Search choice screen on other platforms

Illustrative visual of the search engine choice screen in Chrome on iOS and desktop

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

On non-Android OSs, Chrome will display the main available eligible general search services in each country according to Google Play installation data ordered randomly. 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

Participating in the choice screen

Does it cost anything to appear in the choice screen?
No. Participation by eligible general services is free.

How many choices appear before the user has to scroll?
The number of participating services shown on the choice screen before scrolling varies according to the device’s screen size, resolution, and other factors (such as whether the user sets up their device in portrait or landscape mode). Google estimates that the vast majority of devices showing the choice screen include five or more choices before scrolling. Users will be required to scroll through the entire list before selecting an option.

Can I submit one eligible search service for one country, and another eligible search service for another country?
As long as the search services meet the eligibility criteria, you may submit a different search service for each country.

How often can search providers change assets such as icons or voice intent?
Search providers may provide updated assets during the annual eligibility period in January.