How to set Bing as the default search engine is a question more and more people are asking lately. While we’ve all been used to the same search habits for years, the way we browse the web is changing. Microsoft Bing has transformed from a simple search box into a massive productivity tool, and honestly, it’s worth a second look.
Changing your search engine isn’t just about the results; it’s about the features that come with them. From earning points just for searching to having a built-in AI assistant that actually helps you plan your trips or summarize long articles, Bing offers a lot that the competition doesn’t. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make the switch on every browser you might be using.
Why People are Switching to Bing
Before we get into the technical steps, let’s talk about why you’d bother. Most of us stick with whatever comes pre-installed on our computers. But Bing has some unique perks:
- Microsoft Rewards: This is probably the biggest “hidden gem.” By using Bing, you earn points. You can trade these points for Amazon gift cards, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, or even donate them to charity. It’s essentially getting paid to do what you already do.
- Visual Appeal: If you like beautiful photography, Bing’s homepage is legendary. Every day, it features a stunning new image from around the world, complete with little “info hotspots” that tell you about the location.
- Better Image and Video Search: Many professionals prefer Bing’s image filtering. It allows you to sort by layout (tall or wide), color, and license type much more intuitively than other engines.
- Deep AI Integration: Bing was one of the first to put a powerful AI chat (Copilot) right inside the search results. It saves you from clicking through ten different websites just to find a simple answer.
How to Set Bing as the Default Search Engine on Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, and while it obviously prefers Google Search, it doesn’t stop you from switching.
On Desktop (Windows and Mac)
To change your search engine in Chrome, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- On the left sidebar, find and click on Search engine.
- In the middle of the screen, you’ll see “Search engine used in the address bar.” Click the dropdown menu and select Bing.
- To make it even more official, click Manage search engines and site search. Find Bing in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Make Default.
On Mobile (Android and iPhone)
If you’re on your phone:
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the three dots (top-right on Android, bottom-right on iOS).
- Go to Settings and then Search Engine.
- Choose Bing.
How to Set Bing as the Default Search Engine on Safari
If you are an Apple user, you are likely using Safari. By default, Safari uses Google, but Apple makes it very easy to swap it out for Bing.
On iPhone and iPad
- Open the Settings app (the grey gear icon).
- Scroll down until you find Safari.
- Under the “Search” section, tap on Search Engine.
- Select Bing.
- Now, whenever you type a query into the URL bar at the bottom or top of Safari, it will use Bing.
On Mac
- Open Safari.
- In the top menu bar, click Safari and select Settings (or Preferences).
- Click the Search tab.
- Click the dropdown menu next to “Search engine” and pick Bing.
How to Set Bing as the Default Search Engine on Firefox
Firefox is a favorite for those who value privacy and customization. Switching to Bing here is a breeze.
- Click the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger” menu) in the top-right corner of Firefox.
- Select Settings.
- On the left-hand menu, click Search.
- Under the Default Search Engine section, use the dropdown to select Bing.
- Bonus Tip: In Firefox, you can scroll down to “Search Shortcuts” and uncheck other engines so they don’t pop up as suggestions while you type.
Setting Bing as Default in Microsoft Edge
You might think Edge already uses Bing, and you’re mostly right. However, sometimes software updates or other apps can change your settings. If you want to put Bing back where it belongs:
- Open Edge and click the three dots (…) in the top-right.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Privacy, search, and services on the left.
- Scroll all the way to the very bottom and click on Address bar and search.
- Next to “Search engine used in the address bar,” select Bing.
What to Do If the Settings Don’t Stick
Sometimes you might try to change your search engine, but it keeps reverting back. This is frustrating, but there’s usually a simple explanation:
- Check Your Extensions: Some browser extensions are “hijackers.” They change your search engine to show you ads or track your data. If Bing won’t stay as your default, try disabling your extensions one by one.
- Antivirus Software: Sometimes security software “protects” your browser settings and prevents any changes. You might need to temporarily disable this feature to make the switch.
- Malware: If your search engine keeps changing to some strange website you’ve never heard of, run a malware scan. Your computer might have a small “adware” program installed.
Making the Most of Bing
Once you’ve successfully figured out how to set Bing as the default search engine, I highly recommend signing in with a Microsoft account. If you stay “anonymous,” you won’t earn any rewards points, and your AI chats won’t be saved.
Also, check out the Bing app for your phone. It has a great feature where you can take a picture of an object (like a plant or a pair of shoes), and it will use Bing’s visual search to tell you exactly what it is and where to buy it.
Final Thoughts
Switching your search engine is a small change that can have a big impact on your daily productivity. Whether it’s the beautiful daily photos, the helpful AI, or the free gift cards through Microsoft Rewards, Bing has a lot to offer.