the three-dot icon next to your preferred search engine. Then, choose Delete from the drop-down.

    choose Delete

    There you have it. You have successfully deleted the added search engine from Google Chrome.

    FAQs on Setting a Custom Search Engine as Default in Chrome

    1. Where can I find the URL and keyword information for a custom search engine?

    Many search engines provide this information on their website or help pages. You can also search online for ‘[search engine name] custom search.’

    2. Can I sync custom search engines across different devices in Chrome?

    Yes, if you have Chrome sync enabled, your custom search engines should sync across your devices. Ensure that you are signed in with the same Google account on all devices and that Chrome sync is turned on in the settings.

    Customize Your Search in Chrome

    Whether you seek privacy, academic prowess, or a faster way to reach your favorite sites, knowing how to set a custom search engine as default in Chrome can significantly enhance your browsing experience. You may also want to learn to disable Efficiency Mode for Google Chrome on Windows.


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