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To use Google for searches you type in Chrome’s address bar, open More (⋮) → Settings → Search engine → Change, then select Google. The steps differ slightly on Android and iPhone or iPad, so those instructions are below.
This changes Chrome’s search provider—not the default browser app that opens links, and not Chrome’s homepage or new-tab page.
Set Google as Chrome’s default search engine on a computer
- Open Google Chrome.
- Select More (⋮) in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.
- Select Search engine.
- Next to the search-engine setting, select Change.
- Select Google.
Chrome uses this setting when you type a search term in the address bar, also called the omnibox. Google is Chrome’s default in some countries; the default and available choices can vary by location. Google’s Chrome Help instructions cover the current desktop setting.
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Check that it worked
Open a new tab, type a test phrase directly into the address bar, and press Enter. Confirm that the results page is served by Google Search. Simply visiting google.com does not test the address-bar setting.
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Set Google as the default search engine on Android
- Open Chrome on your Android device.
- Tap More (⋮), then Settings.
- Under Basics, tap Search engine.
- Select Google.
Chrome may list recently visited search engines among the available choices. The exact grouping can vary by release or device language, and providers may not be available in every country. If the labels differ, look for Settings → Search engine. See Google’s Android instructions.
Set Google as the default search engine on iPhone or iPad
- Open Chrome.
- Tap More (⋯), then Settings.
- Tap Search engine.
- Select Google.
This setting controls searches in Chrome’s address bar. Making Chrome the app that opens links is a separate iOS setting. To change that, open Chrome’s settings, choose Default Browser, tap Go to Settings, then select Chrome under Default Browser App. Google says this feature requires iOS 14 or later. See Google’s iPhone and iPad search-engine instructions and its default-browser instructions.
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If Google is missing or the setting keeps changing
- Confirm you are in the right Chrome profile. Search-engine settings are part of the browser profile. If you use more than one profile, check the one where you want Google.
- Check the available choices. Providers can vary by country, and Chrome may include recently used engines. The built-in search-engine setting is normally all you need; you do not need to install an extension just to choose Google.
- Test the address bar, not another search box. A search field on a website or a third-party new-tab page may use its own provider or be controlled by an extension, even if Chrome’s setting is Google.
- Review desktop extensions. Select More (⋮) → Extensions → Manage extensions. Disable or remove extensions you do not recognize, especially ones that change search, the homepage, or new tabs. Removing an extension that changed the search engine can restore the prior setting. Chrome may also show a notice in Settings when an extension controls a setting. Check Google’s guidance on extensions that change Chrome settings.
- Check whether Chrome is managed. On desktop, enter
chrome://managementin the address bar to see whether the browser is managed, or enterchrome://policyto inspect applied policies. A workplace, school, or other administrator may enforce a search provider or extensions. If the browser is managed, contact its administrator rather than trying to bypass the policy. See Google’s managed Chrome guidance. - Look for unwanted software if other symptoms appear. A search engine changing without permission is not proof of malware, but redirects, persistent pop-ups or new tabs, and unknown extensions or toolbars that return after removal are reasons to investigate. Follow Google’s guidance for unwanted ads, pop-ups, and malware.
- Reset Chrome only if settings are broadly altered. Use the reset steps below when other troubleshooting has not fixed the problem.
If the menu labels look different, they can vary slightly by operating system, language, and Chrome release. The relevant control remains Settings → Search engine.
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On desktop Chrome, select More (⋮) → Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults → Reset settings. Then return to Settings → Search engine and select Google again. Google’s reset instructions say this does not delete saved bookmarks or passwords, but it is not a complete browser or profile wipe.
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A reset can affect the default search engine, homepage and startup pages, new-tab settings, content settings, cookies and site data, extensions and themes, and pinned tabs. It may be useful for broader configuration problems, but it can also change preferences and disable extensions. There is no need to delete bookmarks or passwords for the normal search-engine fix.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Search engine, browser, homepage, and new tab: what’s different?
| Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Chrome default search engine | Searches typed directly into Chrome’s address bar. |
| Default browser | Which app opens links from other apps or services. |
| Homepage | The page opened by Chrome’s Home button. |
| Startup pages | The pages Chrome opens when it starts. |
| New-tab page | The page displayed in a newly opened tab. |
Changing one does not automatically change the others. In particular, opening Google’s website does not make it Chrome’s address-bar provider, and changing your computer or phone’s default browser does not select Chrome’s search engine.
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