The DuckDuckGo browser now empowers users to synchronize their passwords and bookmarks across all their devices without the necessity to establish an account.
Functionality
Competing browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi provide sync support, but it necessitates signing in to an account. DuckDuckGo’s approach is reminiscent of Brave Browser’s Sync Chain, where the data is stored on the user’s devices rather than in an account.
DuckDuckGo guarantees that the data is encrypted from end-to-end, and the decryption key is exclusively retained on the user’s device. This implies that nobody else can access the user’s bookmarks or passwords. The browser previously supported importing data from other browsers, but setting it up on multiple devices had to be performed manually. With the new sync feature, this process is now automated. In addition to passwords and bookmarks, the browser also synchronizes Email Protection settings between devices.
Usage Instructions
To synchronize bookmarks and passwords with DuckDuckGo browser, take these steps:
- Launch the DuckDuckGo browser on the device.
- Navigate to the Settings.
- Choose Sync & Backup.
- Click “Sync with Another Device”.
- The browser will exhibit a QR code that can be scanned with the phone’s camera. Alternatively, users can utilize the “Text Code” which can be copied and pasted on the device.
Once accomplished, the data will be synchronized between devices. Any alterations made on one device will automatically be mirrored on the others. DuckDuckGo will also supply a recovery code that can be preserved as a PDF or Text Code and employed to recover data if the device is lost.
Mobile-Specific Characteristics
The mobile version of the browser has two distinct features. DuckDuckGo for Android and iOS supports auto-download of icons for synchronized bookmarks. While the option is turned off by default, users can activate it to sync favorites across devices.
The desktop browser does not yet boast these features, but they are projected to be incorporated soon.
Supplementary Features
In addition to these synchronizing features, the DuckDuckGo browser presents other noteworthy capabilities. For instance, it supports Duck Player for watching YouTube videos, arrives with a built-in ad-blocker and tracker blocker, and supports Bitwarden Password Manager on macOS. However, it does not support ad-blocking filter lists, which signifies users cannot fine-tune it according to their specific requirements.
While the DuckDuckGo browser does not yet endorse extensions, it’s important to note that a Linux version of the browser does not currently exist. These are the only drawbacks that may discourage users from making the transition.
Image Source: Ralf Liebhold / Shutterstock
