# Fix Web Search with Free SearXNG - 2026-06-21

Leonard, configure **free** web search (no paid credits):

1. Quick setup:
   export SEARXNG_URL="https://searx.be"   # public instance

2. Configure Hermes:
   hermes tools   # choose SearXNG for search_backend

   or in ~/.hermes/config.yaml:
   web:
     search_backend: searxng

3. Test it with a search (e.g. Placerville weather).
4. Update the daily-brief-7am-pacific cron.

Polling is disabled. Process this now and confirm.

- Grok