Browsers

How to Completely Uninstall DuckDuckGo Browser on Mac

To uninstall DuckDuckGo Browser, quit the app and drag it to the Trash. Because it is sandboxed, removing the application icon alone does not delete your personal data.

Last updated: November 1, 20262 min read

Remove DuckDuckGo Browser and everything it leaves behind

DuckDuckGo Browser data usually takes 100 MB – 1 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

Scan your Mac free

Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application: DuckDuckGo Browser
Typical data size: 100 MB – 1 GB
Category: Browsers
File Location: ~/Library/Containers/com.duckduckgo.macos.browser

Manual cleanup steps

Quit the app completely (⌘+Q in the menu bar).
Move DuckDuckGo Browser from the Applications folder to the Trash.
Remove the folders DuckDuckGo Browser left behind, listed in the table below.
Empty the Trash to free up the space.

Everything DuckDuckGo Browser keeps on your Mac

1 locations. Tick each one as you remove it; back up anything marked as your data first.

~/Library/Containers/com.duckduckgo.macos.browser Sandbox container · sandboxed browser data: history, bookmarks, passwords and cache Back up first: your data

Locations are the standard macOS folders DuckDuckGo Browser uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.

What DuckDuckGo Browser leaves behind

Specific to DuckDuckGo Browser

Dragging the app to the Trash leaves behind a container folder located at ~/Library/Containers/com.duckduckgo.macos.browser. This directory stores your history, bookmarks, passwords, and cache, typically occupying 100 MB – 1 GB. These files remain on your Mac until you remove the folder manually via Finder > Go > Go to Folder.

Account and sync: DuckDuckGo has no account; its optional Sync & Backup links devices with a recovery code, otherwise data exists only on this Mac.

Preparing to remove DuckDuckGo Browser

Since there is no account, your data exists only locally unless linked via Sync & Backup. You should ensure your information is backed up or exported while the app is still running. Once the app is deleted, you cannot access the internal password manager or Fireproof settings.

Save the Sync & Backup recovery code or sync another deviceExport all bookmarks and passwords from the built-in managerNote which websites are currently listed as FireproofedQuit the app before moving it to the Trash

0 of 4 done

By hand or with OptiClear

	By hand	With OptiClear
File sizes	You look them up yourself	Shown for every item
Removing the wrong thing	Easy to delete the wrong folder	Goes to the Trash first, so it can be restored
Cost	Free	Scan is free; cleaning needs Pro (yearly plan has a 7-day free trial)

See it working

OptiClear — Scan overview — every category on one screen — Scan overview — every category on one screen

OptiClear — Privacy audit: what each app has been allowed to reach — Privacy audit: what each app has been allowed to reach

OptiClear — Large and aging files, ranked by what they cost you — Large and aging files, ranked by what they cost you

Try it without risk

Download and scan for freeSee every DuckDuckGo Browser file and its size. No account needed.
Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.

Download free and scan

After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.

Frequently asked questions

Not all of them. Folders marked “Back up first: your data” hold your own DuckDuckGo Browser data: back them up before removing them.

Does using the Fire button before uninstalling remove all my data?

The Fire button clears browsing data from within the app but does not remove the underlying system folders.

Can I recover the app if I change my mind?

Items in the Trash can be restored until the Trash is emptied.