Oliver Haslam is a professional freelance writer with nearly ten years of experience. His work has been published on Macworld, PCMag, 1Password’s blog, and other websites. He writes about all things Apple. Read more.
Safari uses Google as its default search engine out of the box, but it’s not the only option. You can choose other search engines like Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo if you prefer them.
While most modern search engines can find the websites you’re looking for, there are often ramifications to consider when making your selection. Google is the big player here, but you might want to select something else depending on your privacy stance. For example, DuckDuckGo pushes itself as a more private search engine, while Bing is integrated with Microsoft Rewards. Making the change in Safari on your iPhone or iPad is super simple, so long as you know where to look.
Changing the Default Search Engine in Safari on iPhone and iPad
To get started, open the Settings app and tap “Safari.”
Next, under the “Search” heading, tap “Search Engine.”
Finally, select the search engine that you would like to use as your default when inside Safari. To select a search engine, tap it. You can choose either Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ecosia, or DuckDuckGo.
Sorry—those are the only options. Apple won’t let you choose other search engines as your default. You can still navigate to those search engines in Safari and search them from their website, but that’s it. The only way you’ll get more options here is if Apple adds them in a future version of the iOS operating system.
There is, however, a caveat to consider here. This setting will only change the default search engine that is used when searching from within Safari. If you use Siri or Spotlight to search, they’ll still use Google. It’s not ideal, but Google pays a considerable amount of money to Apple every year to make this the situation we have to live with, unfortunately.
Lowell is the founder and CEO of How-To Geek. He’s been running the show since creating the site back in 2006. Over the last decade, Lowell has personally written more than 1000 articles which have been viewed by over 250 million people. Prior to starting How-To Geek, Lowell spent 15 years working in IT doing consulting, cybersecurity, database management, and programming work. Read more.
You might be asking yourself why we’d write an article about how to switch to Google as your default search engine on the iPhone or iPad when it’s already the default. The answer is simple: rumors are that Apple might switch the iOS default search engine to Yahoo or Bing at some point in the future.
Luckily you’ll have already read this article and you’ll know how to switch the default search engine. And, of course, if you wanted to switch to Bing or Yahoo or DuckDuckGo, you can use this same technique to do that. Although with the exception of the last one, we’re not sure why you’d want to.
So if you’re wondering how to stop using Bing or Yahoo as your search engine, you’re in the right place.
How to Set Google Search as the Default Search Engine on iPhone or iPad
Luckily changing the search engine is really simple. Just open up your Settings app, find Safari in the list on the left-hand pane, and then choose the Search Engine option. You can see in our screenshot that it’s already set to Google.
You could choose to change your search engine to Yahoo or Bing, but the only other search engine we’d actually recommend for anybody is DuckDuckGo, and then only if you are really worried about Google knowing what you are searching.
Personally we don’t care, Google is the best, and we’re going to always use them for finding things. Judging by our audience statistics, 96 percent of our readers prefer Google as well.
When I open Safari and I type something in the bar to search (default search set to Google), it just keeps trying, but never pulls up any results. If I go into settings and change the search engine to any other search provider it works fine.
iPhone X, iOS 11.2.1
Posted on Dec 18, 2017 8:59 AM
Helpful answers
- Helpful answers
- All replies
I’ve done a “Reset Networking Settings” and “Clear Website Data” and it’s still not working. However, this is probably a clue to the solution: works perfectly fine via wifi, but not when I’m LTE/4G.
Dec 18, 2017 9:03 AM
There’s more to the conversation
Loading page content
Page content loaded
Works for me. You must have something in Safari set up incorrectly.
Dec 18, 2017 9:01 AM
I’ve done a “Reset Networking Settings” and “Clear Website Data” and it’s still not working. However, this is probably a clue to the solution: works perfectly fine via wifi, but not when I’m LTE/4G.
Dec 18, 2017 9:03 AM
Same here. If I type anything into the Safari browser bar which is essentially a google search, unless you type in a website, it does not work. ‘Safari is unable to open web page’ like no internet connection. But any other website works. Even typing does not work. After few tries or 10 minutes it sometimes starts working. And I did not do apples sabotage update to an older model.
Jan 25, 2018 11:45 AM
Works well for me also. However, I’ve experienced this in the past on Safari and other browsers also, when a page or pages get stuck in my cache. Mine has also added the phrase “Too many redirects”, at times, when this has occurred.
I use the instructions below:
Hope that gets you back
Jan 25, 2018 11:56 AM
This troubleshooting step may help in relation to the WiFi/cell addition:
If you can’t load a website or webpage, or Safari quits unexpectedly, follow these steps.
