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About private browsing in Firefox for iOS
Revision 283673:
Revision 283673 by lsiebert on
Revision 302963:
Revision 302963 by ffloare on
Keywords:
private browsing, incognito, Firefox iOS
Search results summary:
Firefox lets you browse without saving your history or cookies on your iPhone or iPad.
Learn how to open and use private browsing in Firefox for iOS, plus answers to common questions.
Content:
Private Browsing in Firefox for iOS lets you browse the web without saving your browsing history, cookies, passwords, or other site data.
__TOC__
=About Private Browsing=
Private Browsing in Firefox for iOS ensures that your browsing history, cookies, passwords, and site preferences are not saved. However, bookmarks and files you download will be saved.
{warning}[[Common Myths about Private Browsing|Private Browsing '''does not''' make you anonymous on the Web.]] Your Internet provider and websites themselves may still be able to track you.{/warning}
=Switch between Private and regular browsing=
To switch to Private Browsing:
*[[Template:tabios]]
*Tap the '''mask button''' at the top center of the screen.<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Firefox iOS39]]
To switch back to regular browsing, simply tap the black mask button at the top center of the screen again.
==Am I in Private Browsing mode?==
To know whether you are in Private Browsing mode you can use the following indicators:
*When you are using Private Browsing, the tabs icon at the bottom of the screen will have a purple mask on it.<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Tabs Firefox iOS39]]
*Additionally, the search bar will be highlighted purple.<br>[[Image:Private Search Bar Firefox iOS39]]
=Use Private Browsing=
After switching to Private Browsing you'll see a list of open Private Tabs.
*Tap a tab to view the page.
*Tap the '''plus sign''' at the bottom of the screen to open a new Private Tab.<br>[[Image:Add Tab Firefox iOS39]]
{note}'''Tip:''' To open a link in a Private Tab, press on the link until the menu opens, then choose {menu Open in a Private Tab}.{/note}
*Tap the '''x''' to close the tab.
{warning}If you’re looking for help with your Firefox account, password recovery, or other topics, visit the [https://support.mozilla.org Firefox Help Center]. This article explains how to open and use private browsing in Firefox for iOS.{/warning}
Private browsing lets you browse without saving your history, cookies, or passwords. Bookmarks and downloaded files will still be saved.
{note}'''Note''': [[Common Myths about Private Browsing|Private Browsing '''does not''' make you anonymous on the Web.]]. Your internet provider, employer, or websites can still track your activity.{/note}
__TOC__
=Switch between regular and private browsing=
#[[Template:tabios]]
#Tap the '''mask button''' at the top center of the screen.<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Firefox iOS39]]
#To switch back to regular browsing, tap the mask button again.
=Know when you’re in private browsing mode=
You’re in private browsing mode if:
*The tabs icon shows a purple mask.
*The search bar is highlighted purple.
[[Image:Private Browsing Tabs Firefox iOS39]]
<br>[[Image:Private Search Bar Firefox iOS39]]
=Open and close private tabs=
*Switch to private browsing mode (see above).
*Tap the plus (+) button to open a new private tab.
*To close a private tab, tap the x in the tab preview.
<br>[[Image:Add Tab Firefox iOS39]]
{note}'''Tip:''' To open a link in a Private Tab, press on the link until the menu opens, then choose {menu Open in a Private Tab}.{/note}
=FAQ=
==Can I make private browsing the default in Firefox for iOS?==
No. Firefox for iOS doesn’t currently support launching in private browsing mode by default. You’ll need to switch manually each time.
==Does private browsing block all tracking?==
No. Private browsing prevents Firefox from saving your local browsing data, but it doesn’t block all online tracking. For more protection, use Enhanced Tracking Protection, which is always on in private windows.
==Why can’t I find the private browsing option?==
If you don’t see the mask icon, make sure you’re on the tab view screen. The mask only appears in tab view, not while a webpage is open.
=Related articles=
*[[Private Browsing on Firefox for Android]]
*[[Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox for iOS]]
*[[Install Firefox on your iPad, iPhone or iPod]]