Bye, bye Google — how to make ChatGPT Search your default search engine in Chrome

How To
By published

Upgrade your search game with ChatGPT

ChatGPT
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Ready to give Google a break? ChatGPT Search might be worth a try if you're already paying for ChatGPT Plus. While ChatGPT can do all sorts of weird and wonderful things, like roasting your Instagram feed, negotiate a higher salary, and even choose a haircut that best suits your face shape, its search capabilities take things to another level. 

I've found it particularly useful when I need quick answers without having to rely on Google's AI summaries (which aren't always accurate) or waste time scrolling through endless web pages to find what I'm looking for. The only catch is you'll need that ChatGPT Plus subscription ($20 monthly) to make it work. 

1. Download the extension

Navigate to ChatGPT Search's announcement page and click on Download Chrome Extension to reach the official Chrome Web Store page.

2. Add to Chrome

Click the Add to Chrome button at the top of the store page to begin installation. When the pop-up window appears, click Add extension. You'll see a confirmation message that ChatGPT Search has been added to Chrome.

3. Pin the extension

Click the puzzle-piece icon in the top-right corner of Chrome to access your extensions. Find ChatGPT Search and click the pin icon next to it until it turns blue.

4. Start your first search

Type your query into Chrome's address bar just as you would with Google.

5. View AI-powered results

Ensure the blue globe icon is selected to activate ChatGPT Search and view your AI-enhanced results.

Now that you've learned how to make ChatGPT your default search engine, why not check out some its other capabilities? Improve your interactions with 7 tips to craft the perfect prompt in ChatGPT. Learn how to prepare for and ace your next job interview with ChatGPT. And for financial planning, discover how to build a budget using ChatGPT.

Kaycee Hill
Kaycee Hill
How-to Editor

Kaycee is Tom's Guide's How-To Editor, known for tutorials that get straight to what works. She writes across phones, homes, TVs and everything in between — because life doesn't stick to categories and neither should good advice. She's spent years in content creation doing one thing really well: making complicated things click. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books.