If your browser keeps opening Yahoo when you want to use Google, you are not alone. A lot of people run into this problem on Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android phones, and even brand-new laptops. Sometimes, Yahoo is simply set as the default search engine. Other times, it appears because of a browser extension, a bundled program, or a setting that changed without you noticing.
In most cases, you only need to update your browser’s search engine, homepage, and startup page settings. If Yahoo keeps coming back after you change it, that usually means something else is controlling your browser, such as an unwanted extension or a browser hijacker.
This guide will walk you through the process in a clear, practical way. You will learn how to make Google your default search engine, how to remove Yahoo Search from your browser, and how to stop Yahoo from returning after you restart your device.
Google’s own support page explains that users can make Google their default search engine from browser settings, while Microsoft and Apple also provide official settings for changing the default search provider in Edge and Safari.
What Does It Mean to Change from Yahoo to Google?
Changing from Yahoo to Google can mean a few different things. Some people want Google to appear when they type a search into the address bar. Others want Google to open automatically when they launch their browser. Some users want to remove Yahoo completely because every search gets redirected to Yahoo, even after they try to change it.
The most common meaning is changing the default search engine. This controls what happens when you type a question, keyword, product name, website name, or phrase into the browser’s address bar. If Yahoo is your default search engine, your browser sends those searches to Yahoo. If Google is your default search engine, those same searches go to Google.
Another setting is the homepage. This is the page that opens when you click the home button in your browser. Some browsers do not show the home button by default, but the setting is still available.
A third setting is the startup page. This controls what opens when you first launch your browser. Your browser may open a new tab page, continue where you left off, or open a specific page such as google.com.
To fully change from Yahoo to Google, you may need to update all three settings. That means setting Google Search as the default search engine, setting Google as the homepage, and setting Google to open on startup.
Quick Answer: How to Change from Yahoo to Google
To change from Yahoo to Google, open your browser settings, go to the Search engine section, and choose Google as the default search engine. Then go to the Startup or Homepage section and set https://www.google.com as the page that opens when your browser starts. After that, remove suspicious extensions and delete Yahoo from the search engine list if your browser allows it.
If Yahoo still appears after these changes, check your browser extensions, uninstall recently added programs, reset your browser settings, and run a trusted malware scan. Yahoo itself is not automatically a virus, but unwanted software can force your browser to keep opening Yahoo without your permission.
Why Does Yahoo Keep Opening Instead of Google?
Yahoo can appear instead of Google for several reasons. The simplest reason is that Yahoo was selected as your default search engine. This can happen when you install a browser, sign in to a browser profile, import old settings, or accept a recommended setup screen too quickly.
Another common reason is software bundling. Some free programs include optional offers during installation. If you click through the setup without reading each screen, the installer may change your browser’s search engine, homepage, or new tab page. This does not always mean your computer is seriously infected, but it does mean your settings were changed in a way you may not have wanted.
Browser extensions are another big reason. An extension can control your search page, redirect your searches, or change what opens in a new tab. This is why removing suspicious extensions is one of the most important steps when Yahoo keeps coming back.
There is also something called a browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is unwanted software that changes browser behavior. It may force Yahoo Search, redirect Google searches, display extra ads, or prevent you from saving your preferred settings.
In some cases, the problem comes from browser policies. This is more common on work, school, or managed computers. If your browser says it is managed by your organization, your search settings may be controlled by an administrator or by a leftover policy created by unwanted software.
Is Yahoo a Virus?
Yahoo itself is not a virus. Yahoo is a real search engine and web services company. The problem is not usually with Yahoo as a website. The problem is how Yahoo became your search engine and why it keeps replacing Google.
If you personally selected Yahoo, then there is nothing suspicious going on. You can simply switch back to Google. But if Yahoo suddenly appeared without your permission, or if your browser keeps changing back to Yahoo after you fix it, then you should treat it as a browser settings problem that may involve unwanted software.
A good way to think about it is this: Yahoo Search is not automatically dangerous, but forced redirects to Yahoo can be a sign that something on your browser or computer needs attention.
Before You Start
Before changing settings, take a minute to check which browser you are using. The steps are different for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. The same idea applies across all browsers, but the menus are not exactly the same.
You should also check whether you are signed in to your browser account. For example, if you are signed in to Chrome with sync turned on, your settings may sync across devices. That can be helpful, but it can also bring back unwanted settings if another device has the same problem.