Connect to a different network
Try to load a website, like using cellular data. If you don’t have cellular data, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network and then try loading the website.
Restart your device
Jan 25, 2018 12:02 PM
When I google search. Everything else works.
Jan 25, 2018 12:11 PM
That link works for me but the page that comes up for me appears to be a sham of the real Google site and not the real thing. Personally I would not trust it at all.
Jan 25, 2018 12:34 PM
Make sure you don’t have private browsing enabled:
Also, check your extension settings
Jan 25, 2018 1:21 PM
Tried still not good.
Jan 25, 2018 8:29 PM
I changed the search engine to yahoo. It’s working so far. Let’s see for how long
Jan 25, 2018 8:34 PM
Googles search engine is back up and running smoothly on my iPhone for the past week or 2 🙂
Mar 3, 2018 6:38 AM
I’m dealing with the same issue so it basically went back to normal on its own after aw
Mar 6, 2018 5:03 PM
Yea I had the same exact problem! I got the iPhone X back in December and what would happen was that when I was on data I could use apps or whatever (like Instagram or something) but if I wanted to use a search engine on safari (or a search engine app like the google app) it would not load and say “connectivity issues” or “redirecting” or something like that. I basically went into general settings- reset- reset network settings. Works like a charm now. The phone had to restart but nothing that i have seen has changed and I used it a couple times for practice and now I’m able to use search engines while on data and not WiFi. It seems to be going well it’s been working for the last couple days so hopefully this was the trick. Hope this helps!
Mar 15, 2018 12:00 AM
If everything else is working well in Safari as other websites are loading over cellular and WiFi, then this isn’t your phone problem, it is a DNS problem. You don’t have to worry.
im not sure why the issue is occurring, but I can no longer use google search on safari at all. I can type in the text field my search then when I push Go or the search icon there is no response and the screen doesn’t change at all. Ive had this problem for a while and have just updated the iPad to the latest release about 5 minutes ago and it’s still unresponsive. Does anyone have a way to fix this?
iPad Air, iOS 9.3.1
Posted on Apr 15, 2016 9:44 PM
All replies
Loading page content
Page content loaded
HI there CSelwood,
It sounds like you are typing into the URL bar in Safari on your iOS but it doesnt seem to be responding when you press Go or enter. I would start by quitting the Safari app:
1. Press the Home button two times quickly. You’ll see small previews of your recently used apps.
2. Swipe left to find the app you want to close.
3. Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
When you have done that restart the device and test the issue again:
If the issue persists I would next clear the website data from your phone and try again:
To clear your history and cookies from Safari in iOS 8 or later, tap Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. In iOS 7 or earlier, tap Clear History and tap Clear Cookies and Data.
To clear other stored information from Safari, tap Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > Remove All Website Data.
Clearing your history, cookies, and browsing data from Safari won’t change your AutoFill information.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
The facility to be able to search for a specific word on a webpage is an efficient way to see if the web page has the information you are looking for. The search test feature on safari is an inbuilt feature that allows you to do the same.
Though on the laptop this is a simple task, that is accomplished by clicking on Command + F.
But on the other apple devices, namely, iPhone or iPad there are different steps. This article will walk you through two ways you can search for text on the Safari webpage on an iPhone.
So let’s find out How to Search for Text on Safari webpage from iPhone.
How to Search for Text on Safari webpage from iPhone
Search for text using the iOS Share Sheet
If you want to look for another word, simply tap on the already present word on the search bar and type in the word you desire.
Search for text using the iPhone smart search bar
The smart search bar is an amalgamation of all the old search and address bars. It allows access as a simple search provider, but can also be used to view saved bookmarks, browsing history, and even look for specific words on a web page.
This Smart Search bar is found at the top of the window and makes web searches on your device more efficient.
- Open the Safari app.
- Open the webpage you want to search the word in.
- Click on the search bar that is displayed on the top of the screen.
- Type in the word you want to search for in the search bar. Ensure not to hit enter or the go key on the keyboard.
- A list will appear, scroll down, and below the suggestion, there will be an option titled On This Page , with the number of matches beside it.
- Click on the option titled ‘Search Term’
- On doing so, the web page to jump to the first occurrence of the word searched, all the words that match the word typed by you will also be highlighted in yellow.
- With the help of the two arrows present beside the search box to find where exactly the word is on the page.
- To exit the word search click on the option titled Done , which is present beside the search box.
Conclusion
Those were our suggestions on How to find text in iPhone Safari. We’ve mentioned two to do the same, you can either use the share sheet to look for the specific word or use the smart search bar.
