How to Change Your Default Search Engine on Mobile Browsers

ByJim Miller

While Google Search dominates the market for keyword and key phrase searches, other search engines like Bing and DuckDuckGo offer unique features and privacy options. If you're concerned about your privacy or simply want to try a different search engine, you can easily change the default search engine on your mobile browser. Here's how you can do it on popular mobile browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Safari.

Changing the Search Engine on Chrome

Chrome, developed by Google, has Google Search as its default search engine. However, if you prefer a search engine that doesn't collect user data, you can change it. Here's how you can do it on Android and iOS.

On Android

  1. Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu icon at the top right of the screen.
  2. Tap “Settings” and then select “Search engine.”
  3. Choose your preferred search engine from the list to set it as the default.

On iOS

  1. Open Chrome and tap the profile icon at the top right.
  2. Tap “Search engine” and select your preferred search engine from the list.
  3. Tap “Done” to save the changes.

Changing the Search Engine on Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge comes with Bing as its default search engine. While Bing has made improvements with AI integration, some users still prefer other search engines like Google. Here's how you can change the default search engine on Edge.

On Android

  1. Open Edge and tap the three-dot menu icon at the bottom.
  2. Tap “Settings” and then select “General.”
  3. Tap “Select search engine” and choose your preferred search engine from the list.

On iOS

  1. Open Edge and tap the hamburger menu icon at the bottom right.
  2. Tap “Settings” and then select “General.”
  3. In the General section, tap “Select search engine” and choose your preferred search engine.
  4. Tap “Done” to save the changes.

Changing the Search Engine on Safari

Safari, exclusive to Apple devices, has its own default search engine. While Safari offers features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention, you might want to change the default search engine to one that aligns with your privacy preferences. Here's how you can do it on Safari for iOS.

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone and scroll down to find Safari.
  2. Tap “Search Engine” and select your preferred search engine from the available options.

FAQs

  1. Will changing the search engine delete my bookmarks?
    No, changing the search engine won't affect your saved bookmarks.

  2. Will changing the search engine delete my browsing history?
    No, your browsing history will remain intact.

  3. Are mobile browser search engines different from desktop ones?
    The search engines themselves work the same on both mobile and desktop. However, the search results may vary depending on the device type.

In the vast playground of the internet, search engines act as mischievous detectives, uncovering digital data with their invisible tools. It's essential to choose a search engine that offers better search capabilities and respects your privacy. Feel free to switch between search engines based on your browsing needs.

If you're open to exploring different browsers, we've compiled a list of the top 10 browsers for Windows 11, each tailored to suit specific use cases. Enjoy your browsing experience!