How can I permanently delete DuckDuckGo search suggestions and locally stored site permissions on my computer?
Executive summary
DuckDuckGo’s search engine does not store identifiable search histories centrally; residual suggestions and site permissions are generally stored locally by your browser or DuckDuckGo app and must be cleared there (see multiple explainers noting DuckDuckGo doesn’t retain search logs and that local/browser data holds history) [1] [2]. DuckDuckGo apps include a one‑tap “Fire Button” that clears local cookies, caches, favicons, session info and granted site permissions — but Fire does not clear data you’ve “fireproofed,” bookmarked files, downloaded files or DuckDuckGo Search settings; cloud‑saved settings require a separate delete + local reset [3] [4].
1. Where the suggestions and permissions actually live — local, not DuckDuckGo’s central servers
DuckDuckGo’s public materials and many guides emphasize that the engine itself “does not track” or store personal search history; instead the visible suggestions or retained settings you see are stored on your device or in the browser/app you use (browser history, cookies, local storage, or DuckDuckGo’s local app storage) [1] [2] [5]. Reporting and help pages repeat the same distinction: clear your browser/app data to remove local traces [2] [6].
2. How to permanently remove search suggestions stored locally
If suggestions are coming from your browser’s saved history or local DuckDuckGo settings, you must clear that local data. For the DuckDuckGo app or extension, use the Fire Button to erase cookies, caches, visited URLs, and permissions — which removes the typical local traces that produce suggestions [3]. If you used DuckDuckGo’s Cloud Save/Sync, push “Delete my data” to remove synced data on DuckDuckGo’s servers and then “reset all settings to defaults” in your browser/app to remove the remaining local copy [4]. Available sources do not mention a single universal “delete all suggestions everywhere” button beyond this combination of Fire Button + local reset [3] [4].
3. Site permissions — where they’re stored and how to revoke them
Site permissions (location, camera, microphone) are browser/app level settings. DuckDuckGo’s Fire Button is explicit that it “erases … permissions you’ve granted to websites (like geolocation, camera, and microphone settings)” in the DuckDuckGo apps [3]. For non‑app browsers you must open the browser’s Site Settings or Page Info to manually revoke or clear permissions — guides list “Site Settings” under browser privacy controls and recommend periodically reviewing and revoking unnecessary permissions [7] [8].
4. Limitations, exceptions and common pitfalls
The Fire Button won’t clear first‑party cookies and storage for sites you’ve “fireproofed” (DuckDuckGo’s term for exceptions kept across clears), bookmarks, downloaded files, or DuckDuckGo Search settings [3]. DuckDuckGo also notes that some non‑personal product test data may be stored locally for experiments and removed after tests end [5]. Clearing synced cloud data does not delete the local copy unless you reset local settings — “Delete my data” on the cloud removes server copies but “remains in your browser until you click on ‘reset all settings to defaults’” [4]. Available sources do not claim that a local clear is reversible once done; community reports say clearing app data from device storage removes it [9].
5. Technical sticky points: local storage, IndexedDB and “residual” storage
Developers and users have reported that HTML5 local storage (including IndexedDB) can persist even after typical cookie/cache clears — DuckDuckGo’s iOS repo issue history shows local storage sometimes remains unless explicitly removed, allowing session information to survive a force‑stop [10]. Security and forum posts recommend inspecting and clearing browser storage (IndexedDB, localStorage) via developer tools or the browser’s site data controls for complete removal [11]. Available sources do not provide step‑by‑step commands for every browser; they point to browser/site settings and DuckDuckGo’s app features as the primary tools [10] [7].
6. Practical checklist to permanently delete suggestions and permissions
- In DuckDuckGo app: use the Fire Button; review Fireproof Sites and remove any exceptions; then in Settings choose Clear All Data if you want a full wipe [3] [12].
- If you used Cloud Save/Sync: push “Delete my data” on the cloud, then “reset all settings to defaults” locally to remove remaining settings [4].
- In desktop browsers: clear browsing history, cookies, site data and explicitly remove local storage / IndexedDB entries for duckduckgo.com and sites showing suggestions; check Site Settings to revoke permissions [2] [7] [11].
- Reboot your browser or device after clearing if you see leftover artifacts [3]. Available sources do not mention a guaranteed cross‑browser universal command; actions must be repeated per app/browser [4].
7. Competing viewpoints and final warning
Many how‑to guides reiterate DuckDuckGo’s privacy stance—“they don’t retain search history”—but also remind readers that residual traces are a browser/app responsibility [1] [2]. DuckDuckGo’s own help pages present the Fire Button as a powerful local reset while acknowledging exceptions and fireproofing [3]. Users seeking “permanent, global deletion” should accept that deletion requires coordinated cloud + local steps per device and browser; available sources do not indicate a single global kill switch that removes every trace everywhere automatically [4] [3].