Chrome calls the address bar the omnibox because it works as both a web address field and a search box. If typing there uses the wrong search engine, shows unwanted suggestions, or redirects somewhere strange, the fix is usually inside Chrome search settings.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Google Chrome on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook when address bar searches go to the wrong provider, autocomplete suggestions are annoying, or you want tighter control over what appears while you type.
Change which search engine the address bar uses
This is the main setting for searches typed directly into the address bar.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.
- Open Settings.
- Choose Search engine from the left menu.
- Use Search engine used in the address bar to select Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, or another available option.
- Close the Settings tab. The change takes effect immediately.
If the search engine you want is missing, visit that search engine once. Chrome often adds compatible search providers after you use their site.
Turn address bar suggestions on or off
Suggestions are controlled separately from the default search provider.
- Open Settings > You and Google, or search Chrome settings for suggestions.
- Find Autocomplete searches and URLs under Sync and Google services if your Chrome version shows that wording.
- Turn it off if you do not want Chrome to guess searches and web addresses while you type.
- Open Settings > Privacy and security and review Search engine suggestions if available.
- Disable server-based suggestions if you want fewer suggestions from Google while keeping local history and bookmark matches.
More control
Use site search shortcuts
Chrome can search some websites directly from the address bar. Type a site such as amazon.com, press Tab when Chrome offers site search, then type your search. Manage these entries under Search engine > Manage search engines and site search.
Clear history-based suggestions
Open Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data, select Browsing history, and delete it. This removes suggestions based on pages you visited without deleting bookmarks or saved passwords unless you select those items too.
Check for hijackers when redirects continue
If Chrome still sends searches to a strange engine after you change the default, open Search engine > Manage search engines and site search and look for entries you did not add. Also review extensions because unwanted search redirects are a common browser hijacker symptom.
Sources
- Google Chrome Help – Change your default search engine (2025)
- Google Chrome Help – Search from the address bar (2025)
- Google Chrome Help – Manage your search and browsing activity (2025)