Set up DuckDuckGo as the default search engine in Chrome, Firefox & IE

If you want to search anonymously on the Internet, you can set up DuckDuckGo in your browser as the default search engine. The Google alternative does not create any profile of you or pass data on to third parties. In this practical tip, we will show you how to proceed with the most common browsers.

Set up DuckDuckGo in Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome and enter the following command in the address bar "chrome: // settings / searchengines"
2. Scroll down a little to "Other search engines" until three empty text fields appear.
3. Enter "DuckDuckGo" under "Add search engine".
4. You can choose duckduckgo.com as "search abbreviation".
5. In the field "URL" you have to insert the following term "//duckduckgo.com/?q=%s"
6. Now move the mouse over the entry and click on the "Set as default" button.
7. DuckDuckGo is now activated as your new default search engine.

Set DuckDuckGo as the default search engine in Firefox

1. Open the DuckDuckGo website in Firefox.
2. Click on the arrow in the small search engine field at the top right (see picture).
3. Then select the entry "Add DuckDuckGo" in the drop-down menu.
4. You can now search via DuckDuckGo via the address bar and the search engine field.

Set up DuckDuckGo in Internet Explorer

You can also set DuckDuckGo as your default search engine in Internet Explorer.

1. Open the DuckDuckGo homepage in Internet Explorer.
2. Click the "Add to browser" button at the bottom of the page.
3. Then select the "Install IE search provider" entry in the pop-up menu.
4. A new dialog box will then open: Place a checkmark next to "Set as default search engine" and confirm your selection with the "Add" button.

In this practical tip, we have summarized the other advantages DuckDuckGo offers you over other search engines.