Tired of using Google every time you search in Safari? The iPhone 12 makes it easy to switch your default search engine to something else — like DuckDuckGo for privacy or Bing for a different set of results. You’ve got options, and here’s how to switch.
What Are Your Options?
By default, Safari on iPhone uses Google as the search engine. But you can change it to:
- Yahoo
- Bing
- DuckDuckGo
- Ecosia (added in iOS 14.3)
Steps to Change the Default Safari Search Engine
- Open the Settings app
From your Home screen, tap Settings. - Scroll down and tap Safari
This opens all browser-related settings. - Tap Search Engine
It’s near the top, under the “Search” section. - Choose your preferred search engine
Tap one of the available options — Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Ecosia. A checkmark will appear next to your selection. - Exit Settings and open Safari
Type a search in the address bar. You’ll now see results from the new default search engine you selected.
Want to Switch Back?
You can repeat the same steps anytime to return to Google or try another option. It only takes a few taps.
Bonus: Customize Other Search Features
While you’re in the Safari settings, you can also tweak:
- Search Engine Suggestions – Toggle on/off auto-suggestions as you type.
- Safari Suggestions – Control whether Apple offers its own suggestions.
- Quick Website Search – Turn on shortcuts for specific sites.
- Preload Top Hit – Load the top result before you tap it.