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How to Change Default Search Engine in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
The Safari browser is the default app for browsing the web on Apple devices. To improve your browsing experience, you can create Tab Groups in Safari for your most visited websites to quickly access them. By default, Safari uses Google as the search engine.
However, many users prefer using a different search engine. If you want to change the default search engine in Safari, here’s how to do it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Before you start, make sure your device is running the latest operating system version.
Change Default Search Engine in Safari on iPhone and iPad
Opening the search engine’s website in a separate tab to browse the web is an option. However, changing the default search engine in Safari is more convenient. If you prefer using Safari on your iPhone or iPad, here’s how to change the default search engine. The steps are the same for both platforms.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Safari.
Step 3: Scroll down and select Search Engine.
Step 4: Select your preferred search engine from the options.
When choosing a search engine, simply select your preferred one and customize your settings. You can change options such as opening links in a new tab or receiving search engine suggestions. The process is the same for both Safari on your iPhone and iPad.
Change the Default Search Engine in Safari on Mac
To download and install a different web browser like Microsoft Edge or Firefox on your Mac, use a different search engine. However, if your Mac is low on storage, you can change your search engine without downloading a separate browser. Changing the default search engine is also useful to avoid browser hijacking code or extensions.
To change the default search engine in Safari on your Mac, follow these steps:
1. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type “Safari,” and press Return.
2. Click on Safari at the top-left corner.
3. Select Settings from the list of options.
Step 4: Click the Search tab in the Settings window.
Step 5: Select the drop-down for “Search Engine.”
Step 6: Select a new search engine for Safari.
To change your default search engine in Safari on your Mac, follow these steps again.
How to Change Homepage to Search Engine in Safari on Mac
In addition to changing the default search engine, you can also change the default homepage in Safari. The homepage is the page that loads when you don’t have any specific website tabs open. To set the web page of your default search engine as the homepage in Safari, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type “Safari,” and press Return.
Step 2: Click Safari at the top-left corner.
In Step 3, choose Settings.
Select the General tab in the Settings window (Step 4).
Step 5: Type the web page link of the search engine in the Homepage box.
If you opened the search engine web page in Safari, click Set To Current Page. Safari will always open your selected search engine’s web page when you open a new tab on your Mac. To change this setting, click the dropdown menu next to ‘New Windows Open With’ and ‘New Tabs Open With.’
Use a New Search Engine
Using a new search engine as your default is easy on Safari. You can choose from a list of options on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you don’t get desired results from one search engine, you can switch to another. ChatGPT is the new AI-driven technology that piques interest. Read our comparison of ChatGPT vs Google Search to know more.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.