How to Block Ads on DuckDuckGo Browser on PC & Mobile

Hello and welcome to the AdLock blog! We assume you were surfing the internet searching for info on DuckDuckGo ads, possible ways of blocking them, or maybe an ad blocker for DuckDuckGo. We’ve got you covered!

In a world where online advertising seems to be everywhere, privacy-conscious users turn to DuckDuckGo as their go-to browser for a cleaner and more secure web experience. While this browser is renowned for its commitment to user privacy, you will still encounter ads. 

“DDG developer reports that the browser uses approximately 60% less traffic compared to the same Google Chrome. When you go to any website, DuckDuckGo will block geolocation tracking, encrypt most traffic, disable all tracking services, and hide intrusive advertising.”

Intrusive commercials, but not all the ads popping here and there (the browser is monetized through ad partnerships). So, is there a solution?

Fortunately, there are effective ways to block ads on DuckDuckGo, both on your PC and mobile devices. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enjoy an ad-free browsing experience while maintaining your privacy with DuckDuckGo.

Ads in DuckDuckGo

Although the developers emphasize the fact that their browser “duckduckgo blocks ads”, it blocks “intrusive” ones only and lets other commercials slip through. In comparison to other browsers, DDG indeed has fewer commercials, but those that appear can still be annoying and distracting. 

The search engine itself doesn’t track your search history or personal information, and it doesn’t display personalized ads. Why does DuckDuckGo have ads? It generates revenue through ads that are displayed alongside search results. 

Here’s some information about ads you will definitely see while using DuckDuckGo:

• Non-Personalized Ads

DuckDuckGo displays ads that are not based on your personal information or search history. These ads are contextually relevant to your search query but are not tailored to your individual preferences or behavior.

• Ads from Partners

DuckDuckGo partners with various advertising networks to provide these non-intrusive, non-tracking ads. These networks include Bing Ads and Yahoo Gemini, among others.

DuckDuckGo is transparent about its advertising practices. You can click the “Ads” link on the search results page to learn more about the ads displayed and how they are chosen. Relying on ads as a source of revenue, the DDG browser aims to strike a balance between user privacy and sustainability.

DuckDuckGo doesn’t have built-in ad-blocking features and they’re against adblocking software in general yet they can’t prohibit using adblockers.

How to Block Ads in DuckDuckGo

Back in the day, there was a built-in option for disabling ads on the browser, but it’s gone, which is somewhat sad. So, what’s left for us to do about commercials?

1. VPN services with adblocking options
2. Standalone adblockers

Now, these two ways are equally useful for both mobile and desktop devices, so there’s no specific secret technique for separate OS.

Blocking ads on DuckDuckGo via VPNs

Blocking ads on DuckDuckGo or any other browser via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is not a common or recommended method for ad-blocking. VPNs are primarily used for enhancing online privacy, security, and anonymity by routing your internet traffic through a secure server. Although their main purpose is not adblocking, some VPNs do offer ad removal. Keep in mind, that those “adblocking” capabilities provided by VPN apps have the following limitations:

• Effectiveness

VPNs are not optimized for ad-blocking, and their ad-blocking capabilities may not be as comprehensive or up-to-date as dedicated ad-blocking software.

• Limited Customization

VPNs may not offer as much control and customization over which ads and trackers are blocked compared to standalone adblocking apps.

• Performance

Depending on the VPN service and its ad-blocking features, using a VPN for ad-blocking could potentially slow down your internet connection.

• Compatibility

Some VPNs may not work well with certain websites or services, potentially causing issues with the websites you visit.

Okay, we’ve come to the point where we consider standalone adblockers as the best contenders. But are they all good? Is there a specific ad blocker for DuckDuckGo?

Block DuckDuckGo ads with AdLock

Here’s the thing. DuckDuckGo browser for Windows does not have addons/extensions available, so you won’t just go to the “extension store” and get ublock origin/adblock (just as an example), or any other ad blocker for duckduckgo.

Given that the browser’s development team has a steady stance against adblockers, we assume they won’t roll out duckduckgo adblocker extension support any time soon. Of course, things may change over time. 

As for now, the only reliable solution for duckduckgo enjoyers is a standalone adblocker like AdLock. Why we repeat “standalone” again and again is because a full-fledged adblocker application has a completely different approach to blocking ads. First of all, a standalone blocker works on a network level hence providing a systemwide adblocking. Second of all, it utilizes many more tools when removing ads from apps and browsers.

