How to Configure Tor as Your Default Search Engine in Iridium Browser

Iridium Browser, a privacy-focused fork of Chromium, is designed to improve security by blocking telemetry and tracking. While it doesn’t have built-in Tor support, you can configure it to use a Tor-compatible search engine, such as DuckDuckGo’s .onion version, for enhanced privacy. This guide will walk you through setting a Tor-compatible search engine as your default in Iridium for secure and anonymous searches.

Why Use a Tor-Compatible Search Engine in Iridium Browser?

Using a Tor-compatible search engine as the default in Iridium Browser enhances privacy by routing your search queries through the Tor network. With DuckDuckGo’s .onion version as the search engine, your searches will remain private, aligning well with Iridium’s privacy-focused design.

Step-by-Step Guide to Set a Tor-Compatible Search Engine as Your Default in Iridium Browser

To configure a Tor-compatible search engine in Iridium, you’ll need the .onion address of your preferred search engine, such as DuckDuckGo’s .onion site.

Step 1: Open Iridium Browser Settings

• Launch Iridium Browser: Open Iridium from your applications menu.
• Go to Settings: Click on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner and select “Settings.”

Step 2: Add a Tor-Compatible Search Engine

• Access Search Engine Settings: Scroll down to the “Search engine” section and click on “Manage search engines and site search.”
• Add DuckDuckGo’s .onion URL:
  • Click “Add” and enter the following information:
    • Search Engine Name: DuckDuckGo (Tor)
    • Keyword: ddg-tor
    • URL with %s in place of query: https://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion/?q=%s
  • Click “Add” to save DuckDuckGo’s .onion search engine to the list.

Step 3: Set the Tor-Compatible Search Engine as Default

• Make Default: After adding DuckDuckGo (Tor), locate it in the search engines list and click on “Make default” to set it as your primary search engine.
• Confirm Changes: Iridium Browser will now use DuckDuckGo’s .onion search engine for all queries, providing secure and private search results.

Testing the Default Search Engine in Epic Iridium Browser

After setting up Iridium Browser with a Tor-compatible search engine, test the setup to ensure it’s working correctly.

• Enter a Search Query: Type a search term directly into the address bar and press Enter.
• Verify the .onion Address: The search results should load on DuckDuckGo’s .onion page (3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion), confirming that the configuration is functioning as intended

Important Tips for Using a Tor-Compatible Search Engine in Iridium Browser

Using a Tor-compatible search engine in Iridium enhances privacy, but here are some tips to consider:

• Consider a Tor Proxy: To route all traffic through Tor, consider setting up Iridium with a Tor proxy.
• Use Only Verified .onion URLs: Always use trusted .onion addresses to avoid phishing risks.
• Anticipate Slower Search Speeds: Searches may load more slowly due to Tor’s encrypted layers, especially when accessing .onion sites.

By configuring Iridium Browser with a Tor-compatible search engine, you align with Iridium’s commitment to privacy, keeping your search activity secure and anonymous.

Frustrated with your current Tor experience? This alternative browser could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. How to Configure Tor as Your Default Search Engine in Epic Privacy Browser.