Here's how you can replace Google with SearXNG as your main search engine — whether you're doing it for privacy, control, or customization.

🔍 What Is SearXNG?

SearXNG is a free, open-source metasearch engine that aggregates results from many search engines (including Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Wikipedia, etc.) without tracking you or profiling your searches.
Unlike Google, it:

Doesn't store or sell your data

Is self-hostable (you control your instance)

Supports custom search engines and themes

Returns unbiased, ad-free results

🛠� Step 1: Choose How to Use SearXNG
Option 1: Use a Public Instance

You can start using SearXNG right away — no setup required.
Visit the list of public instances
 and pick one that's fast and reliable.
Example:
👉 https://searx.be
👉 https://search.inetol.net

⚠️ Note: Public instances vary in privacy and uptime. Trust only well-maintained ones.

Option 2: Self-Host SearXNG (Recommended)

If you want maximum privacy and control:

Requirements

A VPS or server (e.g., Debian/Ubuntu)

Docker or Python 3.9+

Installation (Docker method)
git clone https://github.com/searxng/searxng.git
cd searxng
docker compose up -d


Access it via:
➡️ http://localhost:8080 (or your domain if configured)

You can edit settings.yml to:

Change which search engines it queries

Enable HTTPS

Add an instance name and theme

Configure API keys for better results

🌐 Step 2: Make SearXNG Your Default Search Engine
🦊 Firefox

Go to your SearXNG instance.

Click the search bar → "Add SearXNG" (or use "Manage Search Engines").

Set it as default.

🧭 Safari

Safari doesn't allow custom search engines natively.

Use an extension like "xSearch" or "AnySearch" to set SearXNG.

🧩 Chrome / Chromium

Go to Settings → Search engine → Manage search engines and site search.

Add a new one:

Name: SearXNG

Keyword: sx

URL: https://your-instance.example.com/search?q=%s

Set it as default.

🔐 Step 3: Enhance Privacy Further

Use HTTPS (set up a free certificate via Let's Encrypt).

Disable JavaScript-heavy results engines (like Google) in settings.yml.

Use uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or Decentraleyes for full coverage.

✅ Benefits Over Google
Feature   Google   SearXNG
Tracks you   ✅ Yes   ❌ No
Personalized ads   ✅ Yes   ❌ No
Customizable   ❌ Limited   ✅ Fully
Open-source   ❌ No   ✅ Yes
Runs on your server   ❌ No   ✅ Yes