How do I clear DuckDuckGo search history stored by the browser versus DuckDuckGo app?
Executive summary
DuckDuckGo the search engine says it does not track or retain user search history, so clearing “search history” often means deleting data saved by the browser or the DuckDuckGo app on your device rather than asking DuckDuckGo to purge a server log (several guides repeat that DuckDuckGo itself doesn’t store searches) [1] [2]. For DuckDuckGo’s mobile app you can use the app’s built‑in “clear data” / fire icon or Auto‑Clear settings; for desktop browsers you must clear the browser’s browsing data or the DuckDuckGo extension data because the browser, not DuckDuckGo, may keep records [3] [4] [5].
1. Why people ask this question: search engine promise vs. local browser reality
Users expect privacy from DuckDuckGo because the company “does not store your search history,” but that promise only covers DuckDuckGo’s handling of queries — not files and records your browser or device keeps locally. Multiple how‑to guides emphasize that DuckDuckGo itself doesn’t retain searches while advising users to clear browser data when they want to remove traces [1] [2] [5].
2. Clearing history in the DuckDuckGo mobile app: the “fire” and Auto‑Clear
The DuckDuckGo mobile app includes direct controls to erase local traces: tap the fire icon to close tabs and clear data, and you can enable Auto‑Clear to remove data automatically when you close the app. Tech Junkie describes the fire icon flow and notes Auto‑Clear is off by default but available in app settings [3]. UMA Technology and similar guides echo that the app offers built‑in features to delete search and browsing data [6].
3. Clearing DuckDuckGo used in a desktop browser: use the browser’s tools
When you use DuckDuckGo via a browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) or as an extension, the browser controls history, cookies and cached pages. Guides tell users to open the browser menu, go to Settings → Clear browsing data (or equivalent), select the data types and click “Clear now” — the browser, not DuckDuckGo, performs the deletion [7] [4] [5].
4. Extensions and standalone DuckDuckGo browser behave like typical browsers
If you run a DuckDuckGo browser or the DuckDuckGo extension, clearing history follows the same steps as any browser: use the three‑line menu, choose Settings and Clear browsing data, and pick the items to remove. Several step‑by‑step posts describe that identical flow for the DuckDuckGo browser/extension [7] [4].
5. What DuckDuckGo says it does — and doesn’t — do
Multiple sources assert DuckDuckGo’s operational principle: it’s “privacy‑first” and “does not track user searches or store personal data,” which is why the service itself usually cannot provide a server‑side history to clear [1] [8] [5]. That explains why user action typically focuses on device/browser cleanup rather than asking DuckDuckGo to delete stored queries.
6. Conflicting messaging and why users still see traces
How‑to pieces and user reports show confusion: some guides claim searches are never stored, while users report seeing past queries on shared devices or in browser autofill. The disagreement arises because local browser history, synced accounts, or autofill are outside DuckDuckGo’s control — clearing the app or browser data is the remedy recommended across sources [3] [5].
7. Practical checklist — what to clear and where
Follow these steps based on the platform you use: in the DuckDuckGo mobile app tap the fire icon or enable Auto‑Clear [3]; in the DuckDuckGo browser or any desktop browser use Settings → Clear browsing data and choose history, cookies, cache, and form/autofill if you want to remove search suggestions [7] [4] [5]. Sources consistently present that approach as the effective method [7] [4].
8. Limitations, caveats and what the sources don’t say
Available sources repeatedly state DuckDuckGo doesn’t retain searches, and focus on local clearing [1] [2]. Sources do not mention server‑side retention exceptions, enterprise logs, or interactions with third‑party sites — those topics are not found in current reporting. If you use browser sync (e.g., Chrome/Firefox account), clearing local data may not remove copies stored in that synced account — the guides provided do not cover that nuance (not found in current reporting).
9. Bottom line for users who want truly minimal traces
Treat DuckDuckGo as a search engine that minimizes server tracking, and treat your browser/device as the place to control visible history. Use the app’s fire icon/Auto‑Clear on mobile, and use your browser’s Clear browsing data controls for desktop or the DuckDuckGo browser/extension [3] [7] [4]. If you require absolute certainty about all retained copies, consult your browser’s sync settings and any third‑party services; those specifics are not addressed in the sources here (not found in current reporting).