With iOS 15, Apple is bringing a ton of changes to its mobile operating system with new additions in Notifications, Weather, Find My, Spotlight, Photos, and FaceTime. Safari itself is getting an overhaul in terms of design and use with a focus on improving your browser experience and making one-handed usage more convenient.
Unlike with other iOS system updates where changes are relatively inconsiderable, the new Safari can be visibly different for many of you who didn’t anticipate these changes. Because of this, it may sure take you some time to get used to browsing the web on iOS 15. One of the features you may miss on iOS 15 is the ease of re-loading a webpage with a single tap as there no longer is a ‘Reload’ button on the address bar at the top.
If you’re wondering how you may reload webpages in Safari on iOS 15, the following post should help you get it done in three different ways.
- How to Reload Webpages in Safari on iOS 15
- Method #01: Using the Swipe Gesture
- Method #02: Using 3-Dots button
- Method #03: Using Quick access options on Tab Bar
How to Reload Webpages in Safari on iOS 15
When moving from iOS 14 to iOS 15, the most prominent thing you’ll notice is the relocation of the address bar which is now easily accessible with your thumbs as it’s now present at the bottom. Apple now calls it the Tab bar since it’s also where you interact with other tabs that are open on Safari. You can now use any of these following three methods to reload a webpage in Safari on iOS 15.
Method #01: Using the Swipe Gesture
The new Safari on iOS 15 brings an all-new feature that you may have used on other browser apps like Google Chrome. You can now reload a page by pulling or swiping it down from its top portion to reload it.
When you reload the page this way, you should see a buffering icon (a circle with several lines coming out of it) at the top and this icon will disappear when the reload is complete.
Method #02: Using 3-Dots button
If you aren’t a fan of the swipe gesture but you want to tap your way through reloading a webpage, you can also do that. For this, you need to first have a webpage open on Safari. To reload the webpage, first tap on the 3-dots icon on the right side of the Tab bar at the bottom. This icon will be positioned on the left side of the Tabs icon.
This will open a menu from the bottom of the screen. In this menu, tap on the Reload button at the top of this menu.
Method #03: Using Quick access options on Tab Bar
Another way you can access the Reload option is by using the Quick access features of the Tab bar. Quick access from the Tab bar will only show you the necessary options for a webpage. To access Tab Bar’s Quick settings, tap and hold on the Tab Bar at the bottom.
This will bring up the overflow menu on the screen. Here, select the ‘Reload’ option to refresh the webpage.
This overflow menu can also be accessed on a minimized Tab Bar by tapping and holding on it.
That’s all you need to know about refreshing a webpage in Safari on iOS 15.
RELATED
Ajaay
Ambivalent, unprecedented, and on the run from everyone’s idea of reality. A consonance of love for filter coffee, cold weather, Arsenal, AC/DC, and Sinatra.
Source: iMore
The Smart Search bar in iOS 14 is a hybrid of the old address and search bars melded into one universal place to type and go. You can access your default search provider, your browsing history, saved bookmarks, and even specific words on web pages, all through the unified Smart Search bar at the top of your Safari browsing window. It makes searching for something on your best iPhone easier and more straightforward. Here’s how to use the Smart Search bar in Safari on iPhone and iPad.
How to search the web using the Smart Search bar on iPhone and iPad
- Launch Safari from the Home screen.
Tap in the Smart Search bar at the top of your browser.
Source: iMore
Tap on the Go button at the bottom right of your screen.
Source: iMore
That’s it! Safari will now use your default search engine to scour the internet for you.
How to search bookmarks and web history using the Smart Search bar on iPhone and iPad
- Launch Safari from your Home screen.
Tap in the Smart Search bar at the top of your browser.
Source: iMore
Tap on the site or bookmark you would like to navigate to under the Bookmarks and History heading.
Source: iMore
How to search the text on a specific web page using the Smart Search bar
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
- Open a web page in Safari.
Tap the Smart Search bar.
Source: iMore
Tap the word or phrase under On this Page.
Source: iMore
Tap Done when you’re finished.
Source: iMore
How to change your default search browser in Safari
Everyone has their favorite search engine. Make sure yours is programmed as the default one when you use the Smart Search bar in Safari.
- Tap on Settings from your Home screen.
Tap on Safari (you may have to scroll down to find it).
Source: iMore
Tap on your preferred search engine from the list.
Source: iMore
Next time you open up Safari and type something into the Smart Search bar it will use your newly-set search engine.
How to search Safari from Search on the Home screen in iOS 14
In iOS 14, super-powered the native search functionality available to the left of the Home screen. When you enter a search term in the Search feature, you’ll see suggested web searches and even websites based on your term.
- Swipe right on your Home screen to navigate to search.
