Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about Waterfox Private Search, how it protects your privacy, and how accounts and subscriptions work.
Service basics
What is Waterfox Private Search?
Waterfox Private Search is a privacy-focused meta-search service. It returns results from established search providers while routing queries through our infrastructure, helping reduce the data those providers can use to profile you.
What is a meta-search engine?
A meta-search engine sends your query to selected search providers and returns the results in one place. Instead of maintaining a full web index ourselves, we combine existing search infrastructure with privacy protections at the service layer.
Which search engines do you support?
Google is currently the default search provider. We are also working toward moving to a European-based web index as the service evolves.
Privacy and results
How is this different from using Google directly?
When you search directly with Google, your searches can be tied to your browser, account, IP address, and other signals. Waterfox Private Search acts as an intermediary, stripping identifying information before requests reach the provider.
What information do you collect about me?
We collect the minimum information needed to run the service, manage accounts, and handle billing. We do not log IP addresses with your search queries, and we do not build profiles of users' search habits.
Do you show ads?
No. Waterfox Private Search does not display advertising in search results or the interface. The service is funded by user subscriptions, not ad networks or third-party trackers.
How does the location setting work?
The location setting lets you request results as if you were searching from a specific country. It is useful for local or regional results without needing to physically be in that location.
Accounts, billing, and usage
Do I need an account to use this service?
Yes. Waterfox Private Search requires an account and an active subscription to search. Your account gives you access to search, settings, and billing management.
Are there search limits?
The Standard plan is $5 per month and includes unmetered searches with fair use, so normal private search is not interrupted by a hard monthly stop. Fair use helps keep the service sustainable. See the Pricing page for current plan details.
How do I manage or cancel my subscription?
Open your billing settings to update payment details, manage your plan, or cancel anytime. You can also visit the Pricing page to review the current plan.
Browser setup and company
Can I set this as my default search engine?
Yes. Waterfox Private Search provides an OpenSearch description file that lets most modern browsers add it as a search engine. Look for the “Add to Browser” option in the settings menu.
Who is behind Waterfox Private Search?
Waterfox Private Search is developed and maintained by BrowserWorks Ltd, the same company behind the privacy-focused Waterfox browser.