How to set ChatGPT as the default search engine in Safari on iOS

I remember the first time I tried ChatGPT—it was like having a personal research assistant suddenly available at my fingertips. What started as a novelty has now become an essential tool for everything from helping me craft the perfect email to explaining complex tech concepts in ways I can actually understand.

Now, with iOS 18.1, Apple has made it possible to bring that AI-powered assistance directly into your Safari browsing experience. If you've found yourself increasingly reliant on ChatGPT for answers than traditional search engines, you'll be thrilled to know you can now set it as your default search engine in Safari.

This means every time you type a query into Safari's search bar, you'll be tapping into ChatGPT's AI-powered intelligence rather than just searching the web, but you have to turn it on first. Here's how you can turn your Safari browser into your very own AI assistant powered by ChatGPT.

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Steps to set ChatGPT as the default search engine in Safari

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and select "Apps"

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Safari" to access the browser's configuration options

Step 3: Within Safari settings, locate and tap on "Extensions"

Step 4: Select "ChatGPT search"

Step 5: Now, toggle on "Allow Extension"

Step 6: In the Permission section, select "google.com"

Step 7: Lastly, ensure "google.com" is set to "Allow" to enable seamless search functionality

Conclusion

With ChatGPT as your default search engine in Safari, you're not just searching the web—you're harnessing the power of AI to understand context, provide more relevant results, and even assist with complex queries. This integration represents a new frontier in browsing, where search engines evolve from mere indexers to intelligent assistants.

As Apple continues to embrace AI integration, we can expect even more features that transform how we interact with information. For now, enjoy the enhanced browsing experience that ChatGPT brings to Safari.

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