---
title: Set a search context as default
description: If you use the contextual search REST API and don't specify which search context to use, the API uses the search context that you have set as default. The search context that you use in the API takes preference over the one marked as default.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/platform-administration/contextual-search/set-a-contextual-search-as-default.html
release: australia
product: Contextual Search
classification: contextual-search
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-03-12"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Managing contextual search, Contextual search, Search administration, Configure core features, Administer the ServiceNow AI Platform]
---

# Set a search context as default

If you use the contextual search REST API and don't specify which search context to use, the API uses the search context that you have set as default. The search context that you use in the API takes preference over the one marked as default.

## Before you begin

Role required: admin

## About this task

## Procedure

1.  Navigate to **All** > **Contextual Search** > **Search Contexts**.

2.  Open the search context record that you want to set as default.

3.  Select **Set As Default**.

    \[Omitted image "set-as-default.png"\] Alt text: Search Context form showing Set As Default button.


**Parent Topic:**[Managing contextual search](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/platform-administration/contextual-search/working-with-contextual-search.md)