Microsoft Edge on Android defaults to Bing, but you can switch the default search engine to Google, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo in a few taps. The setting is under Settings, then General, then Default search engine, and applies on your next search.
Custom search engines are not supported in the Android app. The preset engines, plus any engine Edge surfaces from your search history, are the only choices. Your pick syncs to signed-in Edge devices.
In this guide, I have covered:
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Change the Default Search Engine in Edge on Android
Microsoft Edge on Android sends address-bar and new-tab searches to Bing by default. To use a different search engine, open Edge settings and pick one from the built-in list.
- Open the Microsoft Edge app on your Android phone.
- Tap the More
menu in the bottom toolbar and choose Settings. - Tap General in the Settings list.
- Tap Default search engine and pick Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or any other engine Edge surfaces from your recent searches.
The selection saves right away. There is no Save button, and you do not need to relaunch Edge. Type something into the address bar and the new engine returns results on the very next search. You’ll know it worked when the results page comes from the engine you picked.
What Search Engines Can You Pick?
Edge for Android gives you a short preset list, not the full custom engine picker from the desktop version. On the current stable build, the Default search engine screen shows:
- Bing: Microsoft’s default. Pick it again to return Edge to stock search behavior.
- DuckDuckGo
- Yahoo
- Other engines Edge has learned from your past searches, when available.
You can switch back to Bing at any time by repeating the steps and selecting Bing from the same list.
Can You Add a Custom Search Engine on Edge for Android?
Custom search engines are not supported in the Android app. The Add a search engine option that desktop Edge exposes in edge://settings/search is not available on Android, and Microsoft has not published a timeline for adding it. The preset engines, plus anything Edge surfaces from your history, are the only choices on Android.
If you need a niche engine, add it from the Edge search engine picker on the computer, and the choice syncs to your signed-in devices.
Why Is the New Search Engine Not Applying?
If you changed the setting but Edge still opens Bing results, run through these checks:
- Make sure you picked the new engine from the radio button list on the Default search engine screen, not from a recent searches suggestion.
- Force-close Edge from the Android app switcher and reopen it. The new engine applies on the next tab, but tabs that are already open keep the engine they started with.
- Check whether a work or school account manages Edge. Some IT policies pin Bing as the only allowed engine, as described in the Microsoft Edge mobile FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the search engine setting in Edge on Android?
Open Edge, tap the More menu, then Settings, then General, then choose Default search engine. The option sits on the same page as New tab page, Microsoft Rewards, and Languages.
How do I switch back to Bing in Edge on Android?
Repeat the same steps and select Bing from the Default search engine list. The change applies on your next search, with no restart required.
Can I add Google as the default search engine in Edge on Android?
Yes. Google is in the preset list. Open Settings, then General, then Default search engine, and pick Google.
Does the search engine change sync to my other devices?
When you sign in to Edge with your Microsoft account, the default search engine choice syncs to other Edge installs, including the Edge app on iPhone and iPad and the desktop version.
Why does Edge on Android default to Bing?
Microsoft ships Bing as the default because Edge is Microsoft’s browser. The settings screen still lets you choose among the preset engines, but custom URLs and niche engines are not exposed on Android.
How can I set it do a search engine that is not listed? I don’t like any of those options.
Hi Matth, as of now, there is no option to add a custom search engine on the Edge Android browser. I think that a great option to have and standout ahead of Chrome Android.
However, you can find the option to set a custom search engine on Edge computer.
By all appearances, they’ve since removed this option. If there’s another way to accomplish this, I’m sure many people would like to know what it is!
Thank you, Brett! I see they’ve moved the option under Advanced Settings > Search > Default search engine.
I’ve made the changes to the article.