Steps to clear cache and cookies in DuckDuckGo on Android

1. Quick, step-by-step commands to clear cache and cookies in the DuckDuckGo Android app

The simplest method reported is to launch the DuckDuckGo app, tap the three-bar menu at the bottom right, open Settings, choose Personal Browsing Data, then tap Delete Browsing Data and select Cache and Cookies to remove them ^[1]. Independent guides confirm that mobile browsers generally expose a similar path under settings to clear cached images/files and cookies; the same concepts apply to the DuckDuckGo app’s local storage options ^{[4] [5]}.

2. Use the Fire Button for a fast “nuke” of local traces — and know its limits

DuckDuckGo’s Fire Button is built into the app to erase traces from the app’s local storage, including cookies, website caches, favicons, open tabs, back-button history, visited URLs, and permissions granted to websites ^[2]. The Fire Button offers convenience over manually deleting items, but DuckDuckGo documents explicit exceptions: it will not clear 1st-party cookies and storage for sites the user has “Fireproofed,” nor will it remove bookmarks, downloaded files, or DuckDuckGo search settings and associated storage ^[2].

3. When to clear cache and cookies — practical reasons and consequences

Clearing cache and cookies solves predictable problems: it forces pages to fetch fresh content when sites have been updated, removes stale data that can cause display or login errors, and can free local storage used by cached files ^[4]. On the downside, clearing these will often log the user out of sites, remove site-specific preferences, and may increase load times on subsequent visits because resources must be re-downloaded ^{[4] [5]}.

4. Privacy nuance: DuckDuckGo’s privacy posture versus local storage reality

Although DuckDuckGo emphasizes privacy and offers mechanisms to avoid or minimize cookies (for example by using URL parameters for settings and suggesting exceptions to broad cookie-clearing routines), the company acknowledges some settings are stored via cookies and that users can make exceptions for duckduckgo.com if needed ^[3]. Reporting also notes that DuckDuckGo’s app stores local data that the Fire Button targets, which means users still need to clear local storage if they want to remove traces on the device itself ^[2]. Sources disagree slightly in tone: some guides state DuckDuckGo “does not store cookies” as a selling point, while DuckDuckGo’s own help pages explain cookies are used for certain settings and can be managed ^{[1] [3]}.

5. Troubleshooting and practical tips after clearing data

If settings keep getting cleared unexpectedly, DuckDuckGo’s help suggests that some external process (or switching devices) may be wiping cookies, which is why URL parameter alternatives exist to preserve settings without cookies ^[3]. For users who prefer a manual confirmation route, third-party guides reiterate opening the app and using Clear Data or Delete Browsing Data options in settings, and restarting the app after using the Fire Button can ensure any residual data is fully cleared while avoiding known temporary bugs ^{[5] [2]}.

6. Bottom line: follow the app path, then decide what to keep

For immediate removal of cache and cookies on Android, follow the in-app path (three-bar menu → Settings → Personal Browsing Data → Delete Browsing Data → select cache and cookies) or use the Fire Button for broader local clearing; be mindful that DuckDuckGo intentionally preserves some items like Fireproofed site cookies and search settings unless the user changes those options ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Where sources diverge is mostly about emphasis — privacy messaging versus the practical existence of some cookie-based settings — and users should balance convenience against losing site logins or preferences ^{[1] [3] [4]}.