- Enter your search term in your search bar.
Tap the search result you want.
Source: iMore
As you can see in the example above, the search terms that iOS found for “iMore” will automatically open Safari and search the web using that term.
Questions?
Do you have any questions about using Safari’s Smart Search bar on your iPhone or iPad? Let us know in the comments.
Updated May 2021: Updated for the most recent version of iOS 14.
The Nooie Cam Doorbell seems to be more trouble than it’s worth
With the Nooie Cam Doorbell at your front door, you’ll know who’s there and who’s been there.
Jason Sudeikis says social media companies must do more to combat racism
The writer and star of Apple’s Emmy-nominated comedy ‘Ted Lasso’, Jason Sudeikis says companies must do more to combat racism on social media in the wake of abuse directed at England players.
Rumored new iPad mini 6 could feature A15 chip from iPhone 13, USB-C
A new report claims that Apple’s rumored new iPad mini will feature an A15 processor and a USB-C connector.
What are the best alternatives to Apple AirTag?
Apple AirTag was introduced in April 2020, but there are other trackers that are available and may better fit your needs. Let’s learn about alternatives to Apple AirTag.
Make Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo Search your Safari search engine
- Tweet
- Share
What to Know
- From your iOS device’s home screen, tap Settings, and then scroll down and tap Safari.
- Then, to Search Engine, you’ll see the current default search engine, likely Google. To make a change, tap Search Engine.
- Finally, choose a different search engine from four options: Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo.
This article explains how to change the Safari iOS search engine from the default Google to another option, such as Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo. Information applies to Safari on iOS devices with iOS 14 through iOS 10.
How to Change Safari’s Default Search Engine
To change the default search engine used by Safari on iOS devices:
Open the Settings app on the Home screen of your iOS device.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
The current default search engine is listed next to the Search Engine entry. Tap Search Engine to make a change.
Choose a different search engine from four options: Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo.
Tap Safari in the top left corner of the Search Engine screen to return to Safari’s settings. The name of the search engine you chose appears next to the Search Engine entry.
Search Settings in Safari
The Safari Settings screen includes other options you may want to use with your new default search engine. You can toggle each of these options on or off:
- Search Engine Suggestions presents suggested search terms as you type, obtained from the default engine.
- Safari Suggestions offers suggestions as you type, derived from a combination of sources including iTunes, the App Store, and the internet as a whole. This option also sends some of your search data to Apple, including which suggestions you selected.
- Quick Website Search speeds up search results. When you search within a particular website, Safari stores that data for future use, allowing you to then search that site directly from the Smart Search Field in subsequent browser sessions.
- Preload Top Hit loads pages quickly. Safari attempts to determine the best search result as you type, preloading that page ahead of time so that it renders in an instant if you select it. The determination process combines your browsing history and saved bookmarks.
The Search Settings screen contains several other options related to Safari on iOS devices, although not all of them are search-specific. In this screen, you can:
- Enter or choose autofill information to fill in forms on websites.
- Activate frequently visited sites in Safari.
- Opt to block pop-ups.
- Block cookies.
- Prevent cross-site tracking.
- Enable fraudulent website warnings.
- Ask websites not to track you.
- Allow websites to check if you have Apple Pay up on your device.
- Clear your history and website data.
Google, Yahoo Search, and DuckDuckGo all have apps you can download to your iOS device for those times you don’t want to use the default in Safari for searches.
Google is the default search engine for Safari when you set an iPhone or iPad. The search giant pays a significant amount to Apple to stay as Safari default search engine. Most people like using it, but some prefer Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo. Few people also have privacy issues and wish to use alternatives to Google and the services it provides. Whatever be your reason, if you want to change Safari default search engine on your iPhone, here are easy steps to do so.
How to Change Safari Default Search Engine on iPhone and iPad
Step #1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
Step #2. Scroll down and tap on Safari.
Step #3. Tap on Search Engine under the SEARCH section, and select the search engine you want.
Currently, you can choose among Google (which is the default), Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo.
Step #4. Open Safari and type a search term in the address bar. You will see the results from the search engine you selected.
Note: If Safari still uses the old search engine, quit Safari and try again, or restart your device and then try.
If anytime you wish to make Google the default search engine on iPhone, simply follow the above steps.
Signing off…
One thing to note is that after you follow this guide and switch to a different search engine, it works only for Safari. Third-party browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Brave, etc. are not affected by it. However, all these browsers let you change this inside their app settings.
Furthermore, this modification in Safari search engine settings does not change the search engine for Siri queries. Siri will still use Google for displaying search results on its screen. For images, Siri uses Bing. Interesting combination, right!
You may also like to read…
