Search engine options on iMac with Tahoe

Question

Search engine options on iMac with Tahoe

Hi gang!

First, I know the difference between a browser and a search engine.

In Tahoe on my iMac, there are the usual "options" for a search engine as a default. I don't want to use any of them, but want to use one outside the default list. Is there a way to get rid of the default so I can use another search engine, or do I just download the app for a different search engine? If the latter, what happens to the "default" and does this cause an issue?

It seems like even a small change can cause big issues on computers in general.

Tnx, and have a great weekend!

iMac 24″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 27, 2025 8:38 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MrHoffman

Level 10

146,557 points

Sep 27, 2025 8:53 AM in response to cloud-skimmer

You can use your browser to directly use whatever search engine of course, and can usually select a search engine with an app or a browser-specific extension for that browser and search engine pairing, but the built-in Safari search engine list is what it is.

Qwant, for instance, offers to load an extension to become the default search engine for Safari:

You can send feedback about the default list here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Semi-related list of search engines with their own indices:

https://seirdy.one/posts/2021/03/10/search-engines-with-own-indexes/

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Answer 2

MrHoffman

Level 10

146,557 points

Sep 28, 2025 11:34 AM in response to cloud-skimmer

cloud-skimmer wrote:

MrHoffman...

Thank you for your reply. I see that Qwant* is located in France. I did check it out, but in doing so at the App Store, it kept timing out. I will stick with one of the default engines for now, but do appreciate your answer and links. Again, thank you! The search never ends. ;-)

If you’re running a “coffee shop” VPN, those can cause IP network routing issues.

Remove the VPN app temporarily, a d test access to the App Store again.

Removal of the app, as various VPN clients won’t disconnect when disabled.

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Answer 3

Sep 28, 2025 11:04 AM in response to MrHoffman

MrHoffman...

Thank you for your reply. I see that Qwant* is located in France. I did check it out, but in doing so at the App Store, it kept timing out. I will stick with one of the default engines for now, but do appreciate your answer and links. Again, thank you! The search never ends. ;-)

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Answer 4

Sep 28, 2025 12:53 PM in response to MrHoffman

Hi.

I am not running a "coffee shop" VPN. I have a trusted VPN that I use all the time. I did more research on Qwant* and noted a few concerns I have, so for now, I'm sticking with the default. Tnx, again!

Tahoe has caused several issues that weren't evident at first, and I'm still sorting them out. Probably time to go watch football for awhile. ;-)

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Answer 5

Sep 28, 2025 1:00 PM in response to Old Toad

Hey, Old Toad....

Tnx for the comment. There's a place to tap for use on MacOS and it brings up a different app. It also apparently provides a Safari Extension. At one point the app wanted a password for my Apple Wallet. When I replied no (I don't have an Apple Wallet), it froze up everything and the only way to get the App Store off my computer was to Force Quit. Maybe time to shut down for the a few hours and contemplate my navel. haha

Old Grouch (Cloud-Skimmer)

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,008 points

Sep 28, 2025 1:12 PM in response to cloud-skimmer

cloud-skimmer wrote:

Hi.

I am not running a "coffee shop" VPN. I have a trusted VPN that I use all the time.

Unless you're using a VPN to connect to a private, secure network such as your employer or school, you are using what's commonly referred to as a "coffee shop VPN".

Using a VPN to access the Internet is completely counterproductive. It does absolutely nothing to protect your privacy or secure your data.

Get rid of it.

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