How to Make DuckDuckGo Your Default Search Engine on Firefox

Whether you're seeking privacy, looking for a faster search experience, or simply prefer using DuckDuckGo, you can easily make it your default search engine in Firefox. In this article, we'll guide you through the process, both on desktop and mobile devices, ensuring you can navigate the world of search with ease and privacy.

Steps to Set DuckDuckGo as Default Search Engine in Firefox

Desktop Version

Changing the default search engine in Firefox on your desktop is quite straightforward. Here are the steps:

Open Firefox and click on the three-line icon in the top-right corner. This is known as the Firefox menu or hamburger icon.

From the menu, select Options (within the Preferences tab), which can also be reached by going to Tools Options.

In the Options window, navigate to the Search section. Here, you'll see a dropdown menu labeled 'Default Search Engine.'

From the dropdown, choose DuckDuckGo. If it's not listed, you can find it by scrolling down to the Find more search engines option.

Once you set DuckDuckGo as your default, you can start enjoying a more secure and flexible browsing experience on Firefox.

Mobile Version

The process on mobile devices is just as simple:

Open Firefox and tap the three bars icon in the lower right corner.

Tap Settings. Then navigate to the Search option.

Choose DuckDuckGo from the list of available search engines.

Your default search engine is now set to DuckDuckGo. You can verify this by going to the address bar where your default search engine will be listed.

Additional Tips for Using DuckDuckGo in Firefox

Manual Setup for Firefox 26: For older versions of Firefox, a manual setup might be necessary. Follow these additional steps:

Moving the Search Input Box

Often, the search input box in Firefox's address bar suggests Google as the default search engine. To make it more versatile:

Go to the address bar at the top and ensure it's set to the standard input mode. A magnifying glass icon in the toolbar indicates this mode.

Click on the search input box to toggle between search engines. If you find no options, this might mean the default is set to Google or another engine.

To add DuckDuckGo as an option, you can manually type in the address bar: {your query}. This will launch a new tab with your search query in DuckDuckGo.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly switch between search engines without leaving your browsing context.

Conclusion

Setting DuckDuckGo as your default search engine in Firefox is a straightforward process that enhances your browsing experience. Whether you're on a desktop or mobile device, you can do it in a matter of minutes. This change not only sets you up for a more private and secure online life but also allows for faster and more direct searches. Share this guide with friends and family to help them set up their browsers for the best possible browsing experience.