Set ChatGPT as the Default Search Engine in Safari (iPhone and Mac)

Did you know you can set ChatGPT as the default search engine in Safari?

While it’s not a traditional dropdown selection like Google or DuckDuckGo, you can now enable a Safari extension through the ChatGPT app that effectively gives you a direct line to OpenAI’s LLM for browser searches.

Here’s a complete walkthrough for setting this up on both your iPhone and Mac.

On iPhone (iOS 18.1 and later)

To enable ChatGPT-powered searches in Safari:

1. Install the ChatGPT App
   Download the free ChatGPT app from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings
   Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
3. Navigate to Safari
4. Enable the ChatGPT Extension
   Under Extensions, toggle ChatGPT Search to ON.
   Also enable Allow in Private Browsing if you want the extension active in incognito sessions.
5. Grant Site Permissions
   Scroll to Permissions > google.com, then tap Allow so ChatGPT can intercept searches.
6. Exit Settings and Open Safari
   Now when you type a query in Safari’s address bar, it’ll redirect your search to ChatGPT instead of a traditional engine.

Note: This works best if you’re already signed into your OpenAI account inside the ChatGPT app, but it’s not strictly required.

Related: How to Copy a Link to Highlighted Text in Safari and Chrome (Mac and PC Guide)

On Mac (macOS Sequoia and later)

Mac users also get deep system-level ChatGPT integration thanks to Apple Intelligence. Here’s how to enable ChatGPT for system-wide use, including in Safari.

1. Open System Settings
   Click the Apple menu > System Settings.
2. Navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri
   Scroll down the sidebar and select Apple Intelligence & Siri.
3. Click on ChatGPT
   Click Set Up, then hit Next.
4. Choose How You Want to Use It
   Without an account? Click Enable ChatGPT.
   Have an account? Click Use ChatGPT with an Account, then log in.

Tip: If you want your searches and queries saved in your ChatGPT history, you’ll need to be signed in.

5. Optional: Use ChatGPT Later with an Account
   To sign in later, go back to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > ChatGPT, and click Sign In.

Once enabled, ChatGPT will handle queries not just in Safari, but across macOS, basically wherever Apple Intelligence hooks in.

Final Thoughts

This is a big deal for anyone who prefers AI-powered answers over the traditional link-filled search results. ChatGPT-as-search is fast, contextual, and doesn’t drown you in ads.