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

Brave Browser is a privacy-centric browser with built-in tools to block ads, trackers, and even offers a Private Browsing mode with Tor. Setting a Tor-compatible search engine as your default search engine within Brave ensures that all your queries are anonymous, especially when browsing in Private with Tor mode. This guide will show you how to configure a Tor search engine, like DuckDuckGo’s .onion site, as your default search in Brave.

Why Use a Tor-Friendly Search Engine in Brave Browser?

Setting a Tor-compatible search engine as the default in Brave enhances your privacy by keeping searches within the secure Tor network. Since Brave offers a Private Browsing mode with Tor, using a .onion search engine guarantees that queries are routed through Tor’s encrypted layers. By setting DuckDuckGo’s .onion version as the default, you add an extra layer of security to your browsing.

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

Before beginning, ensure that you have Brave installed. If you haven’t yet, you can download it from the Brave website.

Step 1: Access Brave Settings

• Open Brave: Launch Brave from your applications menu.
• Go to Settings: Click on the three-line menu icon in the top right and select “Settings” to open Brave’s settings.

Step 2: Add a Tor-Friendly Search Engine

• Navigate to Search Engine Settings: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select “Search Engine” from the list on the left.
• Manage Search Engines: Click on “Manage search engines and site search” to view the list of available search engines.
• 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 this search engine.

Step 3: Set Tor-Friendly Search Engine as Default

• Set Default Search Engine: Return to the main “Search Engine” section. Under “Search engine used in the address bar,” select “DuckDuckGo (Tor)” from the dropdown.
• Confirm Changes: Your Brave Browser is now set to use DuckDuckGo’s .onion site as its default search engine.

Testing the Default Search Engine in Brave Browser

After configuring Brave with the Tor search engine, test it to ensure it’s working correctly.

• Open a Private Window with Tor: Go to the menu and select “New Private Window with Tor.”
• Enter a Search Query: Type a query into the address bar and hit Enter.
• Verify Tor Connection: The results should appear on DuckDuckGo’s .onion site (3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion), confirming that your search is using Tor.

Important Tips for Using a Tor-Friendly Search Engine in Brave

Using a Tor-compatible search engine in Brave Browser enhances privacy, but there are some things to keep in mind:

• Private Browsing with Tor: Remember that Brave’s Private Browsing with Tor mode is required to fully use the Tor network.
• Privacy and Speed: Switch from “Manual proxy configuration” to “No proxy.”Tor routing may cause slower page loading times, so keep this in mind when performing searches.
• Use Verified URLs: Ensure you’re using the correct .onion address for any Tor-friendly search engine to avoid phishing or data leaks.

By setting a Tor-compatible search engine in Brave, you’re prioritizing your privacy with every search query, especially when using Brave’s Tor mode for enhanced anonymity.

Struggling to make Tor work smoothly with your browser? This alternative could be the game-changer you need to enhance your experience. How to Configure Tor as Your Default Search Engine in Onion Browser.