How to Disable Trending Searches on Google in 2024

5/21/2024

As more people hop onto the internet, having a personalized online experience is becoming crucial, and search engines like Google are no exception. Google's Trending Searches feature is handy for keeping up with the latest buzz, but if you're looking to customize your search experience, disabling it might be on your agenda.

Reasons to Disable Trending Searches on Google

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of disabling Trending Searches, let's talk about why you might want to do it:

Privacy Concerns: Worried about your search data being tracked? Disabling Trending Searches can alleviate those concerns by preventing Google from collecting data on popular searches.
Distractions: Ever found yourself going down a rabbit hole of trending topics when you're just trying to find something specific? Turning off Trending Searches can help keep your searches focused.
Personalization: By disabling Trending Searches, you're ensuring that your search results are tailored to your interests without any outside influence.

How to Disable Google’s Trending Searches on Desktop

Chrome Desktop

Open Google Chrome.
Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner to access the menu.
Select ‘Settings’.
Scroll down and click on ‘Search engine’.
Go to ‘Manage search engines’.
Look for ‘Autocomplete with trending searches’.
Toggle the switch to disable it.

Safari Desktop

Open Safari.
Click on ‘Safari’ in the top menu bar.
Select ‘Preferences’.
Navigate to the ‘Search’ tab.
Uncheck the box next to ‘Include search engine suggestions’.

Google App Desktop

Launch the Google App.
Click on your profile picture or initial at the top right corner.
Go to ‘Settings’.
Navigate to the ‘General’ section within Settings.
Look for ‘Autocomplete with trending searches’ and disable it.

Troubleshooting Methods if Unable to Turn Off Trending Searches

Encountering issues while trying to disable Trending Searches? Here are some troubleshooting methods:

Restart Your Browser or App: Sometimes a simple restart can do wonders.
Update Browser or App: Ensure you're using the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
Clear Cache and Cookies: Clearing browsing data might resolve any glitches.

Turning Off Google’s Trending Searches on Mobile Devices

Android Devices

Open the Google app.
Tap on the More option (three horizontal lines).
Navigate to Settings > General.
Toggle off ‘Autocomplete with trending searches’.

iPhone Devices

Launch the Google app.
Tap on More.
Head to Settings > Search settings.
Toggle off ‘Autocomplete with Trending Searches’.

Wrapping Up

Disabling Trending Searches gives you more control over your online experience. Whether it's about privacy, focus, or personalized results, taking this step can enhance your search experience.