How to Change the Default Search Engine in Chrome for iOS

All web browsers install on iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch devices with a default search engine, and the Chrome app's default search engine is Google. Its combined URL address bar and search bar provides a one-stop-shop for entering search terms and URLs. However, you may prefer to change the default search engine for the iOS Chrome app.

The information in this article applies to the Chrome app that is compatible with iOS 13, iOS 12, and iOS 11, except as noted.

Change the Default Search Engine of Chrome App on iOS

Chrome lets you change the settings for the search engine on iOS.

Open the Chrome browser on your iOS device.
Tap the Chrome menu button (three horizontally-aligned dots) at the bottom of the screen when in portrait mode or at the top when in landscape mode.
Select Settings in the pop-up menu to display the Chrome Settings.
Tap Search Engine.
Tap to place a check mark next to the search engine you prefer. Selections are Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo in iOS 12 and iOS 11. iOS 13 includes all these plus Ecosia.

The iOS app doesn't support adding other search engines.
Select Settings at the top of the screen to return to the previous screen.
Select Done to exit the Chrome Settings.

If you want to use a search engine that isn't listed in the Chrome Search Engine settings, go to your favorite search engine in Safari on your iPhone and create a shortcut icon for that page for the Home screen.

Tips for Using the Chrome App on iOS Devices

Little-known features of the iOS Chrome app that enhance your experience include:

Incognito Mode: Enter Incognito Mode by tapping New Incognito Tab on the Chrome menu. With this setting, you can surf the internet without leaving a record of the sites you visit on your iOS device. However, it doesn't prevent websites from tracking you.
Voice Search: Enable Voice Search by tapping the microphone icon in the Chrome search bar. It's preferable to typing long URLs. If you are on a web page, tap and hold the Search icon (the plus sign) at the bottom of the screen (or at the top when in landscape mode) and select Voice Search from the pop-up menu.
QR Code scanner: Display a QR code scanner by tapping and holding the Search icon. Select Scan QR Code from the pop-up menu. Position the code in the frame on the screen, and the relevant link launches immediately.
Share web pages: Tap the Share icon (the box with an arrow) in the Chrome search field to display the iOS Sharing screen. From there, you can send a web page link in an email, message, or Twitter post or add it to Notes, Reminders, or other apps and services.

Change the Default Search Engine on Chrome on a Computer

Changing the default search engine in the Chrome browser on your computer is as easy as on the app.

Open a web page in the Chrome browser on your computer.
Select the Chrome menu button (three vertically aligned dots) in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Select Search engine in the left sidebar.
Select Manage search engines.
Select the three dots next to the search engine you prefer.
Select Make default from the pop-up menu.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Tell us why!