---
title: Can I use SmartSearchWP instead of the default wordpress search system?
description: "This is an FAQ answer for the [Wordpress plugin chatGPT SmartSearchWP](https://www.smartsearchwp.com/en/). No, SmartSearchWP doesn **'t replace WordPress' native search system**. It doesn't work like a traditional search field, but like a **conversational chatbot**, answering visitors' questions based on your site's…"
url: "https://www.smartsearchwp.com/en/docs/can-i-use-smartsearchwp-instead-of-the-default-wordpress-search-system/"
updated: "2026-10-13"
category: General
---

# Can I use SmartSearchWP instead of the default wordpress search system?

This is an FAQ answer for the [Wordpress plugin chatGPT SmartSearchWP](https://www.smartsearchwp.com/en/).

No, SmartSearchWP doesn **'t replace WordPress' native search system**. It doesn't work like a traditional search field, but like a **conversational chatbot**, answering visitors' questions based on your site's content.

Dans la version gratuite, l’interaction se fait via la **bulle de discussion (phylactère)** affichée sur votre site. L'addon Premium [Full Page](https://www.smartsearchwp.com/docs/existe-t-il-un-chat-plein-ecran-ou-une-fenetre-conversationnelle-addon-full-page/) permet aussi d'afficher le chatbot en pleine page, avec le shortcode `[sswp_full_page]` ou un bloc Gutenberg. Dans les deux cas, il **n’existe pas de champ de recherche ni de widget** qui viendrait remplacer celui de WordPress dans une zone comme l’en-tête, la sidebar ou la page de résultats.

SmartSearchWP offers a **complementary experience to** the classic search engine: more natural, more contextual, and focused on understanding human language.