How to Switch from Google Search to DuckDuckGo

Why Switch from Google Search to DuckDuckGo?

Google Search tracks every query you make, building detailed profiles of your interests, concerns, and intentions. DuckDuckGo doesn’t track you, doesn’t store your searches, and doesn’t create profiles to sell to advertisers.

Step 1: Set DuckDuckGo as Default

In Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/searchEngines
2. Find DuckDuckGo in the list
3. Click the three dots > Make default

In Firefox:

1. Go to Settings > Search
2. Under Default Search Engine, select DuckDuckGo

In Brave:

1. Go to brave://settings/search
2. Select DuckDuckGo from the dropdown

In Safari:

1. Go to Preferences > Search
2. Select DuckDuckGo

Step 2: Install the Browser Extension

The DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials extension adds extra protection:

1. Visit duckduckgo.com/app
2. Click “Add to [your browser]”
3. The extension blocks trackers and grades website privacy

Step 3: Learn DuckDuckGo Bangs

Bangs are shortcuts to search other sites directly:

• !w topic - Search Wikipedia
• !a product - Search Amazon
• !yt video - Search YouTube
• !gh project - Search GitHub
• !maps location - Search Apple Maps
• !r subreddit - Search Reddit

There are thousands of bangs. Type !bang to see them all.

Step 4: Use Instant Answers

DuckDuckGo provides answers without clicking through:

• Calculator: 2+2 or 20% of 150
• Conversions: 100 USD to EUR or 5 miles in km
• Weather: weather (uses your approximate location)
• Timer: timer 10 minutes
• Password generator: password 16
• QR codes: qr code https://example.com

Step 5: Customize Settings

1. Visit duckduckgo.com/settings
2. Customize:
   • Theme (dark mode available)
   • Safe search level
   • Region for results
   • Open links in new tab
3. Click “Save & Exit”
4. Bookmark the settings URL to keep your preferences

Step 6: Try DuckDuckGo on Mobile

1. Download the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser
   • iOS
   • Android
2. The browser includes search plus tracker blocking
3. Or just set DuckDuckGo as default in your current mobile browser

Tips for Adjusting

Results aren’t as good?

• Try adding more keywords to your search
• Use quotes for exact phrases
• Use bangs to search specific sites directly

Missing personalization?

• That “personalization” was actually a filter bubble
• DuckDuckGo shows the same results to everyone
• This can actually lead to more diverse information

Need location-based results?

• Add your city name to searches
• Enable approximate location in settings

What’s Next?

• Explore DuckDuckGo Email Protection for tracker-free emails
• Try their App Tracking Protection on Android
• Consider their Mac browser for full privacy
• Learn more bangs for your frequently used sites