To make Google the default search engine in Chrome, open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, then select "Settings." This simple change ensures every search you type into the address bar uses Google.
Set Google as your default in Chrome settings
- Open the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Click the three dots (More) in the top-right corner of the window.
- Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- In the left-hand panel, click "Search engine."
- Under "Search engine used in the address bar," click the dropdown menu and select "Google."
On an Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app, tap the three dots, then tap "Settings." Under "Basics," tap "Search engine" and select "Google." In some countries, Google Search is Chrome's default search engine automatically, so you may not need to change anything.
What to do if Google is missing from the list
If Google does not appear in the dropdown menu, you can add it manually. Go to "Settings" > "Search engine" > "Manage search engines and site search." Next to "Site search," click "Add." Enter the following details:
- Search engine: Google
- Keyword: Google.com
- URL with %s in place of query: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s
Once added, click "Save." Then return to the "Search engine" settings and select Google from the "Search engine used in the address bar" dropdown. This manual addition works even if an extension or program previously removed Google from the list.
Stop your search engine from changing again
Unexpected changes to your default search engine might indicate malware or an interfering browser extension. To prevent this, review your installed extensions by typing chrome://extensions in the address bar and pressing Enter. If the problem persists, run a malware scan using a reputable security tool. Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with search engine settings, so disabling or deleting them often resolves the issue.
A note for work or school devices
On managed devices (such as those issued by a company or school), an administrator may have locked the search engine setting, preventing you from changing it. If you cannot select Google or the dropdown is grayed out, contact your IT department for assistance. They can adjust the policy or advise whether Google is permitted on the device. This restriction also applies when customising the Chrome homepage and shortcuts, as administrators often control those features as well, you might also want to make msn my homepage in Google Chrome if a curated news feed is your preferred start page.
