This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Lolu chungechunge lwabekwa kunqolobane. Uyacelwa ubuze umbuzo omusha uma udinga usizo.

How to change permanently the Search Engine (about:config not working)

  • 6 uphendule
  • 95 zinale nkinga
  • 11 views
  • Igcine ukuphendulwa ngu cor-el

more options

I cannot change the search engine permanently. I changed in about:config manually the search machine. But if I put in a search string into the address, the "old" engine shows me the results again. Also in the search engine management on the right side (sorry, using german version, so I'm not totally sure about the right name) I cannot delete the engine. If I delete there the search engine, FF ignores my command. Thank you for helping me!

I cannot change the search engine permanently. I changed in about:config manually the search machine. But if I put in a search string into the address, the "old" engine shows me the results again. Also in the search engine management on the right side (sorry, using german version, so I'm not totally sure about the right name) I cannot delete the engine. If I delete there the search engine, FF ignores my command. Thank you for helping me!

Okulungisiwe ngu NoahSUMO

All Replies (6)

more options

Is this about searching via the location bar or using the Google search bar on the Navigation Toolbar or both?

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).

  • Do not click the Reset button on the Safe mode start window or otherwise make changes.

If you do not keep changes then see:


If you can't make changes to the search bar then try to delete search.json file and a possible search.sqlite file in the Firefox Profile Folder.

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder
more options

Hi, first I solved it in the search bar: I deleted in the searchplugins file folder the search maschine (baidu). But in the config the keyword.url and the search.engine I can't change permamently. After a new start, the values with baidu are bag. I don't see any exetensions causing this. Any idea?

more options

ok, I reset FF and it works...

more options

No, I started my computer this morning new and what should I say? Baidu is again in the address bar the standard search engine. Also in about config everything is unchanged! HELP!!!!!

more options

okay i prefer google search engine so this is what i do
open up notepad in windows accessories copy and paste what i am going to type below
1) Go to your URL address bar and type about:config
2) Click I'll be careful etc.
3) Scroll to keyword.URL
4) Double click
5) Copy and paste your search engine on the text box:
For Google, http://www.google.com/search?q=
OR For Yahoo!, http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=
OR For Bing, http://www.bing.com/search?q=
OR For Ask.com, http://www.ask.com/web?q=
6) Click ok

Okulungisiwe ngu cor-el

more options