Can I clear DuckDuckGo suggestions and saved searches in browser extensions and desktop browsers?

1. Where suggestions come from — three competing sources

Autocomplete or suggestion items you see can come from (a) DuckDuckGo’s client-side features, (b) your browser’s local autofill/history, or (c) extension/browser sync data. DuckDuckGo emphasizes it doesn’t save or tie searches to users on its servers ^[1], while third‑party writeups repeatedly tell readers that many suggestions are stored locally in the browser and must be cleared there ^{[2] [5]}.

2. Clearing suggestions in desktop browsers: browser controls are primary

If suggestions originate from browser autofill or history, the fix is to use the browser’s clear-data or autofill settings: guides instruct users to open browser settings, select time range and data types like “Browsing history” or autofill, then “Clear” (examples summarized by UMA Technology and TechBloat) ^{[2] [5] [3]}. DuckDuckGo’s own materials note its extension can change your default search engine and that you still rely on browser controls for local data ^{[6] [4]}.

3. Deleting individual suggestions in the search box: in‑place removal works sometimes

Several how‑to articles describe deleting single suggestions directly: highlight the suggestion and press Delete or click an X beside the entry to remove that particular autofill/suggestion ^{[7] [2]}. These techniques target local suggestion lists rather than removing anything from DuckDuckGo’s servers — consistent with DuckDuckGo’s claim it doesn’t keep user search histories ^[1].

4. DuckDuckGo extension and app: what they control and what they don’t

DuckDuckGo’s extension (Search & Tracker Protection) focuses on tracker blocking, making DuckDuckGo the default search engine, and protecting searches from web trackers ^{[8] [6]}. Extensions and the DuckDuckGo app provide privacy protections and local features (for example, app auto‑clear options), but documentation and extensions pages make clear they are not a substitute for your browser’s autofill/history settings when it comes to deleting saved suggestions ^{[4] [9]}. UMA Technology and DuckDuckGo materials both advise combining extension use with browser controls for best results ^{[10] [4]}.

5. Mobile apps and auto‑clear features: built into DuckDuckGo app but not universal

DuckDuckGo’s mobile app includes an “Auto Clear Data” or fire‑icon feature to clear tabs and local data, which removes history and can help eliminate suggestions saved by the app itself ^[9]. Third‑party guides echo that mobile apps often have their own clear/auto‑clear controls separate from desktop browsers ^[2]. Available sources do not mention a universal cross‑platform “delete all suggestions everywhere” button that reaches every browser or extension simultaneously.

6. Privacy claims vs. practical advice — read the fine print

DuckDuckGo’s stated policy is that it does not track or save individual users’ searches or build profiles ^[1]. That policy explains why many suggestion items are local rather than server‑stored. But privacy guides warn users that even with DuckDuckGo you must manage local browser/autofill data and extension settings to fully remove suggestions ^{[2] [5]}. Recognize the implicit agenda: DuckDuckGo promotes privacy features (and its extension/app) while directing persistent local‑data cleanup back to users and their browsers ^{[4] [10]}.

7. Practical checklist to clear suggestions (quick steps)

• Delete single suggestion while it appears: select it and press Delete or click the on‑item X where offered ^{[7] [2]}.
• Use your browser’s Clear History / Clear Autofill / Clear Form Data controls for broader removal, choosing an appropriate time range ^{[2] [3]}.
• If you use the DuckDuckGo app, enable its Auto Clear Data or use the clear‑data/fire icon to remove local app history ^[9].
• Use the DuckDuckGo extension for tracker protection and set DDG as default search, but still run browser data clears for autofill ^{[6] [4]}.

8. Limitations and unanswered details in reporting

Sources confirm server‑side non‑tracking by DuckDuckGo ^[1] and outline browser/app controls ^{[2] [9] [4]}, but available sources do not mention a single, universal method that simultaneously clears suggestions across all desktop browsers, extensions, and the DuckDuckGo app in one action. They also do not document any background retention of identifiable search histories on DuckDuckGo’s servers ^[1].

Bottom line: clear in‑place suggestions or individual autofill items for quick fixes, use your browser’s privacy/data clearing controls for comprehensive results, and rely on DuckDuckGo app settings if you’re using its mobile browser — all documented in DuckDuckGo help pages and third‑party how‑tos ^{[2] [1] [4]}.