How to Change Text Color on DuckDuckGo for Smartphone

Personalizing your browsing experience can boost readability and overall satisfaction. There are two primary ways to access DuckDuckGo on your smartphone: through a mobile web browser (like Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox) and via the dedicated DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser app.

Note that customization options vary between these modes. The following guide explains both methods.

1. Changing Text Color via a Mobile Browser

These instructions apply when accessing DuckDuckGo through a browser rather than the dedicated app.

Accessing the Settings

Open Your Browser: Launch your preferred mobile browser and navigate to DuckDuckGo.
Open the Menu: Tap the icon typically located in the top-right or top-left corner. This icon may appear as three horizontal lines or a gear symbol.
Select Settings: Choose the “All Settings” option from the dropdown menu to access various customization options.

Navigating to Appearance Settings

Scroll to Appearance: Once in the settings, scroll until you locate the “Appearance” section.
Explore Customization Options:
- Font Style and Size: Change the font from options like Arial, Century Gothic, or Georgia and adjust the size for improved readability.
- Text Colors: Customize different text elements such as:
  - Title Color
  - Visited Title Color
  - Snippet Color
  - URL Color: For instance, you can select a palette option to alter how URLs appear in your search results.
- Background and Header Colors: Although not directly text color, adjusting these elements can further enhance overall readability.

Saving Your Changes

After making your adjustments:

Look for a “Save” or “Save and Exit” button at the bottom of the settings page.
Tap this option to apply your new preferences and return to the homepage.

2. Changing Text Color in the DuckDuckGo App

A recent comment clarifies that instructions above are for using DuckDuckGo via a browser. When using the dedicated DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser app, customization options are somewhat different.

Current Customization Options in the App

Limited Customization:
The DuckDuckGo app primarily offers theme toggles, most notably switching between light and dark modes, rather than the granular text color controls found in the browser version.
Accessing Theme Settings:
- Open the App: Launch the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser on your smartphone.
- Access the Menu: Tap the menu icon (often represented by three dots).
- Navigate to Settings: Find and select the settings option.
- Theme Options: Look for a section labeled “Appearance” or “Theme.” Here, you can usually choose between preset themes like light and dark mode.
- Apply Your Choice: Select your preferred theme to alter text and background colors accordingly.

What to Do If You Need More Customization

Browser Access for Advanced Settings: If the preset themes in the app do not meet your needs for text color customization, consider using your mobile browser to access DuckDuckGo’s website. This method offers more detailed options for personalizing text colors and other appearance settings.

3. Additional Customization Tips

Enhancing Readability and Aesthetics

Consider Background Contrast: Adjusting background colors in conjunction with text colors can reduce eye strain.
Experiment with Fonts: Different fonts can affect readability; testing a few options may lead to a more comfortable experience.
Responsive Design: Some pages might render differently based on your chosen settings. Ensure that your adjustments are consistent across multiple sites.

Staying Updated

App Updates: The dedicated DuckDuckGo app is periodically updated. New versions might offer enhanced customization features, so keep an eye on release notes for any additional options.
User Feedback: If you have suggestions or encounter issues, consider sharing feedback with DuckDuckGo to help improve future app updates.

Customizing text color can significantly enhance your browsing experience on DuckDuckGo. Whether you are using a mobile browser, with detailed options for text, background, and header colors, or the dedicated DuckDuckGo app, which currently offers preset theme options, you can tailor the interface to suit your visual preferences. Use the browser method for granular control, and enjoy the simplicity of theme toggles in the app.

For more information or updates, visit DuckDuckGo’s Help page or check the latest app release notes.