How to Use DuckDuckGo With a Proxy in 2025

January 20, 2025 By Christine Margret No Comments 5 minutes

DuckDuckGo is a search engine that prioritizes privacy, making it popular among users who want to stay anonymous online. Using it with a proxy boosts privacy even more and helps you get around geo-restrictions. This article explains how to use DuckDuckGo with a proxy, its benefits, and important things to keep in mind for a safe and smooth browsing experience.

Note: Using a VPN with a privacy search engine like DuckDuckGo will help you stay private and enhance your anonymity. FastestVPN is the best VPN for DuckDuckGo, with best-in-class encryption and industry-leading security features. Try it risk-free today.

What Is DuckDuckGo?

DuckDuckGo is a search engine designed with privacy in mind. Unlike other major search engines, it doesn’t track your data, meaning your search history and personal details stay private. If you care about your privacy and want to avoid online tracking, this is a great choice. While DuckDuckGo can see your IP address by default, using a proxy can hide it, adding an extra layer of privacy and allowing you to scrape search results.

Reasons for Using a Proxy with DuckDuckGo Search Engine

A proxy acts as a middleman between you and the internet, hiding your IP address to keep you anonymous. When you use a proxy with DuckDuckGo, it can:

• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Proxies help you access DuckDuckGo in areas where it may be blocked.
• Increase Anonymity: Proxies hide your IP address, adding extra protection for your identity.
• Unlock Restricted Content: If websites like DuckDuckGo are blocked at places like schools or workplaces, a proxy lets you access them.
• Prevent Bandwidth Throttling: ISPs sometimes slow down internet speed for certain sites, but proxies can help you avoid these speed limits and access sites faster.

How to Set up a Proxy for DuckDuckGo

The process of setting up a DuckDuckGo proxy depends on your platform. Below is a step-by-step guide for each system.

For Windows 10 and 11

• Go to the Windows search bar and type “proxy settings.” Click on the first result labeled “Proxy settings” (1st option).
• You will see two options now: Automatic proxy setup and Manual proxy setup.

• Switch on Automatic proxy setup if you want your device to automatically detect proxy settings.

• To use manual proxy settings, click the “Set up” button.
• Enter the IP address and port of your proxy server.
• Click “Save” to apply the settings. If your proxy needs authentication, ensure your IP address is approved by your proxy provider.

For Mac Devices:

• Click the Apple Icon.
• From the drop-down menu, select System Preferences.
• Click Network.
• Select Advanced.
• Go to the Proxies tab.

You will now be in the macOS proxy settings. Unlike Windows, macOS only offers manual proxy configuration. Follow these steps:

• Choose the proxy IP protocol you want to configure (this depends on what your proxy provider supports).
• Enable Secure Web Proxy.
• Enter the Proxy Server Address and Port Number.
• Click OK to save your settings.

Note: You may need to enter your Mac user password to finalize the changes.

• Congratulations! Your DuckDuckGo proxy server is now set up.

For Android Mobiles:

• Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
• Select the network you’re connected to.
• Tap Settings.
• Choose View more.
• Under Proxy, select Manual.
• Enter your proxy details.

Once your proxy is set up, open DuckDuckGo in your browser. From now on, your searches will benefit from both DuckDuckGo’s privacy protection and your proxy server.

 DuckDuckGo Proxy Restrictions

Based on my experience, using proxies with DuckDuckGo comes with a few challenges:

• Risks of IP Blocking and Bans

If you make too many requests, even with a proxy, your IP might be blocked. Using rotating proxies can help, but DuckDuckGo may still detect unusual activity.

• Impact on Speed and Performance

Proxies can slow down your connection, which could affect DuckDuckGo’s performance. It’s best to test the proxy’s speed before using it for heavy tasks.

• Issues with Browser Extensions

Some browser extensions might conflict with proxies. I suggest turning off any add-ons that impact network traffic.

• Legal and Ethical Considerations

Scraping DuckDuckGo should be done responsibly. Following their terms of service and controlling the frequency of requests can help minimize risks.

To avoid these challenges, I recommend using rotating proxies, as they can reduce the likelihood of detection due to high request volumes.

Best DuckDuckGo Proxies for 2025

A DuckDuckGo proxy doesn’t allow the collection or sharing of sensitive data. Here are the best private DuckDuckGo proxies for 2025:

1. Soax Proxy 

Soax is a top-notch service that provides residential and mobile proxies. It offers a large network of clean IP addresses from different locations around the world. With Soax, users can perform tasks like web scraping, ad verification, market research, and more, all while enjoying better privacy, security, and efficiency.

    2. ProxyRack

ProxyRack is an online service that offers a variety of rotating residential, datacenter, and mobile proxies. It’s designed for people and businesses needing extra security, privacy, and location options while browsing online.

   3. CroxyProxy 

CroxyProxy is a web proxy that lets you access your favorite websites. Unlike other proxies and VPNs, it only handles specific pages or requests, so you don’t have to route all your internet traffic through it. It’s great for people who value their privacy.

Conclusion – DuckDuckGo Proxy

With a DuckDuckGo proxy, you can ensure maximum protection and privacy. It allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and enables you to enjoy unrestricted access to the internet. Selecting the right proxy type and following best practices ensures a safe and secure experience. For those willing to protect their online identity can access DuckDuckGo with FastestVPN. With a VPN, your connection goes encrypted, and no one can see or monitor your IP address and online activities. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Receive the trending posts of the week and the latest announcements from FastestVPN via our email newsletter.

Email Address