Some users want to replace their preferred search engine with an AI search engine like ChatGPT. So, how can ChatGPT be made the default search engine in Chrome and Edge?
Set ChatGPT as the default search engine in Chrome and Edge
ChatGPT has a search extension that you can install on Chrome and Edge or other similar Chromium-based browsers. So whenever you search for something on the web from the address bar, it will take you to your preferred AI search platform instead of traditional search engines like Bing or Google.
The extension will take over the default search, and replace it with ChatGPT search.
- From your Chrome or Edge browser, Install the ChatGPT extension from the Webstore.
- Click on Add to Chrome or Edge button and let the extension install on your browser.
- Once the extension is installed, it will replace your default search engine with your preferred AI search.
Add a custom shortcut to ChatGPT Search
If you do not want ChatGPT as the default search and still want to use it sometimes, then you need to add a custom shortcut to it.
- On Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Address bar and search > Manage Search engine
- Click on the add button, and add the following text in the query part
https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search&ref=ext
- Having done that, go to the search bar, type your custom shortcut, press the tab, type your query, and press the enter key.
There are some drawbacks to the extension. For instance, if you use Bing or Google as a navigation tool to your favorite sites like YouTube, Discord, etc., then AI search will not be helpful. Instead, it will provide you with details about those websites.
Also, these AI tools might face issues like AI bias, so you may not always get accurate information for your queries.
To tackle this, you can always use two different browsers—one for traditional search engines and another for AI search. You can also bookmark sites like ChatGPT or Copilot and search from there. This only adds one extra step to the whole process.
Note: DeepSeek has no official extension; it doesn’t offer address bar queries like ChatGPT.
Read: Alternatives to Google Search
How do I remove an unwanted search engine in Chrome?
To remove an unwanted search engine in Chrome, go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search. Find the search engine, click the three dots next to it, and select Delete. If it keeps reappearing, check your extensions and run a malware scan.
How do I reset the default search engine in Microsoft Edge?
In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services, then scroll to Address bar and search. Click Manage search engines, find your preferred engine, click the three dots, and choose Make default. If it’s missing, add it manually using the correct search URL.
