How can I verify that cookies, cached files, and local storage are removed after clearing DuckDuckGo history?
Executive summary
Clearing history inside the DuckDuckGo mobile app is done with the “fire” (clear data) action and DuckDuckGo says it does not retain search history on its servers, but whether cookies, cached files and local storage are removed depends on the app or browser being used and the device’s own storage mechanisms [1] [2] [3]. To be confident data was removed requires checking the storage controls your browser or operating system exposes because DuckDuckGo’s privacy posture does not replace local verification [3] [4].
1. Understand what DuckDuckGo itself says and what it does not control
DuckDuckGo advertises that it does not track or store search history and that closing a browsing session clears data in its privacy model [2] [3], and the mobile app exposes a “fire” icon that prompts users to close tabs and clear data [1]. That claim addresses DuckDuckGo’s backend behavior and in-app features; it does not change the fact that clearing browsing-related artifacts can be governed by the client software or the host browser the user is running [3] [4].
2. Use the app’s built-in clear-data controls and known auto-clear options
On the DuckDuckGo mobile app the documented flow is to tap the fire icon and confirm the “close tabs and clear data” action; the app also offers configurable auto-clear timeouts (for example, clearing after 5, 15, 30 or 60 minutes of inactivity) that are intended to remove local session data [1]. If the DuckDuckGo experience is delivered via a desktop browser or as an extension, clearing search or browsing data is handled through the host browser’s “clear browsing data” controls rather than a single DuckDuckGo universal button [4] [3].
3. Verify by checking the client/browser storage controls (what the reporting supports)
Because clearing of cookies, cache and local storage “depends on your browser,” the documented verification path is to use the browser or app settings that list stored cookies and cached files and to run its “clear browsing data” or equivalent function, then re-check those same settings to confirm the items are gone [3] [4]. DuckDuckGo’s help pages note that if settings keep getting cleared it’s usually because some process is clearing cookies or the user is switching devices, which implicitly confirms that cookie and setting persistence are controlled at the browser/process level [5].
4. A practical verification plan and the limits of the sources
Practically, follow the documented clear-data action in the DuckDuckGo app (tap the fire icon) and, if using a full browser, use the browser’s “clear browsing data” interface and then inspect the browser’s cookie/cache controls to ensure no DuckDuckGo-related entries remain [1] [4] [3]. The sources provided explain where responsibility lies and describe the app’s auto-clear options [1] [2], but they do not supply step‑by‑step developer‑tool inspections or command‑line verification procedures; therefore any advice about opening developer tools, checking Application/Storage panels, or using external file inspectors would extend beyond the supplied reporting and cannot be cited here (p1_s1–p1_s7). If deeper, technical verification is required, the available reporting recommends relying on the browser’s own controls and DuckDuckGo’s built-in clear features while keeping in mind that differing browsers and extensions can change how and where cookies and local storage are kept [3] [4].