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🔍 Restore Google Search in Brave Browser – Quick Dev Fix


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Devashish Tiwari

Ever opened Brave and wondered where Google went? It’s not a bug—Brave intentionally removed Google from the default search engine list to promote privacy-first alternatives. But as developers, we need quick access to Stack Overflow, GitHub, and documentation searches. Here’s how to restore Google and supercharge your workflow with custom shortcuts.

🤔 Why Did Google Disappear?

Brave removed Google as a pre-configured option back in 2021 to “de-Google” the web and default users to Brave Search—their independent, tracker-free search engine. This aligns with Brave’s core mission: block surveillance capitalism while preserving user choice.

The technical details:

  • Existing users keep their search settings unchanged
  • New installations default to Brave Search
  • Google is still allowed—just not pre-installed
  • You maintain full control over search engines

Brave Search uses an independent index (not Bing or Google), provides ad-free results, and doesn’t profile you. Perfect for sensitive dev work or open-source research.

⚡ Add Google Back in 30 Seconds

Here’s the fastest way to restore Google search:

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Settings → Click the menu (☰) and select Settings
  2. Navigate to Search engine → Find it in the left sidebar
  3. Click “Manage search engines and site search”
  4. Scroll to “Site search” section and click Add
  5. Fill in the details:
    • Search engine: Google
    • Shortcut: :g (or any prefix you prefer)
    • URL with %s: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s
  6. Save and set as default:
    • Click Add
    • Find “Google” in the list
    • Click the three dots (⋮) next to it
    • Select Make default

Test it: Type :g unreal engine 5 blueprint tutorial in your address bar and hit Enter. Google search loads instantly.

🎬 Wrap-Up

Brave removed Google to fight surveillance capitalism, but they’re not forcing anything—you’re in control. Add Google back in 30 seconds, set up dev shortcuts, and enjoy a privacy-first workflow that doesn’t sacrifice productivity.

Your turn: What shortcuts do you use? Drop your setup in the comments—I’m always looking to optimize my workflow!


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Devashish Tiwari