Average extensions are limited in their functionality because of browser technical “frames”.

Standalone ad blockers can block ads in not only web browsers but also in other applications, such as games, news apps, and social media apps, providing a more consistent ad-free experience across your device. Some standalone ad blockers (like AdLock) include additional privacy features like DNS filtering and VPN functionality, which can provide enhanced online privacy and security.

So, what should you do to start blocking all ads with AdLock? Here:

• Go to the official website; 
• Go to the “Products: tab;
• Choose the operating system you need AdLock for;
• Download AdLock and install it;
• Launch the app (if it didn’t start right away);
• Follow through with the onboarding;
• Enable “Ad blocking”;
• Enjoy your ad-free Internet activities.

Also, make sure apps and browsers you want to be clean of ads are in the list of filtered apps. Or, if you want some specific app to show ads (some game you enjoy that offers bonuses/boosts for watching ads), just toggle the state to “Not filter”. That’s basically it. And yes, it’s uniform for almost any operating system.

Does DuckDuckGo Block YouTube Ads

DuckDuckGo browser has its “tailormade” Duck Player, which prevents YouTube from serving targeted commercials and user-tracked recommendations. Being quite convenient, Duck Player is a decent inbuilt solution to block YouTube ads.

Although it hides “Recommended” videos, comments, etc., its benefits are obvious. And yes, you can switch back to YouTube player any time. Given that it doesn’t require anything apart from pressing 1 button, it’s a cool feature. With duckduckgo ads on YouTube are gone. 

Does DuckDuckGo Block Ads in Google Chrome

DuckDuckGo, as a privacy-focused search engine and browser, does not inherently block ads in Google Chrome or any other browser. DuckDuckGo’s primary focus is on user privacy, not ad-blocking. While it does offer some privacy features, like built-in tracker blocking and the ability to force websites to use encrypted HTTPS connections when available, it doesn’t specifically block ads in Chrome or other browsers.

If you want to block ads in Google Chrome, you would typically need to use a dedicated ad-blocking extension or app. If you want more info on how to block ads on Chrome or why is AdLock the best ad blocker for Chrome, we got it.

AdLock is The Best Ad Blocker for DuckDuckGo

AdLock was, is, and will be one of the best ad-blocking solutions available for various platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. It has gained recognition and popularity among users as a standalone ad blocker for several reasons:

1. Comprehensive Ad Blocking

AdLock is known for its ability to block a wide range of ads, including banner ads, pop-ups, video ads, and social media ads. We aren’t partnered with any advertisers, and we hate annoying ads. We block them all by default.

2. System-Wide Blocking

AdLock operates at the network level, allowing it to block ads not only in web browsers but also in other apps and services on your device. This provides consistent ad-blocking across your entire device, including apps and games.

3. Regular Updates

Effective ad blockers need to stay up-to-date with the evolving landscape of online ads and trackers. AdLock aims to provide regular updates to maintain its ad-blocking capabilities and keep pace with new advertising techniques.

4. User-Friendly Interface

AdLock offers a user-friendly interface with simple settings, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including those without advanced technical skills.

5. Privacy Features

In addition to ad-blocking, AdLock offers additional privacy features, such as the ability to block tracking scripts and protect your online privacy. Paired with DuckDuckGo privacy features, AdLock will turn you into a shadow on the plains of the World Wide Web.

6. Cross-Platform Support

AdLock is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS, allowing users to enjoy ad-blocking across various devices. So if you are looking for an adblocker for duckduckgo mobile, feel free to explore our “Products” tab on the website.

7. Performance

AdLock has a minimal impact on system resources, leading to a smooth browsing experience without significant slowdowns. By consuming just a smidge of your resources, AdLock helps you save on traffic consumption, and battery usage while speeding up webpage loading. 

“Handheld device enjoyers, we’ve got you: download adblocker for duckduckgo on Android here, and duckduckgo adblocker for iOS here.”

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to block ads that appear on DuckDuckGo browser. Obviously, the most reliable option here is to stick with a trusted adblocker like AdLock. It’s important to note that you can use any other browser of your liking together with AdLock on your device since our ad blocker provides even more privacy and security protection than any browser will ever be capable of. While DDG may force some promoted content here and there once in a while, Google Chrome (for instance) with AdLock on your device will be completely clean of ads forever. 

Frequently Asked Questions