How to Configure Tor as Your Default Search Engine in Epic Privacy Browser

Epic Privacy Browser is a privacy-focused browser with built-in ad-blocking and tracker-blocking tools. Although it doesn’t have native Tor support, you can configure Epic Privacy Browser to use a Tor-compatible search engine, such as DuckDuckGo’s .onion version, for secure and anonymous searches. This guide will walk you through setting a Tor-compatible search engine as your default in Epic Privacy Browser for added privacy.

Why Use a Tor-Compatible Search Engine in Epic Privacy Browser?

Setting a Tor-compatible search engine as your default in Epic Privacy Browser provides an additional layer of privacy by routing searches through the Tor network. By using DuckDuckGo’s .onion version, you can keep search queries private while avoiding tracking, enhancing your browsing experience within Epic.

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

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

Step 1: Open Epic Privacy Browser Settings

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

Step 2: Add a Tor-Compatible Search Engine

• Navigate to 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 this search engine.

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: Epic Privacy 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 Privacy Browser

Once you’ve configured Epic Privacy Browser to use a Tor-compatible search engine, test it to ensure it’s working as expected.

• 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 your setup is correct.

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

Using a Tor-compatible search engine in Epic Privacy Browser adds privacy, but here are some additional tips:

• Consider Using Epic’s Encrypted Proxy: Epic offers a built-in proxy for additional privacy, although it’s not the same as Tor’s full encryption.
• Use Only Verified .onion URLs: Ensure you’re using an official .onion address to prevent phishing risks.
• Potential for Slower Searches: Searches on .onion sites may load slower due to Tor’s encryption layers.

By setting a Tor-compatible search engine in Epic Privacy Browser, you maximize search privacy, creating a secure browsing environment in line with Epic’s privacy-focused features.

Think your browser isn’t the right match for Tor? Give this one a shot—it could outperform your current choice. How to Configure Tor as Your Default Search Engine in Konqueror Browser.