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How to Change Search Engine From Yahoo to Google on Mac
Google dominates the search engine market with over 92% market share and is the default option on Mac. However, if your Mac switches the search engine from Google to Yahoo, it becomes a problem that needs fixing. To change the search engine back to Google on Mac, follow these steps.
Yahoo search results are generally inferior to Google’s, making it preferable to use Google for your searches. The main reason for the search engine change is browser hijacking code or extensions.
Browser hijackers pose a threat to millions of users, although some browsers are more susceptible than others.
Downloading PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) increases vulnerability to browser hijackers. This article will explain how to change the search engine from Yahoo to Google on Safari and Google Chrome.
1. Change the Default Search Engine in Safari
On paper, Safari is more secure than Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. You can easily change the search engine from Yahoo to Google. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Safari on Mac.
Step 2: Click Safari in the menu bar.
Step 3: Choose Preferences.
Step 4: Go to Search > Search Engine and select Google from the menu.
2. Change Default Search Engine in Chrome
Google Chrome users on Mac can easily change their default search engine from Yahoo to Google by following these steps:
1. Open Google Chrome on your Mac.
2. Click on the three-dot menu at the top and go to Settings.
3. Select “Search engine” from the left sidebar and choose Google from the main menu.
That’s it! You have successfully changed your search engine from Yahoo to Google on both Safari and Google Chrome browsers on your Mac.
If you’re still experiencing automatic switching from Google to Yahoo on Google Chrome, you can try using other troubleshooting methods.
3. Disable Chrome Extensions
Apple verifies and distributes valid Safari extensions from the Mac App Store. However, Google Chrome does not follow the same verification process.
Extensions are important in the Chrome ecosystem, but some may not be maintained and could be out of date. Malicious extensions may also change your Chrome home page and search engine to Yahoo.
To address this issue, you can disable all Chrome extensions and revert to using Google.
Here are the steps to disable or remove an extension in Google Chrome:
1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu at the top.
2. Go to More Tools > Extensions.
3. From the Extension menu, click on the Remove button or disable the extension for Chrome.
4. Reset Chrome Settings
If your Chrome browser has been set to Yahoo search engine by mistake, you can easily reset the Chrome settings. Follow these steps:
1. Open Chrome and go to Settings.
2. Select the Advanced option.
3. Choose Restore settings.
4. Click on Restore settings to their original default option.
5. Press the Reset settings button to confirm.
By doing this, your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs will be reset. Additionally, all extensions will be disabled and temporary data like cookies will be cleared. However, your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will not be affected.
Tips for Safe Browsing on Mac
Apple views the Mac as a potential security threat due to its open nature. Unlike iOS, anyone can install apps directly from the web, which puts users at risk of downloading unverified apps. To ensure a safe environment on your Mac, follow these tips:
– Verify if the app you want is available on the Mac App Store.
– If the app isn’t on the App Store, download it from the official website.
– If the website seems suspicious, scan the web address using VirusTotal for any malicious files.
– Consider using CleanMyMac X to periodically scan and remove corrupt files.
Use Google on Mac
Using Yahoo as a search is a pain for Mac users. It is especially frustrating when you don’t know what’s happening and the OS changes the search engine without permission. By following the steps above, you can get rid of browser hijackers and go back to using Google as the main search engine on Mac.
Next up: Is your Google Chrome search engine changing to Bing automatically? Read the post below to learn how to fix the issue.
Next up: Is your Google Chrome search engine changing to Bing automatically? Read the post below to learn how to fix the issue.
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.