In this post, we will show you how to add ChatGPT search as a default search engine on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers.
There is a shift in how we search the internet, and with AI Chatbots in place, we are changing the landscape. OpenAI has now made ChatGPT Search FREE for all logged-in users. You do not need to have a paid subscription. Just create an account, log in, and use all its features for free.
While mobiles had the ChatGPT app, desktop users did not have many options because web searches were missing. Now that it is in place, you should be able to get details from multiple sources and then interact with the data further. So if you find something interesting on TheWindowsClub on ChatGPT, you can further make a query or ask ChatGPT to search within the same site for more.
Some of you might also want to check out our GPT-powered chatbot WinBOT, which you can see in the bottom left corner of this page.
How to add ChatGPT Search as default on your browser
Follow these methods to add ChatGPT search as default in your browser.
Use ChatGPT search extension for Chrome or Edge
Installing the ChatGPT Search extension for Chrome or Edge is a straightforward process. Once added to your browser, provided you’re already logged into ChatGPT Plus, every search you make seamlessly redirects to a new chat, and results will be included from web with references at the end.
However, when you install it for the first time, the browser might reject it as it tries to change the default search. You will need to go to the Extension section and then enable it manually. Also, Edge might warn you the second time when you make the first search from the browser’s address.
Read: How to switch from Google to Bing in Windows 11
Add ChatGPT Search as default on Google Chrome
If you do not want to add an extension to change the search and instead want to use the shortcut to trigger the ChatGPT web search, you need to add it as a custom search engine. This way, you can access ChatGPT Search whenever you want, without permanently changing your current search engine.
- Open the ‘three-dot menu’ in Chrome and navigate to Settings.
- Click on Search Engine in the left-hand menu.
- Go to Manage search engines and site search.
- Select the Add option next to Site Search.
- Fill in the following details:
- Name: ChatGPT
- Shortcut: @chatgpt
- URL:
https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search
- Click Save.
To search, type @chatgpt in the address bar, press tab, type the keyword, and press Enter.
Add ChatGPT Search as default on Microsoft Edge
- On Microsoft Edge, the process is slightly different:
- Go to Settings > Privacy, Search & Services > Search and connected experiences
- Click on the Address bar and search > Manage search engines
- Fill in the following details:
- Name: ChatGPT
- Shortcut: @chatgpt
- URL:
https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search
- Click Save.
Tip:
- If you’d like to redirect all search queries to a temporary chat—to avoid cluttering your main chat history—use this URL instead:
https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search&temporary-chat=true
- And for those who want to use the compact 4o-mini model, you can opt for this URL:
https://chatgpt.com/?hints=search&temporary-chat=true&model=gpt-4o-mini
Read: What are ChatGPT No Login required services that are available
Add ChatGPT Search to Firefox
Adding ChatGPT as a custom search engine for Firefox users involves a few additional steps. Here’s what to do:
- Type about:config in the address bar and press Enter.
- In the search field, type
browser.urlbar.update2.engineAliasRefresh. - Click the ‘+’ button next to this variable to enable it.
- Once enabled, navigate to Settings > Search in Firefox.
- Scroll down and click Add under the Search shortcuts section (this option won’t appear unless you’ve completed step 3).
- Enter the following details:
- Search engine name: ChatGPT
- Engine URL:
https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search - Alias: @chatgpt
Now, whenever you want to search with ChatGPT, type @chatgpt in the address bar, press Tab, and enter your query. This makes it super easy to access ChatGPT Search without replacing your default search engine.
I hope this helps.
Read: Best ChatGPT extensions for VS Code
Why add ChatGPT as a Custom Search Engine?
For many, traditional search engines like Google or Bing are still key for daily browsing. But ChatGPT brings a different approach, offering conversational answers, detailed explanations, and creative solutions. Using it as a custom search engine lets you enjoy the benefits of both—quick access to ChatGPT’s AI without replacing your primary search tool.
Read: How to change the default search engine in Chrome, Firefox or Opera
Can ChatGPT be used alongside traditional search engines for more accurate results?
Accuracy can always be a suspicious factor for any search engine, including Google and ChatGPT. So, while we suggest using both, ChatGPT can provide detailed, conversational answers and explanations, helping clarify much better. Using both tools together can give you a more well-rounded and efficient search experience.
