Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Switching off searching in the address bar

more options

I see that others have also asked this question. I've done the about:config, keyw and changed it to false but when I try and search in google (in the middle of the page) it still defers to the address bar. Why does firefox do this and why does it have to be such a drama to change it? A simple answer please, I don't want to do anything more than have my preference to search in the google box in the middle of the page. Thanks

I see that others have also asked this question. I've done the about:config, keyw and changed it to false but when I try and search in google (in the middle of the page) it still defers to the address bar. Why does firefox do this and why does it have to be such a drama to change it? A simple answer please, I don't want to do anything more than have my preference to search in the google box in the middle of the page. Thanks

Chosen solution

This new tab behavior doesn't require changing the address bar search feature, it has its own preference. The hardest part is learning its name:

(1) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter/Return. Click the button accepting the risk.

More info on about:config: Configuration Editor for Firefox. The moderators would like us to remind you that changes made through this back door aren't fully supported and aren't guaranteed to continue working in the future. Since I use this one myself, I feel comfortable mentioning it, even if it does turn out to be temporary relief only.

(2) In the search box in the page, type or paste handoff and pause while the list is filtered

(3) Double-click the browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar preference to switch the value from true to false

Success?

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

This new tab behavior doesn't require changing the address bar search feature, it has its own preference. The hardest part is learning its name:

(1) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter/Return. Click the button accepting the risk.

More info on about:config: Configuration Editor for Firefox. The moderators would like us to remind you that changes made through this back door aren't fully supported and aren't guaranteed to continue working in the future. Since I use this one myself, I feel comfortable mentioning it, even if it does turn out to be temporary relief only.

(2) In the search box in the page, type or paste handoff and pause while the list is filtered

(3) Double-click the browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar preference to switch the value from true to false

Success?

more options

Thank you Jscher for a quick response, fixed!