Key Takeaways:
- Change your default search engine in just 3 clicks through Chrome settings
- Add custom search engines beyond the default options like Google, Bing, and Yahoo
- Switch back to your previous search engine anytime without losing settings
Ever clicked your Chrome browser on your Chromebook expecting Google but got Yahoo instead? I feel you. Nothing’s more annoying than having to manually switch search engines every time you open your browser.
Let me show you how to fix this once and for all.
Table of Contents
Quick Method to Change Your Default Search Engine
First, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of your Chrome browser.
Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Look for Search engine in the left sidebar and click it.

Under “Search engine used in the address bar,” click the dropdown menu to select your preferred search engine.
That’s it! Your new search engine is ready to go.
Adding Custom Search Engines Beyond the Basics
Sometimes the default options aren’t enough. Here’s how to add any search engine you want:
- Visit the website of your preferred search engine
- Perform a quick search (this lets Chrome detect it)
- Go back to Chrome Settings > Search engine
- Click Manage search engines and site search
- Scroll down to “Inactive shortcuts”
- Click Activate next to your desired search engine
- Click the three dots and select Make default
Pro Tips for Search Engine Management
Want to level up your search game? Here are some power moves:

- Use
chrome://settings/search
in your address bar for quick access - Remove unwanted search engines to keep your list clean
- Test your new default with a quick search before closing settings
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
Sometimes things don’t work as expected. Here’s what to watch out for:
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
Settings won’t save | Clear browser cache |
Search engine missing | Visit site and perform search first |
Can’t make default | Activate it in site search first |
FAQ
Why can’t I see my preferred search engine in the list?
You need to visit the search engine’s website and perform a search first. This allows Chrome to detect and add it to your options.
Will changing my search engine affect my browsing history?
No, changing your default search engine only affects future searches. Your history and bookmarks remain intact.
Can I have different search engines for different Chrome profiles?
Yes! Each Chrome profile maintains its own search engine preferences. This is perfect for separating work and personal browsing.
What happens if I want to switch back to Google?
You can switch back to Google or any other search engine at any time by following the same steps. Your previous settings are always just a few clicks away.