It is also smart to update your browser. Browser menus and security tools work better when the browser is current. An outdated browser may not show the same options or may be more vulnerable to unwanted extensions.
Finally, do not panic if Yahoo returns after the first fix. That usually means you need to remove the cause, not just change the visible setting. The steps below will help you do both.
How to Change from Yahoo to Google on Google Chrome
Google Chrome is one of the most common browsers, where users notice Yahoo replacing Google. This can happen on Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS, Android, and iPhone. On desktop, Chrome gives you several settings that control search, startup, and homepage behavior.
Step 1: Open Chrome Settings
Start by opening Google Chrome. In the top-right corner, click the three-dot menu. This is the main Chrome menu where you can access settings, history, downloads, extensions, and other browser tools.
Click Settings. This opens the main Chrome settings page. You can also type chrome://settings into the address bar and press Enter. That takes you directly to the same place.
Once you are inside Chrome settings, look at the left side of the page. You should see different categories such as You and Google, Autofill and passwords, Privacy and security, Performance, Search engine, Default browser, and On startup.
Step 2: Change the Default Search Engine to Google
Click the Search engine on the left side of Chrome settings. Look for the option called Search engine used in the address bar. If Yahoo is selected there, open the dropdown menu and choose Google.
This setting controls what happens when you search directly from the address bar. The address bar is also called the omnibox in Chrome. So when you type something like “best laptop for college” or “how to fix printer offline” into the top bar, Chrome will use the search engine selected in this setting.
After you choose Google, open a new tab and test it. Type a search into the address bar and press Enter. If the results open on Google, the main search setting is fixed.
Step 3: Remove Yahoo from Chrome Search Engines
Changing the default search engine may be enough, but if you want to fully remove Yahoo from Chrome, check the search engine list.
In the Search engine section, look for Manage search engines and site search. Open that page and review the listed search engines. You may see Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and other sites.
If Chrome allows you to remove Yahoo, use the menu beside Yahoo and choose the remove option. In some versions of Chrome, you may not be able to remove certain built-in search engines, but you can still make sure Yahoo is not selected as the default.
If you see strange search entries with weird names, random URLs, or unfamiliar domains, remove them. These entries can sometimes be created by unwanted extensions or programs.
Step 4: Set Google as the Chrome Startup Page
Now go back to Chrome settings and click on Startup. This section controls what opens when you launch Chrome.
You will usually see three choices. Chrome can open a new tab page, continue where you left off, or open a specific page or set of pages. To make Google open when Chrome starts, select Open a specific page or set of pages.
Click Add a new page and enter https://www.google.com. Save the setting. If Yahoo is already listed there, remove it. This is important because Yahoo may still open at startup even after you change the default search engine.
After saving the setting, close Chrome completely and reopen it. Google should now appear when Chrome starts.
Step 5: Set Google as the Chrome Homepage
The homepage is different from the startup page. The homepage opens when you click the home button. If you do not see a home button near the address bar, it may be turned off.
In Chrome settings, go to Appearance. Look for the Show Home button and turn it on. Then choose the option to enter a custom web address. Type https://www.google.com and save it.
Now, when you click the home button, Chrome should open Google instead of Yahoo.
Step 6: Remove Suspicious Chrome Extensions
If Yahoo keeps coming back, extensions are one of the first places you should check.
Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions into the address bar. Press Enter. This opens the Chrome extensions page.
Review every extension carefully. Look for extensions you do not remember installing, extensions with vague names, search-related extensions, shopping extensions, coupon extensions, PDF converters, download managers, or anything that says it controls your search settings.
If you see something suspicious, click Remove. If you are not sure about an extension, turn it off first and test your browser. If the Yahoo redirect stops, that extension was probably involved.
Be especially careful with extensions that promise free search tools, quick coupons, video download features, or file conversion features. Some are legitimate, but others may change your browser settings.
Step 7: Check Chrome Notifications and Site Permissions
Sometimes users think Yahoo is opening by itself, but what they are actually seeing is a notification or pop-up from a website. Chrome allows websites to send notifications if you gave permission at some point.
Go to Chrome settings and open Privacy and security. Then open Site settings and check Notifications. Remove permission for websites you do not recognize.
This step does not directly change your search engine, but it can help clean up annoying pop-ups and misleading alerts.
Step 8: Reset Chrome Settings If Yahoo Still Returns
If you changed the search engine, startup page, homepage, and extensions but Yahoo still comes back, use Chrome’s reset option.
