How to Block Ads on DuckDuckGo

Evan Gower August 28, 2020

In comparison to other browsers, DuckDuckGo has far fewer ads, and that’s one of the reasons people choose it. However, these ads can still be distracting, especially if you’re used to browsing ad-free. Installing ad-blocking software seems like the most natural solution, but there’s something even better.

DuckDuckGo is against ad-blocking software, although they can’t prohibit it. That’s why they’ve created another way to block ads in this browser, and in this article, we’ll show you how.

Disabling Ads

DuckDuckGo allows every user to choose whether they want to see ads or want to disable them. Instead of downloading some suspicious ad-blocking software or extension, you can use a simple option from the Settings. Here’s how:

Open DuckDuckGo.
Open Settings.
Click on General.
Click on Advertisement.
Turn off that option.

That’s it! As you can see, it’s much faster than bothering with various extensions that may or may not work.

Should I Block Ads?

What kind of question is this? Why would someone want to keep seeing ads? Well, let us explain. DuckDuckGo is a free browser – this means that they provide you a safe environment to browse while they’re protecting your privacy and blocking various online trackers, and all that is free!

How can this business model even be profitable? DuckDuckGo gets a small commission for every ad they display, and that’s one of the things that keeps them going. Yet, they try to filter and select only those ads that are relevant to your search so that you can find something helpful.

Some people believe that seeing those ads is their method to give back to DuckDuckGo and contribute to its development. However, the company understands that some people just don’t like ads, and that’s why they’ve introduced the option to disable them.

There are some other ways to support this browser and the cause they’re fighting for. For example, spread the word and recommend this browser to other people. Share it on your social media or leave them a positive review in the App Store.

What’s more, there’s even a unique hashtag you can use on Twitter: #ComeToTheDuckSide. You can do a good deed by using it, and the company will give you a shout-out to boost your account.

Difference Between DuckDuckGo Ads and Other Ads

DuckDuckGo is aware that most people don’t like ads, and they try to make them minimal and non-invasive. That’s why their ad policy is entirely different from the one most commercial browsers and websites use. It’s essential you know the two main differences between ads you can see on DuckDuckGo and those you can view on other browsers:

DuckDuckGo ads aren’t based on your search history. Most other browsers are tracking your details so they can offer you tailored-made advertisements according to your interests, age, sex, etc. Not DuckDuckGo. The ads won’t be completely irrelevant, though. They’re connected with the things you’re searching for right now, and they may help you find something you need.
All DuckDuckGo ads have the Ad badge, and they can be clearly distinguished from organic results. Have you noted that major browsers every year make it more and more difficult to distinguish whether something is organic or a paid result? The ad sign is small or non-existent, as they want to trick you into clicking on the ad. DuckDuckGo doesn’t use this strategy, and you’ll always be able to tell if something is an ad.

How to Disable Ad Blockers?

If we’ve convinced you to use the DuckDuckGo ad disabling feature instead of other ad blockers, here’s how you can disable them for this browser:

Open duckduckgo.com from your default browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
In the top menu, find the icon of the ad blocker you’re using.
Click on it.
Disable the ad blocker for DuckDuckGo.

The fourth step may vary depending on what browser you’re using. For example, on Chrome, this option is called “Don’t Run on Pages on This Domain,” while on Firefox, it’s called “Disable on duckduckgo.com.” However, all of them have this option, and you can easily recognize it.

Of course, this disables the ad-blocker only when you’re using DuckDuckGo. Don’t worry, the blockers will still protect you from ads on other browsers.

Everybody Hates Ads

Everybody hates ads, right? But until browsers and websites find some other method to support themselves, we’ll have to deal with them or find ways to block them. Today, many apps offer ad-free versions, with a little charge. Who knows, maybe browsers will start doing the same so you can finally be sure you’re protected from ads.

How do you deal with ads usually? Do you use any ad blocking software, and if so which one? Let us know in the comments section below.