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Why does my search default keep changing?
Why does my search default keep changing? I set for Duckduckgo and it ends up Bing. I do not want Bing. I am on and IOS not a PC. How do I PERMANENTLY change it to MY choice of search engine? Thanks p.s. sometimes it will go to Yahoo, I do not want Yahoo.
All Replies (4)
Hi, sorry to hear about the "hijacking." If Firefox shows it plans to send a search to DuckDuckGo (this usually shows in the bar below the search box) but you get a results page from a different site, this kind of in-flight redirection usually is caused by either an add-on or by external malware. You didn't share your extensions list while posting your question, so here's how to check for problem extensions on your Firefox:
Open the Add-ons page. Either:
- Command+Shift+a (Windows: Ctrl+Shift+a)
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- type or paste about:addons in the address bar and press Enter/Return
In the left column of the Add-ons page, click Extensions. On the right side, find the "Manage Your Extensions" heading.
If there is at least one extension before the next heading -- "Recommended Extensions" -- please continue:
Then cast a critical eye over the list below that heading. Any extensions Firefox installs for built-in features are hidden from this page, so everything listed here is your choice (and your responsibility) to manage. Anything that mentions search, or privacy, or looks suspicious, or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove). For your privacy and security, don't let mystery programs linger here.
Any improvement?
If your Add-ons page is blank or is blocked, you can restart Firefox in its Troubleshoot Mode to do the above review:
In its Troubleshoot Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, and some other advanced features to bypass issues that can cause problems with pages.
If Firefox is running:
You can restart Firefox in Safe/Troubleshoot Mode using either:
- "3-bar" menu button > Help > Troubleshoot Mode... (before Fx88: Restart with Add-ons Disabled)
- (menu bar) Help menu > Troubleshoot Mode... (before Fx88: Restart with Add-ons Disabled)
and OK the restart. A small dialog should appear. Click the Open button (before Fx88: "Start in Safe Mode" button).
If Firefox is not running:
Hold down the option/alt key when starting Firefox. (On Windows, hold down the Shift key instead of the option/alt key.) A small dialog should appear. Click the Open button (before Fx88: "Start in Safe Mode" button).
Note: Don't use the Refresh without first reviewing this article to understand what will be deleted: Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings.
Can you regain control of your searches?
drhighfield said
I am on and IOS not a PC. p.s. sometimes it will go to Yahoo, I do not want Yahoo.
I think you mean macOS as iOS is the mobile OS for iPhone and iPad has the similar iPadOS.
The desktop Firefox web browser for Windows, macOS, and Linux from Mozilla has not come with anything Yahoo related since Firefox as of 57.0. /forums/contributors/712925
I agree that it may be due to possibly a recent Extension install or update doing this changes.
Ezalaki modifié
Yes, I meant macOS. What is the solution for the problem of" a recent Extension instill or update", as I have returned my default to my choice many times in the past two months only for it to be changed to Bing or Yahoo. I can screen shot it if you don't believe me. I came here for helped not to be tech shamed, thanks.
Did you try the steps in my reply: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1368815#answer-1485449