In Chrome settings, go to Reset settings. Choose Restore settings to their original defaults. This will reset Chrome startup pages, new tab pages, search engine settings, pinned tabs, and extensions. It will not usually delete your bookmarks, history, or saved passwords, but it will disable extensions.
After the reset, set Google as your default search engine again. Then test Chrome before turning extensions back on. If Chrome works normally after the reset, enable extensions one at a time so you can identify the one causing trouble.
How to Change from Yahoo to Google on Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 11 and Windows 10. Even if you mainly use Chrome, Edge may still open when you click certain links, widgets, search results, or system prompts.
Microsoft’s official support instructions say you can change the default search engine in Edge by going to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services, then Address bar and search. From there, you can choose the search engine used in the address bar.
Step 1: Open Edge Settings
Open Microsoft Edge. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
In the left menu, select Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down until you find the search settings area. Depending on your Edge version, you may need to open Search and connected services and then select the Address bar and search.
Step 2: Change the Address Bar Search Engine to Google
Look for the search engine used in the address bar. Open the dropdown menu and choose Google.
This setting controls searches typed into the Edge address bar. If Yahoo was selected before, Edge was sending your address bar searches to Yahoo. Once Google is selected, your searches should go to Google instead.
Open a new tab, type a test search into the address bar, and press Enter. If Google results appear, the search setting is working.
Step 3: Make Sure New Tab Search Uses the Address Bar
Edge has another setting that can confuse users. It may use a search box on the new tab page instead of the address bar. Look for the setting called Search on new tabs uses search box or address bar.
Choose the Address bar. This helps make sure your default search engine choice applies when you search from a new tab.
Step 4: Set Google as the Edge Startup Page
In Edge settings, open Start, Home, and new tabs. Find the section that controls what opens when Edge starts.
Choose the option to open specific pages. Add https://www.google.com as the startup page. If Yahoo is listed there, remove it.
Close Edge and reopen it. Google should open automatically if the startup settings were saved correctly.
Step 5: Set Google as the Edge Home Button Page
In the same Start, home, and new tabs section, find the home button settings. Turn on the home button if you want to use it. Then enter https://www.google.com as the custom homepage.
Now, when you click the home button in Edge, it should open Google.
Step 6: Remove Yahoo-Related Edge Extensions
Open the Edge menu, select Extensions, and then open Manage extensions. Review everything installed in Edge.
Remove anything that looks suspicious, especially extensions related to search, coupons, shopping, file conversion, new tabs, or toolbars. If you are unsure, turn the extension off and test Edge again.
After removing suspicious extensions, restart Edge and search from the address bar again.
Why Changing the Search Engine Is Not Always Enough
A lot of users change the default search engine once and expect the problem to be solved. Sometimes it is. But if Yahoo was added by unwanted software, the visible search setting is only part of the issue.
Your browser has several places where Yahoo can be stored. It may be listed as the default search engine, the startup page, the homepage, or the new tab page. It may also be controlled by an extension or policy.
That is why a complete fix means checking all browser areas, not just one. If you only change the default search engine but leave Yahoo as the startup page, it will still open when you launch the browser. If you remove Yahoo from startup but leave a bad extension installed, the extension may reinstall Yahoo.
For a permanent fix, think of the process as cleaning the whole browser. Change the search engine, update startup settings, update homepage settings, remove unwanted extensions, and reset the browser if needed.
How to Change from Yahoo to Google on Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox gives users a lot of control over search settings, privacy preferences, and browser customization. If Yahoo appears instead of Google in Firefox, the solution is usually straightforward.
Step 1: Open Firefox Settings
Launch Firefox and click the menu button in the upper-right corner of the browser window. Select Settings from the menu.
Once the settings page opens, click Search in the left navigation panel. This section contains all search-related options, including the default search engine and search shortcuts.
Step 2: Change the Default Search Engine
Locate the Default Search Engine setting. Click the drop-down menu and select Google.
This setting controls searches performed from the Firefox address bar and search box. After changing the setting, open a new tab and perform a search to verify that Firefox is now using Google.
Step 3: Remove Yahoo Search Entries
Scroll down to the Search Shortcuts section. Here you may find Yahoo listed as one of the available search providers.
If Yahoo is no longer needed, remove it when Firefox allows the option. While having Yahoo listed is not necessarily harmful, removing unnecessary search providers can simplify browser management.
