Startpage.com is a private search engine that lets you search the web without being tracked, profiled, or having your searches saved. It uses big-name search technology behind the scenes while stripping out identifiers like your IP address and blocking third‑party trackers.

Why Startpage matters

• No saved search history, so past searches are not tied to you.
• No tracking or profiling, meaning no behavior-based ad targeting from your searches.
• Encrypted connections and an “Anonymous View” option to open results through a privacy proxy.
• Familiar, high‑quality search results without the usual data collection.

This makes Startpage a simple upgrade for anyone who wants Google‑level results with much stronger privacy.

Before you start

In most browsers, the easiest method is to visit this page and follow the prompts: https://add.startpage.com

Below are non‑technical, click‑by‑click instructions if you prefer doing it manually.

Google Chrome (desktop)

1. Open Chrome.
2. Go to https://www.startpage.com.​
3. Click the three dots in the top‑right corner, then click “Settings.”
4. In the left menu, click “Search engine.”
5. Next to “Search engine used in the address bar,” open the dropdown and choose “Startpage” (or “Startpage Search”) if it appears.​
6. If you do not see it, click “Manage search engines,” then use the Startpage add page (add.startpage.com) to add it and set it as default.​

Firefox (desktop)

1. Open Firefox.
2. Visit https://add.startpage.com.​
3. Click the “Install on Firefox” or similar button.​
4. When Firefox asks to add the extension or search engine, click “Add.”​
5. If you see an option to “Allow in Private Windows,” check it if you want Startpage in private browsing too, then click “Okay.”​
6. Now, anything you type in the address bar will use Startpage by default.​

Microsoft Edge (desktop)

1. Open Edge.
2. Go to https://www.startpage.com.​
3. If you see an “Add to Edge” button on the page, click it.​
4. Edge will open its add‑ons page; click “Get,” then “Add extension.”​
5. Make sure the Startpage extension is turned on in edge://extensions.​
6. After that, searches from the address bar will go through Startpage automatically.​

If you want to add it without the extension, Edge also lets you add a custom search engine in Settings using the Startpage search URL shown in their instructions.​

Safari (macOS)

Safari currently does not allow Startpage as a full default search engine, but you can make it your homepage and use it quickly from the address bar.

To make Startpage your homepage:

1. Open Safari and go to https://www.startpage.com.​
2. In the top menu, click “Safari” then “Preferences.”​
3. On the “General” tab, in the “Homepage” box, type or confirm https://www.startpage.com.​
4. Set “New windows open with” and/or “New tabs open with” to “Homepage” so Startpage appears each time.​

To search via the address bar using Quick Website Search:

1. With Startpage open, go to Safari > Preferences > “Search.”​
2. Make sure “Enable Quick Website Search” is checked and confirm Startpage is listed.​
3. Later, in the address bar, type “startpage” followed by your search words (for example: startpage online privacy).​

Simple recommendation for users

If this feels like a lot of steps, just remember one thing: go to add.startpage.com in your browser and follow the on‑screen instructions. It will walk you through making Startpage your private default search with just a few clicks