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Set your default search engine

You can use the address bar (omnibox) as a search box. It automatically uses Google, but you can set another default search engine instead.

If Google is normally your search engine and suddenly it’s not, you may have malware. Get help restoring your Chrome settings.

Set your default search engine

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More More and then Settings.
  3. In the "Search" section, next to your current default search engine, click the Down arrow Down Arrow.
  4. Select a new default search engine.

If you've tried to set your search engine but it doesn't work, you may have malware. Get help restoring your Chrome settings.

Add, edit, or remove search engines

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More More and then Settings.
  3. In the "Search" section, lick Manage search engines.
  4. Under "Other search engines" you can:
    • Add a search engine: Fill out the fields to set up the search engine.
    • Edit a search engine: If a search engine is listed, select it and edit the fields.
    • Delete a search engine: Select the search engine and click the X that appears at the end of the row.
    • Set a default search engine: Hover over the search engine and click Make Default. (If the button doesn't appear, you may need to edit the URL listed.)
  5. Click Done.
Having trouble adding or editing a new search engine?

Here are some tips to help you fill out the information fields:

  • Add a new search engine: Enter a label for the search engine.
  • Keyword: Enter the text shortcut you want to use for the search engine. You can use the keyword to quickly access the search engine via the address bar.
  • URL: Enter the web address for the search engine. To find the web address:
    1. Go to the search engine you want to add.
    2. Do a search.
    3. Copy and paste the web address of the search results page into the URL field. Keep in mind that the URL for the search results page is different from the website URL.
      • For example, http://www.google.com is the URL to access Google, but here you should add the URL for the search results page. If you've searched for "xyz," the Google search results URL is http://www.google.com/search?q=XYZ.
    4. Replace the search term in the URL with %s.
      • For example, if you were using the Google search results URL, you'd end up with http://www.google.com/search?q=%s as your final search engine URL. When you type a search in the address bar, %s will automatically be replaced by your search term.
      • Note: Make sure you include %s in the URL. Otherwise, you won't be able to set this search engine as your default search engine.


Using a Chromebook at work or school? Your network administrator might choose a default search engine or manage your search engines for you. Learn about using a managed Chrome device.

Megan is a Google Chrome expert and the author of this help page. Help her improve this article by leaving feedback below.

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