Search on address bar randomly changes search engines

[Biggs]

I have an issue with search on Firefox version 144.1 (iPadOS 26.0.1 and iOS 18.7.1), where my default search engine selection (Kagi) in Firefox's settings are not respected, and will randomly change if I enter a search term in the address bar.

[petedog]

I have the exact same issue!  Change holds until Firefox closed and reopened.  Then reverts to Google.  Frustrating!!!

[Biggs]

Even if I disable the alternative search engines in Firefox's settings, it still changes the default search (this time to Google).

[petedog]

Same scenario - Firefox version 144.1, iOS 26.0.1, and Kagi search.  I want to say this started with the 144.1 Firefox upgrade but can't swear to it.

[petedog]

Firefox 144.2 was released this AM for IOS.  Installed it hoping problem would be fixed but no change for this issue.

[huntnb]

Same symptoms for me: Kagi search as the default doesn’t persist. Also Firefox version 144.2, but iOS 18.6.2. Worked fine up until last week, I think.

[Brinhffy]

I’m seeing the same behavior, if I try to set Kagi as the default search engine that setting is reverted when Firefox restarts

[Agentvirtuel]

Hello

Is it this subject.
https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/1ols5wb/search_engine_changes_itself

[huntnb]

Most likely! Re-installing Firefox did resolve the issue for me. Thanks!

[petedog]

Just went through the uninstall/re-install process and, so far, that seems to have fixed the issue.

[cheesytiger]

I just found the same behavior on my device. Hoping some more entries add to have Mozilla fix the bug.