If you're someone who values privacy and security, Brave Browser is an excellent choice for your browsing needs. One of the many features that sets Brave Browser apart is its ability to block ads and trackers by default, making it a popular choice among privacy-conscious individuals. But did you know that you can also change the default search engine on the Brave Browser? In this article, we'll guide you through the process of changing the default search engine on Brave Browser and customizing search engine shortcuts to make your browsing experience even smoother.
Understanding Default Search Engines
Before we dive into the process of changing your default search engine, it's essential to understand what a default search engine is and why you might want to change it. Put simply, a default search engine is the search engine used when you perform a search from your browser's search bar. For most people, this is either Google or Bing. However, if you prefer using a different search engine, you might want to make it your default search engine instead.
What is a Default Search Engine?
A Default Search Engine is the pre-selected search engine that is used by your browser when a search query is entered in the search bar. Most people use either Google or Bing, because they are the default options provided in many browsers. When you type a search query into the address bar, the browser sends it to the default search engine, and returns a list of results for you to choose from.
Why Change Your Default Search Engine?
There are many reasons why you might want to change your default search engine. Privacy concerns, personal preferences, or simply wanting to switch things up and try something new are some of the primary reasons. Whatever your reason, changing your default search engine is easy to do in Brave Browser.
Exploring Brave Browser's Search Engine Options
Before we dive into changing your default search engine, let's first explore the different options available in the Brave Browser's search engine settings. By default, Brave Browser comes with several different search engine options to choose from, including:
For many people, Google is the go-to search engine. With its powerful algorithms and vast database, Google can return accurate search results quickly.
Bing
Microsoft's Bing is a popular alternative to Google. It features a clean interface and prioritizes video search results, making it a great choice for multimedia enthusiasts.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that prioritizes user privacy. It doesn't store any personal information, and the search results it provides are unaltered by tracking or personalization.
Qwant
Qwant is a search engine that emphasizes privacy and security. It doesn't track user activity and doesn't use personalization to alter search results. Qwant's main feature is its focus on user privacy.
Startpage
Startpage is a search engine that aims to provide anonymous search results. It uses Google's search engine algorithm, but strips all identifying information from search queries to provide results that aren't associated with your IP address or personal information.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Default Search Engine on Brave Browser
Now that you're familiar with the search engine options available in the Brave Browser, let's dive into the process of changing your default search engine. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open Brave Browser Settings
To access the search engine settings in Brave Browser, click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the browser window. A drop-down menu will appear, and you'll see an option to select "Settings." Click on it.
Step 2: Navigate to the Search Engine Section
In the settings menu, you'll see a section labeled "Search Engine." Click on it to expand the section and view the search engine options available.
Step 3: Select Your Preferred Search Engine
From the list of search engine options, click on your preferred search engine. Once you click on the search engine, Brave Browser will automatically save the changes, and your new default search engine will be set.
Step 4: Save Changes and Test Your New Default Search Engine
After selecting your preferred search engine, click on "Save Changes" to confirm your selection. To test your new default search engine, go to the Brave Browser search bar and enter your search query. The search query should be sent to and processed by your newly selected search engine, and the results should appear in a new tab. Congratulations, you've officially changed your default search engine on Brave Browser!
Customizing Brave Browser's Search Engine Shortcuts
In addition to changing your default search engine, you can also customize your search engine shortcuts to make browsing even easier. Here's how to do it:
Adding a New Search Engine Shortcut
If you frequently use a search engine that isn't currently available as a shortcut, you can add it to your search engine shortcuts. To do this, navigate to the search engine in Brave Browser that you want to add to your search engine shortcuts. Once you're on the homepage of the search engine, click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the browser window. A drop-down menu will appear, and you'll see an option to "Create Search Engine Shortcut." Click on it, and a prompt will appear asking you to name the shortcut and select a keyboard shortcut for it. Once you've done this, click "Save," and your new search engine shortcut will be added to Brave Browser.
Editing Existing Search Engine Shortcuts
If you want to change the keyboard shortcut associated with a search engine shortcut, you can do so by navigating to the search engine shortcut's homepage and clicking on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the browser window. A drop-down menu will appear, and you'll see an option to "Edit Search Engine Shortcut." Click on it, and a prompt will appear asking you to select a new keyboard shortcut. Once you've selected a new keyboard shortcut, click "Save," and the changes will be applied to your search engine shortcut.
Removing Unwanted Search Engine Shortcuts
If you have a search engine shortcut that you no longer need or want, you can remove it from your Brave Browser by clicking on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the browser window. A drop-down menu will appear, and you'll see an option to "Remove from List." Click on it, and the search engine shortcut will be removed from your Brave Browser.
Conclusion
Changing your default search engine on Brave Browser is a simple but effective way to customize your browsing experience. With the ability to choose from several different search engines and customize your search engine shortcuts, Brave Browser makes it easy to browse the web your way. Give it a try and see how it can improve your browsing experience.