How To Change Search Engine in Safari

While there are rumors that Apple is working on an all-new and privacy-focused search engine, it’s unlikely that we’ll see that arrive anytime soon. For the time being, we’re “stuck” using the default options available in Safari such as Google, DuckDuckGo, and others. But did you know that you don’t need to use one over another and can actually change search engine in Safari?

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How To Change Search Engine in Safari on iPhone and iPad

Google is the default search engine in Safari, and for good reason. Most of the time, you get the best and most accurate results, whereas the other options usually lack in a couple of different areas. But if you want to change search engine in Safari on iPhone and iPad, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Safari within the list of Apple apps.
3. Under the Search section, tap Search Engine.
4. Select one of the following:
   • Google
   • Yahoo
   • Bing
   • DuckDuckGo
   • Ecosia
5. Tap the < Safari button in the top right corner to save your changes.

Now, whenever you type a search into the Omnibox when using Safari, your results will be displayed from whatever search engine you selected. If this is your first time using a different search engine, you might find the experience to be a bit jarring. But that will change over time, provided that the new search functionality is equivalent to what you’re used to.

How To Change Search Engine in Safari On Mac

Just like the iPad and iPhone, you can also change search engine in Safari on the Mac. Of course, you can use a different browser such as Chrome or Firefox, but Safari provides the most cohesive experience for Apple users. Here’s how you can switch up your search engine provider on the Mac:

1. Open the Safari app on your Mac.
2. Click Safari in the menu bar in the top right corner.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Preferences…
   • Alternatively, you can just open Safari and press CMD + , to reveal the Preferences pane.
4. Click the Search button in the Safari Preferences window.
5. Click the drop-down menu next to Search Engine.
6. Select from one of the following:
   • Google
   • Yahoo
   • Bing
   • DuckDuckGo
   • Ecosia
7. Close the Safari Preferences window.

You won’t need to restart your Mac or even Safari for the changes to take effect. As soon as you make the changes in the Preferences window, the default search engine will be changed. Just start typing in the Omnibox, hit Enter, and start using your newly-selected service.

Andrew Myrick

Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.

He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.