How to switch from Google to a different default search engine on Safari for iPhone and Mac.
Macworld
There has been recent discussion surrounding Apple’s use of Google as its default search engine. Court documents reveal the large amount of money Google pays to remain the default search engine on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. In 2020, Microsoft reportedly offered to sell Bing to Apple, but with Google’s significant annual payment to remain the default, Apple declined the offer.
There have been rumors that Apple is developing its own search technology, using web crawlers to find answers for common Siri inquiries. This has sparked speculation that Apple may release their own search engine, but there is no indication of this happening in the near future. The new search technology, called “Pegasus,” is currently being used to index content in certain Apple apps, such as TV and Maps, and could potentially expand to other apps and services like the App Store.
It seems that Apple users who primarily use Safari for web searches will continue to have Google as their default search engine for the foreseeable future.
You are not required to use Google if you prefer not to. Hidden within the settings, where most users will not check, is the ability to switch search engines. Here’s a guide on how to change your default search engine for Safari on iPhone/iPad and Mac.
- Time to complete: 2 minutes
Tools required: none Materials required: Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Cost: 0
Modify the default search settings on your iPhone or iPad.
Foundry
To modify the default search engine on your iPhone or iPad’s Safari browser.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Safari.
- Tap Search Engine.
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To change the search engine used in private browsing mode, click on Private Search Engine.
There should be multiple options available, although they may differ depending on the location.
Modify the default search settings on a Mac.
Foundry
To modify the default search on a Mac, you must access the preferences of Safari.
- Launch Safari.
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Choose Safari from the options in the menu bar, then click on Settings.
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Choose the Search section.
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Choose the drop-down menu for the Search engine in order to view and switch between the various search engines that are available.
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Choose the Private Browsing search engine option if you want to use a search engine other than the default one while browsing in a private window.
The search engines that are available may differ by region, just like on iOS and iPadOS.
It is feasible to switch between search engines while using Safari on a Mac computer. When the cursor is placed in the search/address bar, pressing the space bar will reveal a list of available search engines.
