Chrome tests user confirmation when extensions change the default search engine

Google is testing a new protection in Chrome that warns users when an extension tries to change the default search engine. Google’s aim is to keep users in control of their search choice.

Chrome already protects the default search engine from unauthorized or malicious changes. Extensions installed unknowingly by users can also trigger such changes. Until now, Chrome warned users only on the Search settings page.

Soon, it will go further and pause web searches triggered by search-overriding extensions until the user confirms the change through an explicit choice dialog.

Chrome is tightening control over search engine changes

In Chrome Canary on Windows and Mac, a new dialog appears when you perform a web search after installing an extension that tries to change your default search engine. Instead of letting the change go through quietly, Chrome pauses the action and asks for confirmation.

The dialog says the extension tried to change your search engine and offers two clear options: "Change it back" and "Keep it".

While testing this behavior, the Microsoft Bing Homepage & Search for Chrome extension triggered the new Chrome dialog.

At the same time, the extension displayed its own message asking users not to revert the change and warning that features would be lost if they switched back.

This creates an interesting contrast. Chrome presents a neutral choice. The extension tries to influence the decision. This is the type of situation Google wants to handle better.

Many extensions change the default search engine during install. Some do it quietly. Others rely on confusing prompts. Many use pressure-style tactics. This new protection forces a clear choice. Users no longer need to dig through settings to undo changes they never agreed to.

The behavior is currently being tested behind flags in Chrome Canary and may roll out to stable users after testing completes. Users on Chrome Canary can enable it using these flags:

• "Use explicit-choice dialog confirming new search engine overrides"
• "Always show confirmation dialog for new search engine overrides"

Google is also testing redesigned security settings in desktop Chrome and on Android, along with a tab bottom sheet and gesture-based permission prompts.