How To Change Default Search Engine of Chrome Browser.

Your web browser does more than just open websites; it’s your gateway to the internet. Every time you type a query into Chrome’s address bar (also known as the omnibox), it instantly directs you to results powered by your default search engine. 

Most of us stick with Google because it’s the preset option, but Chrome actually allows you to change this default anytime. Whether you prefer the privacy of DuckDuckGo, the rewards of Bing, or a specialized engine like Startpage, the process is quick and easy. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to change your default search engine on desktop, Android, and iPhone, along with key notes and troubleshooting tips that will help you get the most out of Chrome.

Change Default Search Engine on Desktop.

Let’s start with the desktop version of Chrome, since it offers the most flexibility and customization.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome Settings.

To get started, open Google Chrome on your computer, then click the three-dot menu located at the top-right corner of the browser window. From the dropdown menu, select Settings to open Chrome’s configuration page. 

Alternatively, you can simply type chrome://settings in the address bar and press Enter to access it directly.

Step 2: Go to the search engine section.

In the Settings menu, navigate to the left-hand sidebar and click on Search engine, where you’ll find a Change button, and a list of pre-configured options will appear (e.g., Google, Bing, Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia). Select your desired new default search engine.

Step 3: Managing and Manually Adding a Search Engine.

If your desired search provider is not among the default options, navigate to "Manage search engines and site search" (or "Manage search engines"). Here, you can click Add and manually input the required details: the Search engine name, a Shortcut (keyword), and the URL with %s in place of the query. 

Alternatively, a simpler method is to first visit the desired search engine's website and perform a search; Chrome will often detect and automatically list it in the "Site search" section, from which you can easily click the three dots (⋮) next to the entry and select "Make default."

Change Default Search Engine on Mobile.

You can easily change the default search engine within the Google Chrome app on both Android and iOS devices. This setting controls the engine used when you type a query into the address bar (omnibox).

Here are the professional steps to change the default search engine on mobile:

Step 1: Open Chrome Settings.

To access settings on mobile, open the Chrome app and tap the menu icon (⋮ on Android, typically top right; or ••• on iOS, typically bottom right), then select Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the Search Engine.

Scroll down to the "Basics" section (on Android) or look through the main menu (on iOS). Tap on the Search engine.

Step 3: Select a New Default Engine.

A list of available search providers (such as Google, Bing, Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, etc.) will be displayed. Tap the name of the search engine you wish to set as your new default.

The change will be applied immediately. All future searches performed by typing into the Chrome address bar will use the newly selected search engine.

By following these simple steps, users can efficiently customize their Google Chrome browsing experience to align with their privacy preferences, search result format requirements, or regional defaults. Regularly reviewing and managing your default search engine settings ensures your browser behaves optimally according to your specific needs.

Google to Merge ChromeOS Into Android.

Google has officially confirmed it is merging Chrome OS into Android, ending years of speculation and signaling a major shift in its operating system strategy. During a recent interview, Sameer Samat, President of Google’s Android Ecosystem, revealed that Android will become the unified foundation across devices from smartphones to laptops and foldables.

Why Is Google Merging ChromeOS with Android?

Instead of maintaining two separate systems, Google is converging Chrome OS’s capabilities—such as desktop UI, Linux app support, multi‑window handling, and external display compatibility—into Android. Chrome OS has already been built on a shared Linux kernel with Android. This progression reinforces that integration, moving it beyond mere coexistence toward a singular platform.

By anchoring both laptops and tablets on Android, Google aims to:

• Unify its engineering efforts, avoiding redundant work on separate systems.
• Offer users a seamless ecosystem across all device categories.
• Push advanced AI like Gemini consistently across the board.

Advantages for Users and Developers

For users, this means:

• A more cohesive experience—same platform, same app behavior—across phones, tablets, and laptops.
• Access to a richer app ecosystem, combining mobile, web, Linux, and Chrome‑based tools.

Developers gain:

• A unified Android codebase to build and optimize apps for multiple form factors.

• Reduced fragmentation and clearer guidelines for multi‑device compatibility.

Unknown Challenges.

As promising as the merger sounds, it raises key questions:

1. Security & Updates: Chrome OS offers robust automatic updates and long-term support (up to 10 years for newer devices). It's unclear how this will translate into Android’s typically less predictable update cycle.

2. User Experience: Users worry that applications suited for Chrome OS desktops may not feel native in an Android environment, especially given concerns about Android launchers and interface adaptations.

3. Legacy Hardware: Older Chromebooks may not meet new Android‑based system requirements and could be phased out.

Timeline

Google has not provided a firm release date, but industry insiders expect:

• Developer previews late 2025, testing Android’s desktop-first features on laptops and tablets.

• A broader rollout by 2026, possibly featuring new “Pixel Laptop” hardware as a showcase device.

Meanwhile, Android is evolving with Android 16, which emphasizes large‑screen enhancements, windowed mode support, external display compatibility, and AI integration through Gemini.

Google’s decision to merge Chrome OS and Android marks a key turning point. By consolidating these systems, the company aims to simplify development, enhance cross-device consistency, and accelerate AI advances. Nevertheless, users and developers must watch closely how transition effects update reliability, desktop usability, and support for older hardware.