Safari lets you choose the search engine you want to use for everyday web searches. If you are currently using Google but would rather try DuckDuckGo, Bing, Ecosia, Yahoo, or another available provider, you can switch the default option from Safari’s settings.
The process is slightly different on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but it only takes a few moments. Safari also includes a separate option for searches made during Private Browsing.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to change Safari’s search engine, select a different provider for Private Browsing, and troubleshoot the setting if it is missing or cannot be changed.
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What Does Changing the Search Engine in Safari Do?
The search engine setting controls searches that you make directly through Safari.
For example, if you type a question, website name, or keyword into Safari’s address bar, the selected search provider will handle that search and display the results.
However, this setting does not change the search system used throughout your Apple device. Features such as Siri or Spotlight may work differently, and changing Safari’s search engine does not affect browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
So, if you only want to change the provider used for web searches in Safari, changing this setting is enough.
Search Engines Available in Safari
The search engine choices shown in Safari can depend on your device, software version, country, or region.
Depending on your location, you may see options such as:
- Google – Offers a broad range of web results and additional search features.
- DuckDuckGo – Places more emphasis on search privacy and limiting tracking.
- Bing – Microsoft’s search engine with integration into some of its services.
- Ecosia – A search engine that promotes environmental projects through its business model.
- Yahoo – Provides web search along with other online content and services.
You do not have to stick with one option forever. Safari allows you to change the selection whenever you want.
Change Safari Search Engine on iPhone or iPad
On recent versions of iOS and iPadOS, the Safari search engine can be changed through the Settings app.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps.
- Select Safari.
- Look for the Search section.
- Tap Search Engine.
- Choose the search provider you want.
Your selection is saved automatically. You can now open Safari and search from the address bar to confirm that the new provider is being used.
Note: The exact location or wording of some Safari settings can vary depending on your iOS or iPadOS version.
Change the Default Search Engine on Mac
Mac users can change Safari’s default search provider directly from the browser.
Here’s what to do:
- Open Safari on your Mac.
- Click Safari in the menu bar.
- Choose Settings.
- Open the Search tab.
- Find the Search engine option.
- Click the current search engine.
- Select the provider you want to use.
The change should take effect right away, so you can return to Safari and perform a search to test it.
Depending on the Safari version, additional search controls may also be available from the Smart Search field.
How to Use a Different Search Engine in Private Browsing
Safari also gives you the option to use a different search engine when browsing privately.
For example, you could keep Google for regular browsing while using DuckDuckGo for Private Browsing.
On iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Select Safari.
- In the Search section, turn off Also Use in Private Browsing.
- Tap Private Search Engine.
- Choose your preferred search engine.
Safari will then use the selected provider for searches made in Private Browsing.
On Mac
- Open Safari.
- Click Safari in the menu bar.
- Select Settings.
- Open the Search tab.
- Turn off Also use in Private Browsing.
- Select the search engine you want for Private Browsing.
This allows your regular and private Safari searches to use different providers.
Can You Choose a Different Search Engine for Every Safari Profile?
Safari Profiles are useful when you want to keep different browsing activities separate, such as personal and work-related browsing.
However, Safari does not generally offer a separate default search engine setting for each profile. As a result, changing the default search engine may not give each profile its own independent search provider.
If you frequently use multiple search engines, you can save their websites to Safari Favorites. This makes it easier to open a specific provider whenever you want to search with it.
Why Is the Search Engine Option Missing in Safari?
If you cannot change Safari’s search engine, the issue may be related to restrictions, device management, or regional availability.
1. Screen Time Restrictions
On an iPhone or iPad, Screen Time restrictions can limit certain settings.
You can check:
Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
If restrictions are enabled, review the available settings to see whether they are affecting Safari.
The available controls can differ between software versions.
2. Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac Is Managed
Devices provided by an employer, school, or another organization can have management policies applied to them.
These policies may restrict certain Safari settings. If the search engine option is locked or unavailable on a managed device, you may need to contact the organization’s administrator.
3. Search Engine Availability Depends on Your Region
Safari does not necessarily show exactly the same search engine options everywhere.
If a particular provider is missing from your list, it may not be available as a built-in Safari option in your country or region.
You can still visit that search engine’s website manually and save it to your Favorites for quick access.
Safari Search Still Not Working? Try These Fixes
If changing the search engine does not solve your Safari problem, the issue could be related to the browser, an extension, website data, or your internet connection.
Update Your Apple Device
Installing the latest available software updates can provide Safari improvements, security updates, and bug fixes.
If Safari is behaving unusually, check whether your iPhone, iPad, or Mac has a pending software update.
Check Safari Extensions
Safari extensions can sometimes interfere with websites or browser behavior.
If a problem appeared after installing or enabling an extension, temporarily disabling it can help you determine whether the extension is causing the issue.
Clear Website Data
Corrupted or outdated website data can sometimes cause websites to behave unexpectedly.
Clearing Safari website data may help in certain situations, although you may be signed out of some websites and need to log in again.
Check Your Internet Connection
A search that fails to load is not always a Safari problem. Your internet connection could also be responsible.
Try opening websites using another network. If other websites also fail to load, investigate your Wi-Fi, mobile data, router, or network settings rather than changing Safari’s search engine again.
Which Search Engine Should You Choose?
There is no single search engine that works best for every Safari user.
Google may suit people who prefer its search results and connected services. DuckDuckGo can appeal to users who place greater importance on privacy-focused search features. Bing and Ecosia are other alternatives that may be available depending on your region.
The useful part is that Safari does not lock you into one choice. You can switch between the available options and use the one that fits your browsing habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Safari’s search engine on iPhone?
Yes. Go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Search Engine, then select the search provider you want.
Can I use a different search engine in Safari Private Browsing?
Yes. Safari supports a separate search engine for Private Browsing. You can turn off Also Use in Private Browsing and then choose a Private Search Engine.
Does changing Safari’s search engine change Google Chrome?
No. The setting only applies to searches made through Safari. Other browsers have their own search engine settings.
Why can’t I see my preferred search engine?
Search engine availability can depend on your country or region, device restrictions, and software version. A managed work or school device can also restrict certain settings.
Can I change the Safari search engine later?
Yes. You can return to Safari’s settings whenever you want and select another available search provider.
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Final Thoughts
Changing the default search engine in Safari is a simple way to customize how you search the web on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can choose from the providers available in your region and, where supported, even use a separate search engine for Private Browsing.
If the option is unavailable, check Screen Time restrictions, device management settings, and regional availability. For broader Safari problems, updating your device, checking extensions, clearing website data, and testing your internet connection can also help.
The setting can be changed whenever your preferences change, so you can easily try a different search provider without making any permanent changes to your device.
Sourav Gorai, founder of sabhigyan.com, is passionate about technology, smartphones, apps, and digital tools. With 8+ years of experience in the digital and tech space, he focuses on creating easy-to-understand, practical, and helpful content that makes everyday technology simpler for readers.