Your next Android phone will let you choose from these non-Google search engines

Phone with Google Search
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Google has announced which alternative search engines you'll be able to pick as the default on new Android phones. When they fire up their phone for the first time, users in the EU will be given a choice of non-Google options, which will vary depending on where they live.

As the BBC explains, from March new Android phones will offer a choice of four search providers (Google, plus three others). If an appropriate app for your chosen provider isn't already installed, it will be downloaded for you automatically once you've made your decision.

The 'winners' were determined in an auction, with places in the drop-down menu going to the highest bidders in each EU country.

DuckDuckGo will be the most frequently offered option, while Microsoft Bing will only appear as a choice for Android users in the UK. Choices available in other nations will include French search engine Qwant, Russian Yandex and German GMX.

Why the change?

In 2018, the European Commission ruled that Google "imposed illegal restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile network operators to cement its dominant position in general internet search", and fined the company $5 billion (about £4 billion/AU$7.5 billion).

Google has made various changes to appease the courts, including letting phone makers build forked Android handsets in the European Economic Area, and providing the forthcoming extra search options.

If you aren't planning to buy a new handset at the moment, can't wait until March or don't live in the EU, you can still change your Android phone's default search provider by following Google's instructions.

TOPICS
Cat Ellis
Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she's a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.

Latest in Phones
Google Pixel 9
Android 16 could bring an improved Samsung DeX-style desktop mode to more phones
Apple products all showing different versions of the Apple Photos app
Apple Photos could actually win you over in iOS 18.4 – here are 4 improvements that are coming
Google Pixel 9 in Wintergreen showing back camera bar
The Google Pixel 10 could get a big camera boost if this new leak is legit
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, close up on the dual camera system, against a marbled background
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is being tipped to come with a sweet Google Gemini deal
Google Pixel 9 on green grey background with price cut text overlay
Want to get a half-price unlimited plan and a Google Pixel 9 for just $400? Check out Mint Mobile this week
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 19: the 3 biggest rumors so far, and what I want to see
Latest in News
Lilo & Stitch Official Trailer
Stitch crashes into earth and steals our hearts with the first trailer for the live-action Lilo & Stitch
GTA 5
GTA Online publisher Take-Two is gunning for a black market that’s basically heaven for cheaters
Y2K cast looking shocked
Y2K has a streaming release date on Max, so you can witness the technology uprising at home
The Discovery+ homepage
Discovery+ just got a big update to its streaming app that makes it more like Max – here are 5 great new features to try
Two Android phones on a green and blue background showing Google Messages
Struggling with slow Google Messages photo transfers? Google says new update will make 'noticeable difference'
China
Chinese hackers targeting Juniper Networks routers, so patch now