An Android mobile screen showing a list of search engines in the initial phone setup from which users can select and set their preferred default search engine.

Search engine

Search Choice Screen

Eligibility criteria for participating in the search choice screen

To ensure an optimal user experience, search providers that wish to participate in the choice screen on Android and Chrome must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. General search provider:

    The search provider must operate a “general search service.” For purposes of the choice screen, a general search service is one that allows users to search for information across the entire Internet. Specialized or “vertical” search providers -- those that only index content from a particular subject -- are not eligible to participate in the choice screen.
  2. One app per company:

    Search providers that are owned by or affiliated with the same company are eligible to appear on the choice screen only once in each country.
  3. Localization:
    Search providers must provide local or English language support in the countries where they apply to participate. Local language support in this context means that the user interface of both the search app (e.g., settings menu) and the search results page (e.g., navigation buttons) must be provided in one of the required local languages. For a list of languages that must be supported by country, click here.
  4. App in Google Play:
    The search provider must have an app that is available for free of charge in Google Play to EEA users. The search provider must be in compliance with the terms of the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement.
  5. Branding requirements:

    The search provider must operate a search service as a distinct service and brand, not as a sub-feature and/or sub-brand of another product.
  6. Web search experience:

    The provider’s web search experience must be compatible with the requirements to become a default search provider in Google Chrome and operate over HTTPS.
  7. Functionality required:

    The search app must provide your full “general search service” without requiring or prompting the user to move or upgrade to another app or website.
  8. Android OS support:

    The search app must support the latest version of Android within 90 days of release.
  9. Minimum installs:

    The search app must have a minimum of 5,000 user installs.
  10. No connection to non-EEA state actors:

    Search providers must not be directly or indirectly under the operation or control of non-EEA state actors.

Choice screen display and ordering

Android Search Choice Screen

The main available eligible general search services in each country according to Google Play installation data will be shown in random order each time the choice screen is shown. For an initial period, the five most popular eligible general search services in each country according to Google Play installation data will be displayed at the top, ordered randomly each time the choice screen is shown. The next seven most popular eligible general search services in each country will be shown immediately below the initial five services, similarly ordered randomly. After the initial period, an updated choice screen displaying the top 8 ranked search engines, ordered randomly, will start appearing on new devices distributed in the EEA on or after August 7, 2024.

Users must scroll through all options before making a default selection.

Chrome Search Choice Screen on iOS and Desktop

On non-Android OSs, Chrome will display a search engine choice screen later this year. The main available eligible general search services in each country according to Google Play installation data will be shown randomly on the choice screen. If a non-Google search engine is already selected by the user, Chrome will not show a search choice screen.

Users must scroll through all options before making a default selection.

FAQs

What data source is used to determine which options display on the choice screen?
We use Google play installs data to determine which options are shown on the choice screen.

How do you determine the list for the search engine and browser choice screens?
Providers must apply and receive approval for the DMA choice screen program. We assess each eligible provider's Google Play app installation data per country on active Android devices in the EEA to select the top search engines and browsers for the choice screen.

Why use Google Play installs data instead of public OS-specific data or Google Play monthly active users?
Our goal was to find a data source that is accurate, reliable, free from sampling bias, inclusive of all main providers, and consistent across both browser and search choice screens. Google Play installation data best met these criteria, despite the trade-offs.

What methodology are you using for the Chrome search choice screen?
The methodology for the Chrome search choice screen mirrors that of the Android search choice screen, using the same data sources.

Meet the providers that will feature in the search choice screen

See all providers