Firefox for Android upgrade FAQs
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- Revision id: 193111
- Created:
- Creator: Joni
- Comment: added one more: automatic app updates enabled
- Reviewed: Yes
- Reviewed:
- Reviewed by: heyjoni
- Is approved? Yes
- Is current revision? No
- Ready for localization: Yes
- Readied for localization:
- Readied for localization by: heyjoni
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Revision Content
This article addresses a series of common questions that you might have regarding Firefox Preview.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Firefox Preview? How is it better and different from Firefox for Android?
- 2 How do I get upgraded?
- 3 What happens during the upgrade?
- 4 What do I get after upgrading?
- 5 Some features are different/missing in the new browser. Will they be added?
- 6 Can I go back to the Firefox for Android browser once I upgrade?
- 7 What if I choose to stick with an older version?
- 8 How do I obtain the latest versions of Firefox Preview after upgrading?
What is Firefox Preview? How is it better and different from Firefox for Android?
Firefox Preview is the new Firefox browser for Android. It includes new features such as Enhanced Tracking Protection, Collections and customization options, such as dark mode and the ability to move the toolbar to the top or bottom of your screen. It’s new architecture, codebase, GeckoView engine and Android components give you better performance, deeper privacy settings and features while allowing us to provide you with quick improvements and updates.
How do I get upgraded?
If you meet the following requirements, you’ll be upgraded automatically - no need to do a thing:
- Automatic app updates are enabled for Firefox for Android
- You’re on Android 5+
- You’re on Firefox for Android version 59+
If you’re on an older version of Firefox for Android (59 or below) you won't be upgraded. If you’re on an older version of Android, we recommend upgrading your OS or acquiring a device that supports a newer Android OS to get the new browser.
What happens during the upgrade?
Timeline
If you meet the requirements (Android 5+ and Firefox for Android 59+), the migration from the Firefox for Android Nightly test version to Firefox Preview will start in early 2020. The Firefox for Android Beta and general release migrations will follow and the final migration will occur in Spring 2020.
If you’re on an older version of Firefox for Android (below 59), you won’t be migrated completely. Older versions of Android (below 5) won’t be migrated at all.
Items that will be migrated
- Open tabs
- History
- Bookmarks
- Firefox Account (your login will migrate to the new browser)
- Cookies and partial browser cache
- Logins (only if you’ve disabled your master password)
The upgrade will set your default engine to Google, but you can always change it to another preferred search engine by following the instructions in this article.
What do I get after upgrading?
In addition to better performance and security, you’ll get some of your favorite Firefox for Android features along with some brand new ones that will be available only in Firefox Preview.
With Firefox Preview’s faster release cycle, you can get new features quickly and more easily. Here are the ones that are available now (more are on the way):
- Set Firefox Preview as your default browser
- Enhanced Tracking Protection
- Collections
- Dark mode and other theme customization options
- Move your toolbar at the top or bottom of your screen
Some features are different/missing in the new browser. Will they be added?
We’ll be releasing new features with every major release, including full support for add-ons and other key features that have been proven popular with our users. Features that weren’t frequently used might not be added.
Add-ons
Add-ons will be disabled with the initial migration, but we’ll be adding additional add-ons with most upcoming releases. Full add-on support will be available in late 2020.
Top sites
This feature isn’t yet available but we’re working hard on enabling top sites for the Beta migration. When we roll this feature out, you’ll be able to pin your favorite sites to your home page.
Can I go back to the Firefox for Android browser once I upgrade?
No, once you’ve upgraded to the new browser, you won’t be able to return to the old browser. If you’re on an older version of Android (pre-5), you will won’t be able to download Firefox for Android. We recommend upgrading to the new browser as the old browser will stop receiving updates in 2020. The new browser will have a faster release cycle so you'll receive new enhancements more frequently.
What if I choose to stick with an older version?
If you choose to stay on an older version, you won’t receive any security updates, further support or new features.
How do I obtain the latest versions of Firefox Preview after upgrading?
We suggest keeping your browser updated for the latest security and performance enhancements. See Update to the latest version of Firefox for Android Beta to learn how to update.