You can now replace Google with ChatGPT Search in your browser; here's how

This week, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Search, offering a new, rich search experience that's giving Google a run for its money. It is important to note that it is not yet available to everyone, only ChatGPT Plus subscribers currently have access.

Switching your default search engine from Google to ChatGPT, however, isn't straightforward on all browsers. Some, like Chrome, support the swap with ease, while others, such as Safari and Firefox, present a few more challenges. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up ChatGPT search as your default or as a shortcut in several popular desktop browsers.

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Replacing Google with ChatGPT Search in Chrome

Chrome users will find it easiest to make the switch, thanks to OpenAI's dedicated ChatGPT Search extension for Chrome. Once installed, this extension will automatically replace Google with ChatGPT as the default search engine.

Here's how to add ChatGPT Search as a shortcut in Chrome without setting it as your default:

1. Open Chrome Settings.

2. In the left-hand menu, select Search Engine.

3. Click Manage search engines and site search.

4. Under Site Search, click Add.

5. Name it “ChatGPT” (without quotes).

6. Choose a shortcut, such as “@chatgpt”.

7. Enter the URL as https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s, then click Add.

Now, whenever you want to use ChatGPT Search, simply type “@chatgpt” followed by your query in the address bar (e.g., “@chatgpt today's weather in Chicago”), press the space bar, and your search will be handled by ChatGPT.

Replacing Google with ChatGPT Search in Safari

Apple's Safari browser does offer some options for switching default search engines, but it's currently limited to five predefined providers, and ChatGPT isn't one of them. Unfortunately, Safari also doesn't support ChatGPT in its Quick Website Search feature, which lets you search specific sites from the address bar without visiting them directly.

Until OpenAI releases more compatibility tools for Safari, users may need to use a workaround, such as setting up a dedicated bookmark for ChatGPT Search or using the ChatGPT site directly.

Replacing Google with ChatGPT Search in Firefox

Firefox offers flexibility in choosing a default search engine, but as of now, OpenAI hasn't developed an official extension for Firefox. This means Firefox users are also somewhat limited in making ChatGPT Search their primary search engine.

As an alternative, Firefox users can use a bookmarklet or a manual shortcut by setting up a custom search shortcut in their Settings. Once OpenAI releases a dedicated extension for Firefox, users will be able to make the switch with a few clicks.

ChatGPT Search is a newly launched search feature from OpenAI that enhances traditional web search with AI-driven insights and more conversational, in-depth responses. Exclusive to ChatGPT Plus subscribers at present, ChatGPT Search enables users to access rich and relevant information directly through the ChatGPT interface, often producing results that feel more thorough and context-aware than standard search engines.

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• Dubai

Written by

Husain Rizvi

Husain Rizvi is a Senior Features Writer who covers entertainment and lifestyle stories and has a profound interest in tech (games) and sports. When he’s not working, you can find him at the gym, or finishing a boss fight in a video game.