Safari Search Engine Reset to Google Unexpectedly

hmedina wrote:

Why did my Safari switch to Google?

It's a major downgrade. Safari's search is faster, cleaner, and simply better. If Apple's own ecosystem can't maintain my preferred settings, it makes me consider switching to a Google Phone.

And the 'Safari' option isn't even in the search engine menu anymore.

There is no, nor has there ever been a Safari search engine. The options available are: Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia.

What Search Engine were you using before?

• A MDM Profile can change your search engine and that would be something installed by you with your permission. Those Profiles are listed at Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
• A Safari Extension can be added to use a custom search engine. When removed, the Search Engine will go back to the default. That is installed by you.
• Apps can contain a Safari Extension, remove the app and the Extension goes away. Without knowing what Search Engine you had, we have know idea which one you would have removed. There are many in the App Store that changes the Default Search Engine.
• The Reset All Settings option in the General menu will also perform a reset exactly like it says.
• A Factory Reset will also return the Search Engine back to the default.

It is clearly more than terminology, since you said Safari is no longer an option in the Search Settings, where you were correctly told it never was. The Setting is only changed due to an action taken on your part, which none of us know what that was, or more specifically anyone that you have given your device Passcode too. No, it is not an iOS bug, it is something you did and it may be difficult to determine what that is when all you can do is blame Apple.

hmedina wrote:

And the 'Safari' option isn't even in the search engine menu anymore.

It NEVER was, so have no idea what you are referring to. Safari is not a search engine, it is a web browser. You can certainly switch to any phone you wish and that makes no difference to any of us, but that has nothing to do with the fact that Safari is not a search engine.

Instead of lecturing me on terminology, can you explain what app, profile, or iOS bug has the ability to remove a search engine option and change this setting against my will? This is a security issue, not a vocabulary test.

The answer to that question is nothing on an iPhone is changed against your will. If you require an answer you will need to rephrase that question.

A Profile, for example, could explain the unexpected addition and equally unexpected deletion of an unwanted Search Engine, but a Profile is not installed against one's will. Doing so requires a deliberate action on the part of the iPhone's owner or authorized user.

Since its title and question amount to gratuitous assertions I suggest you start a new one, and I also suggest you post it in the iPhone Community. This is not a Safari question for the reasons already explained.