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To make Google the default search engine in Chrome, open Chrome’s Settings, go to Search engine, choose Change, and select Google. The steps are similar on computers, Android, and iPhone or iPad, though the menus differ slightly.

This changes where Chrome sends searches typed in its address bar (the omnibox). It does not make Chrome your device’s default browser or change the search box or homepage on a website.

On a Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computer

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Select the three-dot More menu in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select Search engine.
  5. Next to Search engine, select Change.
  6. Choose Google.

These are Google’s current desktop instructions; you do not need to install an extension. The same Chrome menu path applies across the listed computer platforms, although the layout can vary slightly by version or device. Google’s desktop instructions provide further detail.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

On Android

  1. Open the Chrome app.
  2. Tap the three-dot More menu.
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Under Basics, tap Search engine.
  5. Select Google.

Chrome may also show search engines you have visited recently. See Google’s Android instructions.

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On iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Chrome app.
  2. Tap the three-dot More menu.
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Tap Search engine.
  5. Select Google.

This changes the search engine inside Chrome, not which app opens links from other apps. For the steps, see Google’s iPhone and iPad instructions.

Check that the change worked

Open a new tab, type a search phrase directly into Chrome’s address bar, and press Enter. The results should open on Google Search. A Google homepage or new-tab page by itself does not confirm the setting: the homepage and default search engine are separate. Likewise, searches entered into a website’s own search box use that website’s search, not Chrome’s default provider.

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If Google is not listed

On a computer, open More → Settings → Search engine → Manage search engines and site search. Check the available search engines and inactive shortcuts for Google. Search providers and choice screens can vary by country or region, so not every person will see the same list. Google is already the default in some regions, but you can select it manually when it is available. Google explains regional search-provider choices.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If Google is not available in the computer settings, Chrome lets you add a site-search provider under Site search. You need a name, a shortcut keyword, and a results URL with %s where the search terms go. For example, the pattern is https://www.google.com/search?q=%s. Add a custom provider only if Google is genuinely missing; ordinary changes do not require this. Custom provider management is not documented the same way on mobile, where Chrome’s instructions focus on choosing from available providers. See Google’s search-engine management instructions.

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If Chrome keeps switching back

If the setting reverts after you change it, or searches go through unfamiliar sites, treat it as a possible unwanted extension, application, or administrator policy—not normal search behavior. Google notes that an unexpected search-engine change can be a sign of unwanted software or malware. Try this sequence on a computer:

  1. Review extensions: go to More → Extensions → Manage extensions and remove anything unfamiliar or recently added that you do not trust.
  2. Check installed applications: uninstall suspicious or unfamiliar programs on Windows. On macOS, move unrecognized applications to the Trash. Google’s unwanted-software guidance has platform-specific advice.
  3. Set Google again using the steps above, then test a search from the address bar.
  4. Reset Chrome if needed: open Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults → Reset settings.
  5. Re-enable only extensions you trust and see whether the change stays in place.

Resetting restores browser settings such as the default search engine, homepage, startup pages, extensions, and content settings. It does not delete saved bookmarks or passwords, but it is not a complete operating-system malware cleanup. If the search engine changes again, continue checking for unwanted software or contact your organization’s IT administrator. See Google’s explanation of resetting Chrome.

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If the search-engine setting is locked

A work, school, or otherwise managed Chrome installation may have a search provider selected or enforced by its administrator. If Chrome says it is managed or will not keep your selection, contact your organization’s IT team. Avoid registry edits, policy overrides, or unofficial scripts; an administrator may need to make the change. Google’s search-engine help covers managed settings.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Search engine or default browser?

Setting What it controls
Default search engine Where Chrome sends searches typed in its address bar.
Default browser Which browser opens links from other apps.

Changing Chrome’s search engine does not make Chrome the default browser. If you meant the second setting, the procedure depends on your operating system. For example, on Windows 11, go to Start → Settings → Apps → Default apps, search for Chrome, select Google Chrome, and choose Set default; see Google’s Windows instructions. On iPhone or iPad, Chrome can be set as the default browser on iOS 14 or later via Chrome → More → Settings → Default Browser → Go to Settings → Default Browser App; see Google’s iOS instructions.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.