For folks who prefer enhanced online anonymity and ad tracking protection, DuckDuckGo has long been a go-to browser. As someone who has used this privacy-centric browser for several years, I can vouch for its efficiency and a host of privacy features.
Safari supports DuckDuckGo so that you can use it to browse the web with complete peace of mind on your iPhone. Though this search engine works like a charm, there are instances where it goes off track and tends to throw unexpected errors.
Issues such as the search engine not loading, displaying a blank page, or failing to return results are pretty common. Having encountered some of these vexing issues myself, I’m going to break down the 10 most effective ways to fix DuckDuckGo not working in Safari on iPhone and iPad. Read on…
1. Check Internet Connection
DuckDuckGo won’t load properly if your internet connection is unstable or weak. Verifying your network ensures the issue isn’t related to connectivity.
- Launch the Settings app on your device > go to Wi-Fi or Cellular.
- Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or have good cellular coverage.
- Try opening another website in Safari to test internet access.
- If it doesn’t work, toggle Airplane Mode on and off or restart your router.
- Should your Wi-Fi continue to misbehave, forget the network and reconnect to it.
2. Relaunch Safari App
Note that temporary glitches or cache build-up can cause DuckDuckGo to stop loading. Restarting Safari refreshes its session and can quickly fix the issue.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-press the Home button on older devices).
- Swipe Safari off the screen to close it completely.
- Reopen Safari and try accessing duckduckgo.com again.
3. Clear Safari Cache and Website Data
It’s worth pointing out that a corrupted cache or stored website data may prevent DuckDuckGo from loading correctly. Clearing this data forces Safari to fetch a fresh version of the site.
- Navigate to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- After that, confirm by tapping Clear History and Data.
- Reopen Safari and visit DuckDuckGo.
4. Disable Content Blockers
Content blockers can sometimes interfere with the DuckDuckGo search engine or its embedded scripts, causing the site to fail.
- Open Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions.
- Temporarily disable any active content blockers.
- Alternatively, while in Safari, tap the menu icon in the address bar > Manage Extensions > Turn off content blockers for DuckDuckGo
- Refresh the page to see if it loads properly.
5. Remove DuckDuckGo as a Shortcut or Bookmark and Re-add It
A corrupted bookmark or Safari shortcut can prevent DuckDuckGo from working correctly. Re-adding it can resolve link-specific loading issues.
- Dive into Safari and tap the Bookmarks icon.
- Find and delete the DuckDuckGo bookmark or shortcut.
- Visit www.duckduckgo.com, then tap the Share icon and choose Add to Favorites or Add to Home Screen.
6. Set DuckDuckGo as Default Search Engine Again
A misconfigured or glitched search engine setting may prevent Safari from using DuckDuckGo properly. Resetting it can reinitialize the connection.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Search Engine.
- Select a different engine (e.g., Google), then switch back to DuckDuckGo.
- Open Safari and search using the address bar to test functionality.
7. Disable Private Relay (If Enabled)
Apple’s iCloud Private Relay may occasionally block or interfere with DuckDuckGo, especially if it misidentifies server IPs. Disabling it can resolve access issues.
- Head over to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Private Relay.
- Now, turn off Private Relay > relaunch Safari, and try using DuckDuckGo.
8. Update iOS/iPadOS to the Latest Version
System updates often include Safari bug fixes and improved compatibility for search engines. Running outdated software might cause performance issues.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- After updating, open Safari and test DuckDuckGo again.
9. Try DuckDuckGo in a New Safari Tab or Window
Sometimes, a specific tab or window may hang or encounter a script error. Opening DuckDuckGo in a fresh session can bypass the issue.
- Launch Safari on your device > tap the Tabs icon at the bottom right corner of the screen > then tap the + button in the bottom left corner to open a new tab.
- In the new tab, type duckduckgo.com and see if it loads.
10. Reset Network Settings
Incorrect network configurations, such as DNS errors, can block access to DuckDuckGo. Resetting network settings will restore default values.
- On your iPhone/iPad > open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
- After reboot, reconnect to Wi-Fi and try DuckDuckGo again in Safari.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! If DuckDuckGo isn’t working in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, don’t worry—most issues are caused by simple misconfigurations or temporary glitches. By following the solutions above, you can troubleshoot everything from Safari settings and network issues to app conflicts and system updates.
Once fixed, you’ll regain access to your favorite privacy-first search engine and enjoy a smoother, safer browsing experience. Let us know which method worked for you, and keep your Safari and iOS versions updated for the best results.
