How can I clear or prevent local storage and cookies used by DuckDuckGo on my device?
Executive summary
DuckDuckGo’s search engine minimizes server-side tracking but web data like cookies and HTML5 local storage still accumulates on the device through the browser or DuckDuckGo apps; clearing or preventing that data requires using browser controls, DuckDuckGo’s built-in tools (like the Fire Button), or URL parameter workarounds explained by DuckDuckGo itself [1] [2]. Users should also be aware of documented gaps — notably a reported iOS-app behavior where local storage persisted across app restarts — which means device-level clearing may not always remove everything [3].
1. What actually lives on the device and who controls it
DuckDuckGo’s model is that it does not keep user-identifying search logs on its servers, but ordinary web cookies and browser storage are produced by visited websites and by the browser/app on the device; that local data is therefore controlled by the browser or app, not the search engine backend [1] [4].
2. Use the browser’s clear-data tools to remove cookies and cache
When using DuckDuckGo through a standard browser, cookies and cache are managed like any other site data: use the browser’s privacy or “clear browsing data” settings to delete cookies, site data and cached files — the same process documented for Chrome, Firefox and Edge — and optionally run private/incognito sessions to avoid saving them in the first place [5] [6].
3. Use DuckDuckGo app features: the Fire Button and Fireproofing
In DuckDuckGo’s mobile apps there is a built‑in “Fire Button” designed to clear local browsing data — it wipes everyday local data and storage that accumulates as sites are visited — but it explicitly does not clear data for sites the user has “Fireproofed” (which preserves some 1st‑party cookies/storage to stay signed in) nor does it remove downloaded files, bookmarks or DuckDuckGo’s own saved settings [1].
4. Prevent cookies by using URL parameters or making exceptions
DuckDuckGo documents an option to avoid using cookies for its own settings by placing preferences in URL parameters, and suggests either making an exception in whatever clearing routine is running for duckduckgo.com or using those URL parameters/bookmarklets as an alternative to cookies for persistent settings [2].
5. Known implementation gaps: local storage persistence on iOS app
A community-reported issue in DuckDuckGo’s iOS search-and-stories repository noted that HTML5 local storage could survive forcing the app to stop and reopening it, allowing sites to retain session-like state and potentially permit tracking even after clearing other caches; this report demonstrates that app behavior and platform quirks can undermine the expected effectiveness of ordinary clearing methods [3]. DuckDuckGo’s public documentation about the Fire Button affirms that most local storage is removable, but the GitHub issue shows a specific persistence problem that users and auditors flagged [1] [3].
6. Practical checklist and trade-offs to actually clear and prevent data
To clear and reduce DuckDuckGo-related local data: 1) run the browser’s “clear browsing data” for cookies, cache and site storage when using DuckDuckGo in a browser [5]; 2) in DuckDuckGo mobile apps press the Fire Button to wipe local storage, understanding Fireproofed sites will be exempt [1]; 3) if persistent settings are important, use DuckDuckGo URL parameters to avoid cookies for settings or whitelist duckduckgo.com from automatic clearing [2]; and 4) recognize platform bugs (such as the iOS local storage persistence report) may require app updates or manual uninstallation/reinstallation to fully remove stubborn storage — that specific bug is recorded in the project issue tracker, not resolved in the sources provided here [3]. Each choice has a trade‑off: clearing cookies/logins breaks session continuity and convenience, while Fireproofing preserves usability at the cost of leaving some site data intact [1].