While most web browsers available today use Google as the default search engine, many users are seeking to switch to alternatives. There are plenty of worthy options to choose from, and on Android you can easily change the default search engine in your browser of choice. This article describes all the steps to make the switch yourself.
Change the Default Search Engine in Firefox for Android
If you use Firefox on your Android device, there’s a really easy way to ditch Google and perform your searches using another search engine.
Here’s how:
1. Launch Firefox on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the display.
3. Select Settings.
4. At the top of the display, you’ll notice the Search option. Tap on it.
5. On the next screen, you should be able to see a list of search engines you can set as default on your device. For example, you can easily enable DuckDuckGo with a tap.
6. If your search engine is not listed, you can add it by tapping the “Add search engine” button.
7. Select Other and input the address of the search engine you want to use. Make sure you add /search?q=%s at the end. Once you’re done, the new option will be added to the list.
8. Return to your browser and perform a query by using the search bar at the top. Your new search engine will be showing you the results.
Change the Default Search Engine in Chrome for Android
Google is obviously the default search engine in Chrome, but even so, you still have the ability to change it, if you wish to.
1. Fire up the Chrome app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the display.
3. Select Settings.
4. Go to Search Engine (at the very top).
5. Choose from the available list of search engines.
6. By default, there are only five options, including Google, Yahoo!, Bing, DuckDuckGo and Ecosia. Unfortunately, you can’t add other search engines to this predefined list like in Firefox. The solution could be to install the respective search engine’s independent app on your phone. But if you’re trying to save space, you may not be able to do so.
7. As soon as you tap on a search engine, it will become your default.
8. You can head back to Chrome’s main screen and see how your newly-set search engine is working. You are all set.
How to Get Rid of the Google Home Screen Widget
Google’s home screen widget is a given on the majority of Android devices these days. But unless you’re using Google’s own launcher on a Pixel device, you can get rid of this widget altogether or replace it with an alternative.
Before we begin, though, you should do one thing: decide which search engine you want to access directly from the home screen and install its own dedicated app for Android. For example, Bing, DuckDuckGo or Ecosia.
1. Let’s start by removing the Google search widget. Long-press on the bar and tap Remove.
2. To add a new widget, long-press on a blank space on the home screen.
3. You’ll see a menu appear at the bottom. From there, select Widgets.
4. Search for the widget pertaining to the app you previously installed. In our case, we’ve selected Bing.
4. Tap and hold the widget and drag it on the screen to position it. You can also resize it if you want.
5. Now you have quick access to your search engine of choice from your home screen.
How to Replace the Default Virtual Assistant on Your Android
Google Assistant rules supreme on most active Android devices, but if you’re craving some variety and want to switch to a different virtual assistant, you can set another default as the default. The alternate virtual assistant app needs to be installed on your device before you go any further.
1. Bring up Settings on your Android device.
2. Select “Apps & notifications.”
3. Tap on “Default apps.”
4. Click on “Assist & voice input” at the top of the screen.
5. Tap on the “Assist app” option.
6. Select your preferred virtual assistant from the list.
7. Confirm your preference by tapping the OK button on the pop-up message that appears.
Depending on phone model, bringing up the default assistant on your device usually involves long-pressing on the home button on the navigation bar, swiping from the bottom left/right corner or using a hot phrase. Once you’ve switched to a different default virtual assistant, the routine you usually use to call on the assistant will summon your new choice.
If you wish to continue optimizing your browsing experience on Android, make sure you check out our list detailing the top UC browser alternatives for Android or learn how to enable cookies in your mobile browser.