How to Change Default Search Engine on Chromebook

Key takeaways:

• You can swap out Google for other search engines on your Chromebook
• The switch only takes a few clicks in Chrome settings
• Options like Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Yahoo are available

Ever get tired of Google always being the go-to on your Chromebook? Maybe you want something more private, or just want to see what Bing or DuckDuckGo is all about. Good news: you can totally change your default search engine on a Chromebook, and it’s super easy. I’ll walk you through the steps, show you what to expect, and share a few tips if you want to customize your Chromebook even more.

Why Google Isn’t the Only Game in Town for Chromebook Search

Chromebooks and Google go hand-in-hand, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with Google search forever. Maybe you want more privacy, or you just like the look of Yahoo or Ecosia. Chrome gives you the freedom to pick your favorite search engine, and it only takes a minute to make the switch.

Step-by-Step: Changing the Default Search Engine on Chromebook

Alright, here’s how I swap out my search engine on a Chromebook:

1. Open Chrome. That’s the main browser on your Chromebook.
2. Click the three-dot menu (top right).
3. Pick Settings.
4. Find the Search engine section in the left menu.
5. Click Manage search engines and site search.
6. Under Search engine used in the address bar, hit the drop-down and pick your favorite—Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or whatever’s listed for your region.
7. Click Set as default.

That’s it. The next time you type something in the address bar, it’ll use your new search engine. If you want to see it in action, just open a new tab and search for something random.

What Search Engines Can I Choose?

The options you see depend on your country and Chromebook settings, but here are the usual suspects:

• Google (of course)
• Bing
• DuckDuckGo
• Yahoo
• Ecosia

If you want to add a custom engine, you can do that too. Scroll down in the Manage search engines section, click Add, and fill in the details. Just make sure you have the right search URL format.

What Changes When You Switch Search Engines?

When you change your default, every search from the Chrome address bar goes through your new pick. The look and feel of the results page will change, and you might notice different ads or privacy features. For example, DuckDuckGo is big on privacy, while Bing has a more visual, sometimes “busier” interface.

If you want more privacy tips for your Chromebook, check out how to disable camera on Chromebook to boost privacy.

Can I Change Back to Google Later?

Absolutely. Just follow the same steps and select Google from the list. No harm done.

What If the Search Engine I Want Isn’t Listed?

You can add a custom search engine. In the Manage search engines section, scroll to the bottom and click Add. You’ll need the search URL for your engine of choice. For example, for Startpage, you’d use their search URL with “%s” where the query goes.

Why Would I Want to Switch Search Engines?

• Privacy: DuckDuckGo doesn’t track you.
• Rewards: Bing gives you points for searching.
• Environmental: Ecosia plants trees with ad revenue.
• Curiosity: Sometimes you just want to see what else is out there.

If you’re curious about other Chromebook tweaks, like changing the wallpaper or customizing the mouse cursor, check out change Chromebook wallpaper or how to change mouse cursor color on Chromebook.

What About Search Suggestions and Autocomplete?

Changing your search engine can affect the suggestions you see in the address bar. Some engines have smarter autocomplete, others keep it simple. If you want to tweak or disable autocomplete in Chrome, here’s a guide: how to disable suggestions autocomplete from Chrome.

Troubleshooting: If the Search Engine Won’t Change

If your Chromebook is managed by a school or work account, you might not be able to change the search engine. In that case, the option will be grayed out, and you’ll need to talk to your admin.

If you’re seeing weird results or nothing changes after you switch, try restarting Chrome or your Chromebook. Sometimes a quick reboot does the trick. If Chrome is acting up in general, you can always reset Chrome to its default settings.

Can I Change the Search Engine on Chrome for Android or Other Devices?

Yep, it’s a similar process. On Android, open Chrome, go to Settings > Search engine, and pick what you want. If you want to change your default browser on Android, that’s a separate thing—here’s a guide: how to change default browser Android.

More Chromebook Tips

If you’re new to Chromebook, you might want to check out these guides:

• How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook
• How to check Chromebook hardware specs
• Tips for speeding up Chromebook

FAQs

How do I add a custom search engine on Chromebook?

Go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines, scroll down, click Add, and enter the search engine details.

Will changing the default search engine affect my bookmarks or history?

Nope, your bookmarks and browsing history stay the same.

Can I set different search engines for different Chrome profiles?

Yes, each Chrome profile can have its own default search engine.

What if my Chromebook is managed by my school or work?

You might not be able to change the search engine if your device is managed. The option will be locked.

How do I switch back to Google as the default?

Just repeat the steps and pick Google from the list.

👀 That’s all there is to it. Now you can search the web your way, right from your Chromebook.