How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (2024)

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (1)

If privacy is what you're after and you want to get away from using Google, DuckDuckGo is a great alternative. The service focuses on putting privacy first, from internet browsing to email forwarding. However, the results aren't as relevant or robust, so you may not always find exactly what you're looking for.

Thousands of privacy-conscious users have already made the switch from messaging platforms like WhatsApp to more secure-seeming options such as Signal and Telegram.

At the same time, many people may be opting to use DuckDuckGo instead of Google or Bing for web searches, likely because the lesser-known search engine does not collect user data or track what you search.

DuckDuckGo has seen more than 4 million users install its apps and browser extensions, making it their default search engine, and you can too.

Here's how to switch to — and use — DuckDuckGo.

How to add DuckDuckGo to your browser

If you simply want to try out DuckDuckGo, type duckduckgo.com into your browser's address bar and enter your search query. Use it for a while and see if you like it. Once you're ready to make the switch, you can either select DuckDuckGo as your default search engine or add the appropriate app or extension to your browser.

Adding DuckDuckGo to Chrome

Chrome users have two options for using DuckDuckGo on the desktop. The simplest option, if you're looking only for the private search function, is to make DuckDuckGo the default search engine.

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Go to Settings (the three vertical dots at the top right of your browser bar) > Search engine > Manage search engine. Click the vertical dots next to DuckDuckGo and select Make default. This will make DuckDuckGo the default search engine in your address search bar as well.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (2)

An alternative for extra privacy is to install the DuckDuckGo Chrome extension. This will block hidden trackers and connect you to encrypted versions of websites if available.

If you change your mind about DuckDuckGo, both the default setting and the browser extension can be disabled in Chrome's settings.

Adding DuckDuckGo to Firefox

To make DuckDuckGo your default search engine in Firefox, toggle open the Settings options with the three horizontal lines to the far right of your address bar. Click Preferences and open the Default Search Engine drop-down menu to select DuckDuckGo. This will change the settings for search in your address bar.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (3)

To make DuckDuckGo your homepage in Firefox, drag this link to the Home icon and select Yes in the pop-up window.

Like Chrome, Firefox has an add-on called DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials that has extra privacy features.

Adding DuckDuckGo to other browsers

Safari users can simply tap the magnifying glass in the search bar, which will bring up a drop-down to select the default search engine. You can also add the DuckDuckGo extension from the App Store.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (5)

With Brave, open the hamburger menu at the top right and go to Settings > Search Engine. Open the dropdown menu at the top of the page and select DuckDuckGo as your default.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (6)

In Edge, click the three horizontal dots (they look like " … ") in the top right and select Settings. On the next page, click the three stacked lines in the top left and select > Privacy, Search and Services.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (7)

Scroll all the way down the page and, under the Services heading, click Address Bar and Search. Open the dropdown menu next to Search Engine Used in the Address Bar and select DuckDuckGo. You can also get the Privacy Essentials add-on.

Adding DuckDuckGo on mobile

DuckDuckGo has browsing apps for both iOS and Android. If you prefer to use DuckDuckGo as your default search engine within Safari, Firefox, or Brave, follow the steps on DuckDuckGo's help pages.

How to use DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo isn't all that different from any other search engine. Type your query into the search bar and get your results. As with Google, you can narrow your search to images, videos, news, maps and shopping.

DuckDuckGo's results pages look fairly similar to Google's, with knowledge panels, news carousels and related searches. However, you'll get more with Google search results, such as recent tweets, People Also Ask and videos, than you'll get with DuckDuckGo.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (8)

Google also returns different, and perhaps more relevant, results, depending on your perspective. When we searched for "Sundance Film Festival," Google's first four results (punctuated by People Also Ask and tweets from @SundanceFest) were from different pages on Sundance.org.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (9)

With DuckDuckGo, we got only one link, to the main festival page. The second result was from Wikipedia.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (10)

Microsoft's Bing splits the difference between the two, with results similar to DuckDuckGo but more robust knowledge panels.

It's also worth noting that DuckDuckGo uses Apple Maps (with pretty mediocre results) and Yelp reviews. Google obviously shows Google Maps and Google reviews. Bing runs on OpenStreetMap and TripAdvisor.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (11)

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (12)

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (13)

All that is to say, DuckDuckGo isn't anything special once you get beyond the privacy features. However, it can be a useful alternative if you're looking for a new search engine.

How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (14)

Anthony Spadafora

Senior Editor Security and Networking

Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

With contributions from

  • Emily Long

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2 CommentsComment from the forums

  • dkuncio

    admin said:

    DuckDuckGo is a famously privacy-conscious search engine. Here's how to set it up and use it.

    How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know : Read more

    Hello. If I use DuckDuckGo and search for something, that search doesn't get tracked. But if I click on the website I searched, that does get tracked unless I add the "duckduckgo extension" to my browser. Is that correct? What if I'm only concerned about being tracked occasionally- it seems like a hassle to add and remove the DuckDuckGo extension. Any tips? Thank you.

