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How can I download an older version of Firefox (android) that is compatible with your add-on to prevent/disable private browsing?

  • 9 replies
  • 9 have this problem
  • 36 views
  • Last reply by Paul

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Modzilla has an add-on available for download at the Google Play Store which allows you to disable 'private browing' on android Firefox (for young children). However, when I attempt to download it, I am told that it is not compatible with the current version of Firefox. The same is true of the current version of FirePhoenix. How can I download an older version of android Firefox that is compatible with this add-on?

Thank you so much!

P.S. I know that many people do not understand or agree with disabling private browsing. I respect your opinions. There is no need to express them further.  :D

Modzilla has an add-on available for download at the Google Play Store which allows you to disable 'private browing' on android Firefox (for young children). However, when I attempt to download it, I am told that it is not compatible with the current version of Firefox. The same is true of the current version of FirePhoenix. How can I download an older version of android Firefox that is compatible with this add-on? Thank you so much! P.S. I know that many people do not understand or agree with disabling private browsing. I respect your opinions. There is no need to express them further. :D

All Replies (9)

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Hi there, try this link

edit: link to third-party download site removed. old versions are always hosted on mozilla's ftp/archive servers!

Modified by philipp

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Umm, for your security, please do not use random unofficial download sites for apps.

What is the app you are trying to download? Mozilla only has a few apps on the Play store and none of them relate to disabling private browsing, at least when I check from the U.S.: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Mozilla

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I'm guessing it's one of these:

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/disable-private-browsing/ https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/disable-private-browsing-pl/

User reviews do mention that it can't be installed on Firefox for Android 35 or 39. If this is a critical feature, for security reasons, it would be better not to go back before Firefox 35. Instead, you could uninstall Firefox and use a different browser that doesn't allow private browsing.

Or someone might reach out to the extension developer and request an update. I'm having trouble figuring out his/her contact information...

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The Extensions in https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/ are for the desktop Firefox for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

The Extensions for the mobile Firefox for Android are listed at https://addons.mozilla.org/android/

You can change the product section on top of page where it says Other Applications

Unless the Extension author has made the Extension for both, they generally only works on one and not both versions.

The majority of Extensions hosted at addons.mozilla.org are made by a third-party author and not Moilla.

Modified by James

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Note the "Fire Phoenix Secure Browser" on Google Play is not made by Mozilla.org so it is unofficial.

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I greatly appreciate the responses.

I understand that the most optimal choice might be for me to find a different browser that does not have in-private browsing as an option in the first place. Unfortunately, all browsers that work with our other applications have in-private browsing -and- none of them enable parents of young children to disable it.

I tried to follow your advice and went to Mozilla ftp archive servers to download version 34 of Firefox for android. However, it is very confusing to me. Would you please provide me with the exact link where I can go to download it?

Thank you so much!

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Hi

I have had a look into this and I would agree with any comments around installing old versions. You will miss out on security and performance updates.

Seeing what you are trying to achieve, I had a chat to the team at Mozilla that develop Firefox for the Android tablet platform. Whilst it is currently not available for everyone to download as a finished product, I am led to believe that a version of Firefox for Android tablets is being worked on that will stop Private Browsing being available when the user is set up as a "restricted profile".

You do not need to worry too much about what this means right now, but what it does mean is that a solution to restricting access to private browsing in Firefox for Android tablet is being worked on and will hopefully be available soon.

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Seburo, thank you. I truly appreciate your time in looking into this and responding to me.

Is there a way for me to be notified once this solution is available?

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Hi

There are many outlets for Mozilla projects, but the main one for key releases is The Mozilla Blog.

I hope this helps.