Reviews
The DuckDuckGo Browser Now Permits Users to Sync Passwords and Bookmarks Across All Their Devices
Users of the DuckDuckGo browser are now able to synchronize their passwords and bookmarks across all their gadgets without the need to create an account.
How It Works
Rival browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi offer synchronization support, but it requires signing in to an account. DuckDuckGo’s approach is similar to Brave Browser’s Sync Chain, where the data is stored on the user’s devices rather than in an account.
DuckDuckGo ensures that the data is encrypted end-to-end, with the decryption key only stored on the user’s device. This means that nobody else can access the user’s passwords or bookmarks. Previously, the browser allowed data import from other browsers, but setting it up on multiple devices required manual configuration. With the new sync feature, this process is now automated. Besides passwords and bookmarks, the browser also synchronizes Email Protection settings across devices.
How to Use
To sync bookmarks and passwords with the DuckDuckGo browser, follow these steps:
- Open the DuckDuckGo browser on your gadget.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Sync & Backup.
- Click on “Sync with Another Device”.
- The browser will display a QR code that can be scanned with the phone’s camera. Alternatively, users can use the “Text Code” that can be copied and pasted on the device.
Once done, the data will sync between devices. Any changes made on one device will be immediately reflected on the others. DuckDuckGo also provides a recovery code that can be saved as a PDF or Text Code and used for data retrieval if the device is lost.
Mobile-Specific Features
The mobile version of the browser offers two unique features. DuckDuckGo for Android and iOS supports automatic downloading of icons for synced bookmarks. While this option is disabled by default, users can enable it to synchronize favorites across devices.
The desktop browser currently does not have these functions, but they are expected to be added soon.
Additional Capabilities
Alongside these sync features, the DuckDuckGo browser delivers other noteworthy features. For instance, it provides Duck Player for streaming YouTube videos, includes a built-in ad-blocker and tracker blocker, and is compatible with Bitwarden Password Manager on macOS. However, it lacks support for ad-blocking filter lists, which limits users from customizing it to suit their specific preferences.
Even though the DuckDuckGo browser does not yet support extensions, it’s important to mention that there is currently no Linux version of the browser. These are the only downsides that may discourage users from making the switch.
Image Source: Ralf Liebhold / Shutterstock