Step 4: Set Google as the Homepage
Click Home in the Firefox settings menu.
Under Homepage and new windows, choose Custom URLs and enter:
Save the change and restart Firefox to confirm that Google loads when the browser starts.
Step 5: Review Firefox Extensions
Open the Firefox menu and select Add-ons and Themes.
Review all installed extensions carefully. If you find unfamiliar extensions, disable them and test Firefox again. Search-related extensions, shopping assistants, coupon finders, toolbar replacements, and new-tab customization tools are often responsible for changing search settings.
Step 6: Refresh Firefox if Necessary
Firefox includes a Refresh Firefox feature that restores browser settings while preserving important information such as bookmarks and passwords.
If Yahoo continues appearing after changing settings and removing extensions, refreshing Firefox can help eliminate unwanted modifications.
How to Change from Yahoo to Google on Safari
Safari is the default browser on Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Apple makes changing the search engine fairly simple.
Step 1: Open Safari Settings
Launch Safari and click Safari in the menu bar.
Select Settings or Preferences, depending on your macOS version.
Step 2: Change the Search Engine
Open the Search tab.
Locate the Search Engine drop-down menu and select Google.
Once selected, searches performed from the Safari address bar will use Google instead of Yahoo.
Step 3: Change the Homepage
Open the General tab.
Find the Homepage field and enter:
Close the settings window. Safari automatically saves the changes.
Step 4: Check Safari Extensions
Open Safari settings and select Extensions.
Review all installed extensions. Remove any extension you do not recognize or no longer use.
While Safari generally has fewer extension-related issues than some other browsers, unwanted extensions can still interfere with search behavior.
Step 5: Clear Website Data
If Safari continues redirecting searches unexpectedly, clearing website data can help.
Open Safari settings, select Privacy, and choose Manage Website Data. Remove stored website data and restart Safari.
How to Change from Yahoo to Google on Android
Android devices often use Google Chrome, although some manufacturers include their own browsers.
Step 1: Open Chrome Settings
Launch Chrome on your Android device.
Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
Step 2: Change the Search Engine
Tap Search Engine.
Select Google from the list of available search providers.
The change takes effect immediately.
Step 3: Verify Browser Behavior
Open a new tab and perform a search from the address bar.
If results appear on Google, the search engine change was successful.
Step 4: Remove Suspicious Apps
Sometimes the issue is not the browser itself but an installed application.
Open your Android settings and review recently installed apps. If you notice unfamiliar apps that appeared around the same time Yahoo started replacing Google, uninstall them.
Step 5: Clear Browser Data
In Chrome settings, select Privacy and Security and clear browsing data.
This can remove settings, cookies, and cached information that may contribute to unwanted redirects.
How to Change from Yahoo to Google on iPhone and iPad
Changing search providers on iOS devices is simple, whether you use Safari or Chrome.
Using Safari
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Select Search Engine.
Choose Google.
Safari will immediately begin using Google for searches.
Using Chrome
Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu.
Go to Settings and select Search Engine.
Choose Google and save the change.
Afterward, perform a test search to verify the new setting.
How to Remove Yahoo Redirects Completely
Sometimes Yahoo continues appearing despite changing browser settings. This usually indicates a deeper issue.
Uninstall Suspicious Programs
Open the installed programs list on your computer.
Carefully review recently installed software.
Remove programs you do not recognize, especially browser tools, search assistants, optimization tools, free converters, or applications installed around the time the issue began.
Many browser-related issues originate from bundled software installations.
Remove Browser Extensions
Every browser should be checked for extensions.
Disable anything unfamiliar.
Restart the browser and test the search functionality.
If the problem disappears, you have likely identified the source.
Check Browser Policies
Some browser hijackers create policies that prevent settings from being changed.
In Chrome, enter:
chrome://policy
In Edge, enter:
edge://policy
If unexpected policies appear, additional cleanup may be required.
Run a Malware Scan
Use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware tool to scan your computer.
While not every Yahoo redirect issue involves malware, scanning the system is an important step when browser settings continue changing without permission.
Reset the Browser
If all else fails, resetting the browser often restores normal behavior.
Most modern browsers allow users to reset settings without deleting bookmarks and saved passwords.
A reset can remove unwanted search providers, startup pages, and extension changes.
How to Make Google Open Every Time Your Browser Starts
Many users assume that changing the search engine automatically changes the startup page. It does not.
The startup page is controlled separately.
