How to Remove Speed Dial Search Engine in Opera, Chrome, and Firefox

Opera Browser

Opera's Speed Dial is a built-in feature that displays your favorite sites on the start page. If you prefer a cleaner interface or a different start page, here's how to modify or disable it:

1. Hide Speed Dial on the Start Page:

   • Open a new tab in Opera.

   • Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper-right corner.

   • In the "Customize Start Page" panel, uncheck the Speed Dial option.

2. Disable Search Box and Suggestions:

   • Go to opera://settings/startPage.

   • Disable the Show search box and Show Speed Dial suggestions options.

3. Remove Specific Speed Dial Entries:

   • Hover over a Speed Dial entry and click the X to remove it.

   • To prevent certain suggestions from reappearing, click Do not show again when prompted.

4. Use Extensions for More Control:

   • Consider using extensions like "New Tab Start Page" to customize your new tab behavior further.

Google Chrome

Chrome doesn't have a traditional Speed Dial feature, but it does display frequently visited sites on the new tab page. To manage or remove these:

1. Remove Shortcuts from the New Tab Page:

   • Open a new tab.

   • Hover over a shortcut and click the three-dot menu.

   • Select Remove.

2. Manage Search Engines:

   • Go to chrome://settings/searchEngines.

   • Under "Search engines," find any unwanted entries.

   • Click the three-dot menu next to the unwanted search engine and select Remove from list.

3. Remove Suspicious Extensions:

   • Navigate to chrome://extensions/.

   • Identify and remove any unfamiliar or unwanted extensions, especially those related to Speed Dial.

4. Reset Chrome Settings:

   • If issues persist, consider resetting Chrome to its default settings:

     • Go to chrome://settings/reset.

     • Click Restore settings to their original defaults.

     • Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox's new tab page may display top sites or a Speed Dial-like interface. To customize or remove these features:

1. Customize New Tab Page:

   • Open a new tab.

   • Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper-right corner.

   • Uncheck Top Sites, Recommended by Pocket, and other sections you wish to remove.

2. Remove Unwanted Extensions:

   • Press Ctrl+Shift+A to open the Add-ons Manager.

   • Under "Extensions," identify and remove any unfamiliar or unwanted add-ons, especially those related to Speed Dial.

3. Change Default Search Engine:

   • Go to about:preferences#search.

   • Under "Default Search Engine," select your preferred search engine.

   • Under "One-Click Search Engines," remove any unwanted options.

4. Use Extensions for Custom New Tab Pages:

   • Consider installing extensions like "New Tab Homepage" to set a custom page for new tabs.

Dealing with Speed Dial Browser Hijackers

If you've noticed that your browser's new tab page or search engine has been changed without your consent, you might be dealing with a browser hijacker. Here's how to address it:

1. Uninstall Suspicious Programs:

   • On Windows:

     • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.

     • Look for unfamiliar programs, especially those named "Speed Dial" or similar, and uninstall them.

2. Remove Malicious Extensions:

   • Follow the extension removal steps outlined for your browser above.

3. Reset Browser Settings:

   • Resetting your browser can help revert unwanted changes:

     • Chrome: chrome://settings/reset

     • Firefox: about:support > Refresh Firefox

     • Opera: opera://settings/resetProfileSettings

4. Scan for Malware:

   • Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your system.

   • Tools like Malwarebytes, HitmanPro, or AdwCleaner can be effective in detecting and removing browser hijackers.

By following these steps, you can regain control over your browser's start page and search engine settings, ensuring a safer and more personalized browsing experience.