Try the 'Google Search for Thunderbird' add-on.

Sounds like you're running an old version of Thunderbird. As of version 38 Thunderbird redirects any web search to the default browser. So there is no point installing any search engine in Thunderbird.

I am using Thunderbird 38.7.1 which is the current version for MacOS.

Hi Terry, If your default browser is the current Firefox 45 that supports searches with Google. If you're in the USA using a en-usa build of Firefox that uses Yahoo by default, but is easily changed to use Google. See

• Manage Firefox search settings_set-a-default-search-engine

Does that solve the problem for you ?

the problem is the current up-to-date Thunderbird 38.7.1 for Mac OS, not Firefox.

Really what is all this about. I am assuming it is about open search https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/open-search

A change to the article is required if anyone wants to volunteer. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/open-search/discuss/6583

OSX... that would be Thunderbird > preferences

Select the general tab and select your preferred search client from the drop down list.

So there is no point installing any search engine in Thunderbird.

I have to correct myself. The answer from amanchesterman to install the 'Google Search for Thunderbird' add-on was entirely correct. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/user/amanchesterman

The add-on is available at https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/google-search-for-thunderbi/

For more information on how to install add-ons in Thunderbird see http://xenos-email-notes.simplesite.com/416814616

The statement that searches are passed on to the default browser is correct though.

Why Google isn't there in the first place, see https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=731590#c12