To make Google open every time:
Set Google as the startup page.
Remove Yahoo from the startup page list.
Save the changes.
Close the browser completely.
Reopen the browser and confirm that Google loads automatically.
This process is similar across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.
How to Make Google Your Homepage
The homepage is the page that opens when you click the Home button.
In most browsers, you can specify a custom homepage URL.
Use:
After saving the setting, clicking the Home button should always return you to Google.
Benefits of Switching from Yahoo to Google
Many users prefer Google because of its search accuracy and integration with Google’s ecosystem.
Google Search is known for delivering highly relevant results across a wide variety of topics.
Users who rely on Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Photos often appreciate having everything connected under a single account.
Google also provides advanced search features, voice search, image search, and AI-powered enhancements that many users find useful.
For people who already use Android devices, Google services typically integrate seamlessly across phones, tablets, and computers.
Yahoo vs Google: A Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Yahoo | |
| Search Accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Search Speed | Fast | Very Fast |
| Search Index Size | Large | Extremely Large |
| Maps Integration | Limited | Google Maps |
| Productivity Tools | Basic | Extensive |
| Mobile Experience | Good | Excellent |
| AI Features | Limited | Advanced |
| Ecosystem Integration | Moderate | Extensive |
Common Problems and Solutions
Google Option Is Missing
If Google does not appear in the search engine list, update your browser.
Modern browsers normally include Google as a built-in option.
You can also manually add Google to your browser search engine settings.
Yahoo Returns After Every Restart
This usually indicates that an extension, program, or browser policy is reapplying the change.
Review extensions and installed software carefully.
Browser Settings Will Not Save
This may happen when the browser profile is damaged or controlled by policies.
Resetting the browser often resolves the issue.
Searches Still Open in Yahoo
Check startup settings, homepage settings, search settings, and installed extensions.
Most persistent redirects can be traced back to one of these areas.
Google Opens, but Searches Use Yahoo
This usually means the homepage is set correctly, but the default search engine remains Yahoo.
Verify the search engine setting separately.
Tips to Keep Google as Your Default Search Engine
A few simple habits can help prevent future problems.
Always choose Custom Installation when installing software.
Read installation screens carefully instead of clicking through quickly.
Avoid downloading browser extensions unless they come from reputable sources.
Keep your browser updated.
Review installed extensions periodically.
Run occasional malware scans.
Pay attention to the setup screens that offer to change your search engine or homepage.
Many unwanted changes occur because these options are accepted unintentionally during software installation.
FAQs
Why does Yahoo keep replacing Google?
This usually happens because of browser settings, unwanted extensions, bundled software, or browser hijackers that modify search preferences.
Is Yahoo Search dangerous?
Yahoo itself is a legitimate search engine. The issue is usually the software or extension forcing Yahoo to appear without your permission.
How do I permanently remove Yahoo from my browser?
Set Google as the default search engine, remove Yahoo startup pages, delete suspicious extensions, uninstall unwanted programs, and reset the browser if necessary.
Why does my browser keep redirecting to Yahoo?
Redirects often occur when an extension or program is controlling browser settings behind the scenes.
Can I use both Yahoo and Google?
Yes. You can keep multiple search engines installed and switch between them whenever needed.
Will resetting my browser delete my bookmarks?
Most browsers preserve bookmarks and passwords during a reset, though you should always verify the reset details before proceeding.
How do I know if I have a browser hijacker?
Common signs include unwanted search engine changes, homepage changes, frequent redirects, new toolbars, excessive advertisements, and settings that revert after you change them.
Does reinstalling the browser fix Yahoo redirects?
Sometimes. However, if the underlying extension or unwanted software remains installed, the problem can return.
Summary
Changing from Yahoo to Google is usually a straightforward process, but achieving a permanent fix sometimes requires more than simply selecting a different search engine.
The most effective approach is to update all browser-related settings. Set Google as the default search engine, configure Google as the startup page, assign Google as the homepage, and remove any unnecessary extensions.
If Yahoo continues appearing after these changes, investigate installed programs, browser policies, and potential browser hijackers. Running a malware scan and resetting the browser can often eliminate persistent issues.
Once everything is configured correctly, your browser should consistently use Google Search, open Google when launched, and remain free from unwanted Yahoo redirects. By regularly reviewing extensions, keeping your browser updated, and paying attention during software installations, you can help ensure that Google remains your preferred search engine going forward.