How to Set a Private Browsing Search Engine in Safari

Apple's Safari web browser allows users to assign a separate default search engine specifically for Private Browsing mode, keeping it completely distinct from standard browsing. Introduced with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma (Safari 17), this feature enables you to use a mainstream search engine like Google for everyday web use while automatically switching to a privacy-focused option, such as DuckDuckGo, whenever you open a private tab. This article provides the exact steps to configure a dedicated Private Browsing search engine on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

Prerequisites

Before changing these settings, ensure your device is updated to the required operating system. You will need macOS Sonoma or later on a Mac, iOS 17 or later on an iPhone, or iPadOS 17 or later on an iPad. Alternatively, if you are using an older macOS like Ventura or Monterey, updating the Safari app itself to version 17 or later will also unlock this feature.

How to Set a Private Search Engine on Mac

To configure different search engines for standard and private browsing on a Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Safari browser.
  2. Click Safari in the top menu bar at the upper-left corner of your screen.
  3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu (or press Command + , on your keyboard).
  4. Click the Search tab at the top of the settings window.
  5. Click the Search engine dropdown menu to choose your default engine for standard browsing.
  6. Directly below that, click the Private Browsing search engine dropdown menu and select the search engine you want to use exclusively for private windows.
  7. Close the settings window. Your changes are saved automatically.

How to Set a Private Search Engine on iPhone and iPad

On mobile devices, Safari's search engine settings are managed through the main system settings rather than inside the browser app itself. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
  3. Scroll down to the Search section.
  4. Tap Search Engine to select the provider you want to use during standard browsing sessions.
  5. Tap < Safari in the top-left corner to return to the previous menu.
  6. Tap Private Search Engine (located directly beneath the standard Search Engine option).
  7. Tap your preferred search engine from the list to set it as the default for Private Browsing mode.
  8. Exit the Settings app.

Available Search Engine Options

For both standard and private modes, Safari natively supports the following search engines out of the box:

  • Google
  • Yahoo
  • Bing
  • DuckDuckGo
  • Ecosia

Once you have made your selections, Safari will automatically switch between your chosen search engines depending on whether you are typing your query into the address bar of a standard tab or a Private Browsing tab.