Free up app storage

Free up DuckDuckGo storage

DuckDuckGo is built around the Fire Button. That closes tabs and clears most session data. Fireproof sites keep logins and some site data on purpose, so they can still use space after a Fire. Downloads sit in Files until you delete them.

See how much space DuckDuckGo is using

iPhone

1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. Tap DuckDuckGo.

Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps.
2. Tap DuckDuckGo.
3. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

Use the Fire Button

1. Open DuckDuckGo.
2. Tap the red Fire Button.
3. Confirm to close tabs and burn the session.

In Settings you can choose what Fire clears (tabs, cookies, cached data). Turn on clearing cached data if that switch exists. Fireproof sites are not fully wiped.

Review Fireproof sites

1. Open DuckDuckGo Settings.
2. Tap Fireproof Sites (wording can also be Fireproof).
3. Remove sites you do not need to stay signed in.

Each Fireproof site can keep cookies and some local files. That is why storage can stay high even after you tap Fire often.

Delete downloads

1. Open DuckDuckGo Downloads if the app lists them, or open the Files / Downloads app.
2. Delete files you do not need.
3. Empty Recently Deleted / Trash.

The Fire Button does not always delete files already saved to Downloads.

Clear DuckDuckGo cache on Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps > DuckDuckGo.
2. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
3. Tap Clear cache.

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to reset the app, including Fireproof sites and local settings.

iPhone does not offer a separate DuckDuckGo cache button. Use Fire, remove extra Fireproof sites, delete Downloads, then offload if needed.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and DuckDuckGo still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

1. DuckDuckGo does not keep a full cloud bookmark backup like Chrome. Note Fireproof sites and keep Downloads you still need. Reinstalling clears local browser data on this phone.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install DuckDuckGo again from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After DuckDuckGo is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.