Add DuckDuckGo in three steps

Open Chromium and click the three-line menu in the top right corner. Select Settings, then choose Search engine from the left sidebar. You will see a list of search engines already installed. Click the dropdown that currently shows your default search engine — it probably says Google — and select DuckDuckGo from the list.

If DuckDuckGo does not appear in that dropdown, Chromium will add it automatically the next time you search from the address bar using DuckDuckGo's website directly. Visit duckduckgo.com in a new tab, type a test search, and return to Settings. DuckDuckGo will now be available to select.

Once you select DuckDuckGo, all searches you type into the address bar will use DuckDuckGo instead of Google. Your choice stays in place until you change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • DuckDuckGo is built into Chromium's search engine list and requires no extension or read.
  • You change your default search engine in Settings under the Search engine section, not through extensions.
  • If DuckDuckGo does not appear in the dropdown, visit duckduckgo.com and perform one search to register it with Chromium.
  • Changing your search engine affects only searches typed into the address bar, not searches within websites themselves.

Why Chromium recognizes DuckDuckGo automatically

Chromium ships with a built-in list of major search engines, and DuckDuckGo is one of them. You do not need to install an extension, read a plugin, or modify any files. The search engine is already there — you are straightforward telling Chromium to use it by default instead of Google.

This is different from adding a search engine that Chromium does not recognize. For an obscure or custom search engine, you would need to enter the search URL manually. DuckDuckGo bypasses that step because Chromium already knows how to talk to it.

What happens to your search history when you switch

Changing your default search engine does not delete your old search history in Google or any other engine. Your history with Google stays in your Google account. Your new searches with DuckDuckGo will be separate.

If you want to keep your search history private going forward, DuckDuckGo does not store searches tied to your identity. However, your internet service provider and the websites you visit can still see that you are searching — they just cannot see what you are searching for through DuckDuckGo itself.

Searches in the address bar versus searches on websites

When you type into Chromium's address bar at the top of the window, your default search engine handles the query. Changing to DuckDuckGo affects only those searches. If you visit Google.com directly and search there, you are still using Google, because you chose to go to that website.

The same applies to other websites with their own search boxes. A search box on Wikipedia, Amazon, or a news site will use that site's search, not your default search engine. Your default search engine only applies to the address bar.

Switching back to Google or another search engine

Return to Settings and select Search engine from the left sidebar. Click the dropdown and choose whichever engine you want — Google, Bing, Yahoo, or any other option Chromium offers. The change takes effect when ready.

You can switch back and forth as many times as you want. There is no penalty or waiting period. Chromium remembers all the search engines it has encountered and keeps them available in that dropdown.

Using DuckDuckGo without changing your default

If you want to use DuckDuckGo for a single search without making it your default, visit duckduckgo.com directly and search there. You can also right-click in the address bar and select Search with DuckDuckGo if you have already visited the site once.

This approach is useful if you prefer Google for most searches but want privacy for specific queries. You keep your default search engine but have the option to switch for individual searches.

Troubleshooting: DuckDuckGo does not appear in the dropdown

If you open Settings and DuckDuckGo is not in the search engine list, the simplest fix is to visit duckduckgo.com and perform one search from there. Type any word into DuckDuckGo's search box and press Enter. Return to Settings, and DuckDuckGo will now appear in the dropdown.

This happens because Chromium learns about search engines by watching you use them. Once you have searched through DuckDuckGo at least once, Chromium registers it as an available option. After that, you can select it as your default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding DuckDuckGo require an account?

No. DuckDuckGo works without signing in or creating an account. You can search when ready after selecting it as your default search engine.

Will DuckDuckGo slow down my searches?

Search speed depends on your internet connection and how busy DuckDuckGo's servers are, not on Chromium itself. Most users notice no difference in speed between DuckDuckGo and Google.

Can I use DuckDuckGo on mobile Chromium?

Yes. Open Chromium on Android or iOS, go to Settings, select Search engine, and choose DuckDuckGo from the list. The process is the same as on desktop.

What if I want to use different search engines for different profiles?

Each Chromium profile has its own Settings. If you have created multiple profiles, you can set DuckDuckGo as default in one profile and Google in another. Switch profiles to switch search engines.

Does DuckDuckGo work with Chromium's search suggestions?

Yes. As you type in the address bar, Chromium will show search suggestions from DuckDuckGo. You can click a suggestion or press Enter to search.