How to Use DuckDuckGo and Why It’s Better for Privacy (2025 Guide)

NOTE

Search engines see almost everything you do online. DuckDuckGo flips the script by refusing to collect or share your personal data.

Google may feel like the only gateway to the web, but each query feeds a data machine that powers targeted ads, higher prices, and profile-based content bubbles. DuckDuckGo is the simplest escape hatch: same search bar, drastically less snooping. Below you’ll learn how to switch on every device, plus hidden features that amplify your privacy.

Table of Contents
1. What Makes DuckDuckGo Different?
2. Set DuckDuckGo as Default on Desktop Browsers
3. Install the DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials Extension
4. Use DuckDuckGo on Mobile
5. Master Privacy-First Shortcuts (Bangs!)
6. Hidden Settings to Enable
7. Common Pitfalls
8. Troubleshooting
9. Going Further
10. Conclusion

1. What Makes DuckDuckGo Different?

Feature	Google	DuckDuckGo
Personal data stored	Search + location	None (anonymized queries)
Targeted ads	Yes	No
Tracker blocking in results	No	Yes (Tracker Radar)
Location used for search results	Precise GPS/IP	Approximate (if enabled)

DuckDuckGo’s core promise: no personal info collected, ever. Its servers discard IP addresses, don’t log unique identifiers, and strip trackers from the sites you visit through browser extensions.

2. Set DuckDuckGo as Default on Desktop Browsers

Chrome & Brave

Visit https://duckduckgo.com.
Click the three-dot menu → Settings → Search engine.
Under Search engine used in the address bar, pick DuckDuckGo.

Firefox

Open Preferences → Search.
In Default Search Engine, choose DuckDuckGo.

CAUTION

Chrome may occasionally reset the default search engine after updates. Re-check this setting every few months.

3. Install the DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials Extension

The extension blocks hidden trackers, forces HTTPS, and rates sites on privacy.

Chrome/Edge: Chrome Web Store → Add to Chrome.
Firefox: Add-ons Manager → Add to Firefox.

After install, a shield icon appears. Click it on any page to see trackers blocked in real time.

4. Use DuckDuckGo on Mobile

Platform	App	Bonus Features
iOS	DuckDuckGo Browser	One-tap Fire button (cache wipe)
Android	DuckDuckGo Browser	App-tracking protection (beta)

Set it as default:

iOS 14+: Settings → DuckDuckGo → Default Browser App.
Android 12+: Settings → Apps → Default apps → Browser app.

5. Master Privacy-First Shortcuts (Bangs!)

Type !w privacy to jump straight to the privacy article on Wikipedia—no Google middleman. Over 13,000 bangs exist (!yt, !gh, !maps). The request goes directly to the destination site, skipping DuckDuckGo logs.

6. Hidden Settings to Enable

Disable ads entirely: Settings → Privacy → Advertisements.
Strict encryption: Settings → Encryption → Always use HTTPS.
Region setting: Leave blank for neutral results; set to your country for relevance without tracking.

7. Common Pitfalls

Mistake	Consequence
Keeping Google signed-in tabs	Google still tracks via cookies
Forgetting default search on phone	Queries route through Google again
Assuming DuckDuckGo = anonymity	ISPs can still see traffic

8. Troubleshooting

Issue	Fix
Site features break	Temporarily disable extension on that site
Results feel less relevant	Add region in settings or use bangs (`!g`) for Google
Chrome reset default search	Re-set, then disable Search engine suggestions

9. Going Further

Combine DuckDuckGo with Tor Browser for near-total search anonymity.
Use DNS-over-HTTPS (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1) to hide queries from ISPs.
Try Brave Search as a secondary engine for cross-checking results.

10. Conclusion

Switching to DuckDuckGo takes minutes yet slashes a giant chunk from your data trail. Make it your default, add the extension or mobile app, and explore bangs to stay efficient. Privacy doesn’t require sacrifice—just smarter defaults.

Happy private searching! 🔍🦆

Table of Contents