To protect your privacy and security, Firefox for Android asks for your permission when websites try to access apps and services on your device or local network. This change prevents websites from interacting with your phone or other devices on your network without your knowledge.
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Why Firefox asks for permission
Some websites may attempt to connect to devices or services on your Android phone or your local network, like printers, routers, or smart home devices.
Malicious sites have used this to:
- Track your identity across networks.
- Scan for vulnerable devices on your Wi-Fi.
- Interact with apps and services running on your phone.
To keep you safe, Firefox for Android shows a permission prompt anytime a site tries to make this kind of connection.
When Firefox asks for access
When a site tries to connect to:
- Your device’s apps or services, or
- Other devices on your local network
Firefox will display a prompt asking whether to allow or block access.
You can choose to:
- Allow access just this time
- Block access just this time
What counts as a device or network connection?
Device apps and services
This refers to applications or services running directly on your Android device, such as:
- System services
- Installed apps that expose data or connections
- Local development tools (for developers)
Local network devices
Devices connected to the same Wi-Fi or local network as your phone, including:
- Routers
- Printers
- File servers
- Smart TVs
- Media streaming devices
- IoT (Internet of Things) gadgets like smart lights or thermostats
Websites can potentially access or interact with these devices—Firefox helps you control that.
Manage permission requests in Firefox for Android
When a permission prompt appears near the top of the screen, you’ll be able to allow or block access. You can also manage saved permissions later in Settings.
View or change permission settings
- Tap the menu button (⋮) in Firefox.
- Tap .
- Tap .
- Select either:
- or
- You’ll see a list of sites that requested access.
- Use the menu next to each site to allow or block future access.
How permission prompts look
Device apps and services prompt
Firefox will show a dialog when a site tries to connect to services on your device.
Local network devices prompt
When a website attempts to connect to another device on your network, you'll see a similar prompt.