How to Configure Tor as Your Default Search Engine in Ungoogled Chromium

Ungoogled Chromium, a Google-free version of the Chromium browser, provides a privacy-first browsing experience by removing all Google tracking elements. While it doesn’t have native 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 up a Tor-compatible search engine as your default in Ungoogled Chromium for secure and anonymous searches.

Why Use a Tor-Compatible Search Engine in Ungoogled Chromium?

Setting a Tor-compatible search engine as the default in Ungoogled Chromium ensures that your search queries remain private and anonymous. Using DuckDuckGo’s .onion version, for example, adds another layer of security by routing search requests through the Tor network, aligning with Ungoogled Chromium’s privacy-focused approach.

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

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

Step 1: Open Ungoogled Chromium Settings

• Launch Ungoogled Chromium: Start Ungoogled Chromium from 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: SScroll 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.

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: Ungoogled Chromium will now use DuckDuckGo’s .onion search engine for all search queries, providing more secure and private searches.

Testing the Default Search Engine in Ungoogled Chromium

After configuring Ungoogled Chromium with a Tor-compatible search engine, it’s a good idea to verify that it’s working as expected.

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

Important Tips for Using a Tor-Compatible Search Engine in Ungoogled Chromium

Using a Tor-compatible search engine in Ungoogled Chromium improves privacy, but here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Proxy Configuration: Consider configuring Ungoogled Chromium to use a Tor proxy for complete Tor routing.
• Verify .onion URLs: Only use official .onion addresses from trusted sources to avoid phishing.
• Potential for Slowdowns: Due to Tor’s encryption layers, searches may take slightly longer to load, especially when accessing .onion sites.

By setting up Ungoogled Chromium with a Tor-compatible search engine, you align with Ungoogled Chromium’s privacy focus, enhancing your browsing security and privacy.

Want more out of Tor than your browser can deliver? This option might just be the perfect upgrade. How to Configure Tor as Your Default Search Engine in Iridium Browser.