You opened Safari, typed a search, and the results came back from Bing instead of Google.
Whether it happened suddenly or you just noticed it for the first time, something has changed your default search engine — and it’s worth understanding why.
Here’s every reason Safari might be using Bing and exactly how to switch it back.
How Safari’s Default Search Engine Works
Safari uses a default search engine to process any query typed directly into the Smart Search bar at the top of the browser.
Out of the box, Safari defaults to Google on both iPhone and Mac — but this setting can be changed manually, pushed by a configuration profile, or altered by third-party software.
If Bing is showing up, one of those things has happened.
Why Safari Is Using Bing
1. The Default Search Engine Was Changed Manually
Someone changed it in Safari’s settings
This is the most common and benign reason. Safari makes it easy to switch search engines, and it’s possible you — or someone else using your device — changed it accidentally or intentionally at some point.
Fix on iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Search Engine and select Google (or whichever you prefer).
Fix on Mac: Open Safari, go to Safari → Settings → Search, then change the Search Engine dropdown back to Google.
2. A Browser Extension Changed It
An installed extension hijacked your search engine
Browser extensions in Safari can modify default search engine settings — sometimes transparently, sometimes not.
Extensions marketed as productivity tools, ad blockers, or download managers are common culprits.
Some do it intentionally as part of a monetization scheme; others do it as an unintended side effect.
Fix: Open Safari on Mac and go to Safari → Settings → Extensions. Review every installed extension. Disable them one at a time and test your search engine after each to identify the culprit.
Remove any you don’t recognize or no longer use.
On iPhone, go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Extensions to review what’s installed.
3. A Configuration Profile Is Enforcing Bing
A profile installed on your device is controlling Safari’s behavior
Configuration profiles are files that organizations — schools, employers, IT departments — use to manage device settings remotely.
If your iPhone or Mac has a profile installed, it can lock Safari’s search engine to Bing and prevent you from changing it through normal settings.
This can also happen if you installed a VPN, parental control app, or certain free WiFi tools that silently install a profile as part of their setup.
Fix on iPhone: Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management. If you see any profiles listed that you don’t recognize or didn’t intentionally install, tap them and remove them.
Fix on Mac: Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Profiles (this section only appears if a profile is installed). Review and remove any unfamiliar profiles.
4. Malware or Adware Is Redirecting Your Searches
Malicious software has altered your browser behavior
While less common on Apple devices than on Windows, Mac malware does exist — and browser hijacking is one of its most common behaviors.
Adware that redirects searches to Bing earns money every time you search through it, making it a financially motivated attack.
Signs this might be your issue include: search redirects happening across multiple browsers, new toolbars or extensions you didn’t install, pop-up ads appearing more frequently, or your homepage changing on its own.
Fix: Download a reputable malware scanner such as Malwarebytes for Mac (free version) and run a full scan.
Remove anything flagged. Then manually check Safari’s extensions and homepage settings, and reset your search engine as described above.
5. A Third-Party App Changed the Setting
An installed app modified Safari’s defaults
Some apps — particularly free utilities, system cleaners, or apps downloaded outside the Mac App Store — request permission to modify browser settings during installation.
If you clicked through an installer quickly, you may have agreed to set Bing as your default search engine without realizing it.
Fix: Go back to Safari’s search engine settings and manually switch back to Google. Then review recently installed apps and remove anything you don’t trust or recognize.
On Mac, check System Settings → General → Login Items for anything running in the background that shouldn’t be.
6. Microsoft Edge or Another Browser Set Itself as Default
The wrong browser is opening your searches
This one is slightly different — if links or searches from other apps are opening in Microsoft Edge instead of Safari, Edge will use Bing by default since that’s its built-in search engine. It can look like Safari is using Bing when the issue is actually which browser is handling the request.
Fix on iPhone: Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Browser and make sure Safari is selected.
Fix on Mac: Go to System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Default web browser and set it to Safari.
How to Permanently Keep Safari on Google
Once you’ve fixed the setting, a few habits will help keep it that way:
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Audit extensions regularly | Extensions are the most common cause of search hijacking |
| Only install apps from trusted sources | Reduces risk of adware bundled with installers |
| Check for profiles after installing VPNs or parental controls | These often install profiles that override browser settings |
| Keep Safari and macOS/iOS updated | Updates patch vulnerabilities that malware exploits |
| Use a standard user account on Mac for daily use | Limits what software can change system-level settings |
What If the Setting Keeps Reverting to Bing?
If you change Safari back to Google and it keeps switching back to Bing on its own, that’s a strong signal that either a configuration profile or malware is actively overriding your preference.
Work through the profile check and malware scan steps above before changing the setting again — otherwise it will just keep reverting.
On a Mac, also check System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions for background items that might be running at startup and resetting your browser preferences.
Final Thoughts
Safari switching to Bing is almost always caused by a changed setting, an extension, a device profile, or adware — none of which are permanent problems.
Start with the simplest fix (checking your search engine setting directly in Safari), then work outward toward extensions, profiles, and malware if the simple fix doesn’t stick.
In most cases you’ll be back on Google within a few minutes.
Meet Ry, “TechGuru,” a 36-year-old technology enthusiast with a deep passion for tech innovations. With extensive experience, he specializes in gaming hardware and software, and has expertise in gadgets, custom PCs, and audio.
Besides writing about tech and reviewing new products, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. Committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, he aims to guide readers in making informed tech decisions.