Many browsers have built-in search capability and shortcuts. You can easily set Google as the search engine that powers your browser's search functionality by default. Instructions are provided below for common browsers.
Google Chrome
- Click the Tools menu
in the browser. - Select Options.
- Click the Basics tab.
- Select Google from the 'Default search' drop-down menu.
- Click the Close button.
in the browser. Using Google Chrome, you can search Google directly from the address bar. Just type your search in the address bar and press Enter.
(Not using Google Chrome? You can download it for free.)
Internet Explorer 6.0+
You can follow the instructions provided below to change your default search engine setting directly in the browser. To find your version information, go to Help > About Internet Explorer.
- Find the search box in the upper right-hand side of your browser. Click the down arrow next to the magnifying glass icon.
- Select Manage Search Providers
- If Google is listed, select it, click Set as default, then click OK. Alternatively you can add Google to the list.
If Google isn't listed, follow these steps:
- Click the Find more search providers link.
- Search for 'Google'.
- Click the Install Search Provider link for the search provider you want to use.
- In the confirmation box that appears, select the 'Make this my default search provider' checkbox.
- Click Add.
- Find the search box in the upper right-hand side of your browser. Click the down arrow next to the magnifying glass icon.
- Select Change Search Defaults.
- Find the Search Provider section. If Google is listed, select it, click Set Default, then click OK. Alternatively you can add Google to the list.
If Google isn't listed, follow these steps:
- Click the Find more providers link.
- Click the Google link.
- In the confirmation box that appears, select the 'Make this my default search provider' checkbox.
- Click Add Provider.
- Click the Search button above the address bar.
- Click Customize at the top of the Search sidebar that appears on the left side of the browser window
- Select Google as your search provider for address bar searches.
- Click OK.
Firefox 2.0+
- Find the search box in the upper right-hand side of your browser. Click the search engine icon in the search box.
- Select Google from the list.
Safari 3.0+ for Mac OS X
- Click the Safari menu at the top of the browser.
- Click Preferences.
- Select Google in the 'Default Search Engine' drop-down menu.
Don't see your browser listed?
Check its help resources for information on changing search settings. You may also be interested in setting Google.com as your homepage.
