We all have different tastes and preferences. This is true to the various browsers we have in our devices. Most people want the easiest and the most convenient way to switch between the search engines when the need arises. We’ll take you through how you can change your default search provider in an Android phone device.
Understanding Search Engines
The search engines work using an algorithm that searches many large databases and internet sites for information containing the keywords you’ve specified. The algorithm the search engines use is a basic structure of crawling, indexing, and serving. Crawling is the process of fetching all the different web pages linked to a website.
In this way, the search extracts all the relevant information from the various websites automatically, based on specified criteria. Indexing is the development of an index for all the web pages and having them stored in a database, where it can be retrieved in the future. Serving is when the search engine brings out the results in your search page, and it’s the most complex process of all. But what if you want to change your default search on your Android phone?
Changing the Default Search Engine
Most of the Android phones do come with the default Google search engine, whereas you do not have to use Google. For instance, maybe you not impressed by the search results or you want a more private search experience. Likewise, maybe you just don’t want Google hands all over everything in your technology world. Whatever the case, it’s difficult to switch from Google search engine to other search engines.
There are several ways to achieve this, Android is the most open and easiest operating system to change. Let’s look at a few different options:
1. Using Chrome
Start by opening up Google Chrome. Then, select the horizontal or vertical ellipsis (…). This might be at the bottom or top depending on your device. Tap on settings then select search engines. A pop-up screen will appear with a list of different search engines, so you can select your preferred search engine option and select done. After this, select the back button to confirm. If you go back, you will notice that the search engine has changed to your preferred search engine.
If you do not like the different search engine options provided, search your preferred search engine instead. Once you select it, you’ll get an option to “Add,” and you can add this search engine to the list of your preferred search engines.
2. Using a Google Launcher
There is a trick that you can put and this is specifically if you are using Google launcher, it will allow you to use DuckDuckGo, Firefox, or even search directly to Bing. This method works with the Google Now Launcher, and it’s compatible with Android devices running 4.1 jellybean and above. The magical step here is to hold the home button and swipe up. Or you can go directly into search, but the action on your device may be different depending upon your configuration button. Once you do this, you will have a pop up with other search engines that you can use. The beauty of this you have the option to use the preferred search engine once or permanently.
If you are already using Google Chrome for Android, you can change your search engine by opening the Chrome application. Click on the menu button, click on Settings, and then click on search engines. Once you click on the search engines, a drop-down list of different search engines will appear i.e. Bing, Yahoo!, AOL, etc. Here, select your preferred option and enjoy it.
3. Using Firefox for Android
Option three is for when you’re using Firefox for Android. You can download Firefox for Android, which makes it easier to add different search engines from different websites. Once you have downloaded and installed the Firefox app, launch it, and press on the search field. A pop-up list will appear with different search engines. Select your most preferred one and add it. You can also add the selected search engine widget to your home screen.
Enjoy the Browsing Experience
I hope you can now able to change and use your new search engine. This should enhance your experience and optimize how you use your phone to search for information. Enjoy the new experience!
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