Hidden Features of DuckDuckGo Browser You Should Know

DuckDuckGo has quickly become a favorite among privacy-conscious users for its commitment to keeping your online activities private. While most people are familiar with its core privacy features, DuckDuckGo also comes packed with several hidden gems that can enhance your browsing experience even further. In this article, we'll explore some of the lesser-known features of the DuckDuckGo browser that you should definitely know about.

1. !Bang Commands: Search Directly on Specific Websites

One of DuckDuckGo’s most powerful yet underutilized features is the !Bang command. This allows you to search directly within a specific website from the DuckDuckGo search bar. For instance, if you want to search for a book on Amazon, you simply type !amazon followed by your query (e.g., !amazon bestsellers). DuckDuckGo will take you directly to the Amazon search results page.

• How to Use It: Type ! followed by the site’s abbreviation and your search query.
• Examples:
  • !yt for YouTube
  • !wikipedia for Wikipedia
  • !news for Google News
• Why It’s Useful: This feature saves time by bypassing the need to visit a website first and then perform a search.

Also Read - Why DuckDuckGo is the Best Browser for Mobile Users

2. Instant Answers: Get Information Without Clicking

DuckDuckGo offers Instant Answers, which provide direct responses to your queries right at the top of the search results, eliminating the need to click through to a website. Whether you're looking for weather updates, calculations, or quick facts, Instant Answers deliver the information you need instantly.

• How to Use It: Simply type your query into the search bar.
• Examples:
  • weather [city]
  • define [word]
  • time in [location]
• Why It’s Useful: This feature enhances efficiency, allowing you to get the information you need without leaving the search results page.

3. Tracker Radar: See Who's Trying to Track You

DuckDuckGo’s browser isn’t just about blocking trackers; it also shows you exactly who’s trying to track you with its Tracker Radar feature. This tool provides real-time insights into the trackers present on the websites you visit and how they’re trying to collect your data.

• How to Use It: Click on the shield icon in the address bar while browsing.
• Why It’s Useful: This feature gives you transparency and control over your privacy, helping you understand which sites are privacy-friendly and which are not.

4. Privacy Grade: Evaluate Website Safety at a Glance

The Privacy Grade feature gives each website you visit a grade from A to F based on its privacy practices. This grade takes into account factors such as the presence of trackers, the use of HTTPS, and the site’s overall privacy policy.

• How to Use It: The grade is displayed in the address bar next to the URL.
• Why It’s Useful: It allows you to quickly assess how safe and private a website is, helping you make informed decisions about which sites to trust.

Also Read - How to Fix the DNS Server Not Responding?

5. Fire Button: Erase Your Browsing History Instantly

One of the standout features of DuckDuckGo is the Fire Button, which allows you to erase all your browsing history, tabs, and data with a single tap. This feature ensures that no traces of your online activities are left behind, providing a quick and easy way to protect your privacy.

• How to Use It: Tap the fire icon in the DuckDuckGo browser interface.
• Why It’s Useful: This is an excellent tool for those who want to maintain a high level of privacy with minimal effort, especially when using shared or public devices.

6. Anonymous View: Browse Websites Privately

DuckDuckGo’s Anonymous View allows you to visit websites without being tracked by those sites. Unlike incognito mode on other browsers, which only hides your browsing history from others on your device, Anonymous View also prevents the websites you visit from tracking your activity.

• How to Use It: Click on “Anonymous View” next to a search result link in DuckDuckGo’s search results.
• Why It’s Useful: This feature is perfect for those times when you want to visit a site but don’t want it to follow you around the internet afterward.

7. Customizable Themes: Personalize Your Browser

While DuckDuckGo is known for its functionality, it also allows for a degree of personalization. You can choose from a variety of themes to customize the appearance of your browser to better suit your preferences.

• How to Use It: Go to Settings > Appearance > Themes.
• Why It’s Useful: Customizing your browser can make your browsing experience more enjoyable and tailored to your style.

Also Read - Should You Get a Static IP from Your ISP? Pros and Cons

8. Email Protection: Secure Your Inbox

DuckDuckGo offers an Email Protection feature that provides you with a free @duck.com email address. This address forwards emails to your regular inbox while stripping out tracking pixels that are often embedded in emails to collect data on your activities.

• How to Use It: Sign up for an @duck.com email address through DuckDuckGo’s settings.
• Why It’s Useful: This feature protects your email privacy without requiring you to change your existing email provider.

9. App Tracking Protection: Keep Apps From Spying on You

DuckDuckGo goes beyond browser-based privacy with its App Tracking Protection feature. This tool blocks hidden app trackers that can collect data on your activities across different apps on your mobile device, even when you’re not using them.

• How to Use It: This feature is available within the DuckDuckGo app for Android.
• Why It’s Useful: App Tracking Protection gives you control over what personal data apps can access, enhancing your privacy across your entire device.

Conclusion

While DuckDuckGo is widely recognized for its privacy features, its hidden functionalities can significantly enhance your browsing experience. From time-saving search commands and instant answers to in-depth privacy controls and customizable options, DuckDuckGo is more than just a private browser; it’s a powerful tool for those who value their online privacy and efficiency.

Exploring these hidden features can help you get the most out of DuckDuckGo, making your mobile browsing not only more secure but also more streamlined and enjoyable. If you haven’t already, it might be time to dive deeper into DuckDuckGo’s capabilities and unlock the full potential of your browsing experience.