    Reply

  • bobc4012

    This site needs to do a better job for posting comments. It keeps sending me to this comment for my own comment.

    This article is generally about you can have DuckGoas an add-on for some browsers. It does not discuss how to use DuckGo to do searching, At least I can find the various search techniques for Google, but not for DuckGo, which I was expecting to find in this article, instead of making it an add-on. Either rename the article or include how to various types of searching using DuckGo

    Reply

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How to use DuckDuckGo: Everything you need to know (2024)

FAQs

What is the downside to DuckDuckGo? ›

Although DuckDuckGo is much more private and secure than Google and Bing, it still has several downsides and vulnerabilities. In particular, it doesn't encrypt search terms in the URL bar. Also, your data can be monitored if you share it on third-party websites or through online forms.

Can I be tracked if I use DuckDuckGo? ›

DuckDuckGo is an independent Google alternative that also lets you search and browse the web, but we don't track your searches or browsing history, and our browsers and extensions help you block other companies from trying to track you as well, all by default.

What do most people use DuckDuckGo for? ›

Are people using only DuckDuckGo to search? The primary reason people start using DuckDuckGo is because they want the privacy that they can't get from other search engines, browsers, and email services.

Why should I use Google instead of DuckDuckGo? ›

Because Google has a vastly larger pool of search data to dive into, it can often make an effective guess as to what you're trying to find. DuckDuckGo can also get the job done, but you might have to clean up your unusual search terms a bit to hit the nail on the head.

Why is DuckDuckGo banned? ›

Why do schools ban DuckDuckGo? Schools typically forbid the use of DuckDuckGo because students can use it to get around network restrictions and access inappropriate content.

How much does DuckDuckGo cost a month? ›

We also offer Privacy Pro —- our three-in-one subscription service —- which costs $9.99 a month, or $99.99 a year. It includes a VPN, a Personal Information Removal service, and an Identity Theft Restoration service.

Can my internet provider see what I search if I use DuckDuckGo? ›

No. Because the connection between you and DuckDuckGo Search is encrypted, that means your internet provider cannot see the searches you make on DuckDuckGo.

Do I need a VPN when using DuckDuckGo? ›

DuckDuckGo is designed to prevent tracking.

For more enhanced online security, it's recommended to use DuckDuckGo with a VPN. Simply connect to a VPN server and start private web browsing.

What is the safest search engine? ›

  1. Startpage. Startpage is one of the best alternatives to Google due to its high-quality search results and commitment to user privacy. ...
  2. DuckDuckGo. If you've ever looked for a private search engine, you probably came across DuckDuckGo. ...
  3. Qwant. ...
  4. Searx. ...
  5. SearchEncrypt. ...
  6. Gibiru. ...
  7. Ecosia. ...
  8. Swisscows.
Jan 25, 2024

Why would my husband use DuckDuckGo? ›

Your searches are anonymous because it doesn't track IP addresses, use cookies, or create profiles. DuckDuckGo prevents sites from seeing your search terms, therefore enhancing privacy. But it can't hide your use of the search engine from your ISP.

What is safer than DuckDuckGo? ›

A good alternative to DuckDuckGo is StartPage. It provides private search results from Google while keeping your search data anonymous. Another option is Wolfram Alpha, which focuses on delivering factual answers and computational knowledge instead of traditional search results.

Can hackers see DuckDuckGo? ›

It doesn't collect information about you the way Google does, so there's no information for hackers to get their hands on. As an added bonus, DuckDuckGo doesn't associate your searches with your IP address or maintain your search history. Your searches are private and anonymous.

What are the disadvantages to DuckDuckGo? ›

Of course, DuckDuckGo also has its shortcomings, the biggest being:
  • Lack of personalization – since DuckDuckGo doesn't collect your data, it's not possible to get user-specific results (i.e., the auto-suggest function). ...
  • Fewer services – unlike Google, DuckDuckGo only has a search engine.

Can I use Gmail with DuckDuckGo? ›

Email Protection works seamlessly in the background to make your existing email account and inbox (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, Proton, etc) more private — no need to update your contacts or juggle multiple accounts.

Is DuckDuckGo safe for online banking? ›

Yes, DuckDuckGo is safe to use. Known for its commitment to not tracking users, it offers greater user privacy than widely used search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

Can your internet provider see DuckDuckGo? ›

DuckDuckGo Search offers the key features you expect from a search engine, but unlike other search engines, it never tracks you. And because the connection between you and DuckDuckGo Search is encrypted, that means your internet provider can't see the searches you make on DuckDuckGo either.

What is the safest browser? ›

Secure Browsers
  • Firefox. Firefox is a robust browser when it comes to both privacy and security. ...
  • Google Chrome. Google Chrome is a very intuitive internet browser. ...
  • Chromium. Google Chromium is the open-source version of Google Chrome for people who want more control over their browser. ...
  • Brave. ...
  • Tor.

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