
Why does Incognito/private browsing store cookies and history?
Recently transferred from Chrome. My understanding was Firefox private browsing was supposed to work similarly to chrome incognito mode; once you close the browser, all local files are deleted and cookies are cleared.
However, with Firefox it maintains my logins. If I log into an account while private browsing and the close the browser, I’ll still be logged in next time I go to the website even if it’s days later (and I have never logged into this account in a non-private browsing window!)
I never had this issue using chrome incognito, so it seems to be a Firefox problem.
Is this just not something Firefox supports? Is there any way to prevent storage of cookies and private data?
All Replies (6)
Unsure how to edit my post:
I’m using the latest Firefox, and have the issue both in Windows 11 PC and IOS 18.3.1
If it helps, this mostly happens on iOS. I close all private tabs, but stay logged in for days.
I also have issues with the password manager. Half the time on iOS it doesn’t work.
Hi,
First, Firefox Private Browsing clears its history and cookies after you end the session. However, some data, such as downloaded files and bookmarks, will be saved. See Private Browsing - Use Firefox without saving history for more details.
Second, Firefox desktop and Firefox for iOS are completely different browsers in terms of how they are built (as Apple's policy makes it impossible to port Gecko, Firefox engine, to iOS). So, if you need help with Firefox for iOS, please ask another question.
Regarding your desktop issue: Firefox definitely shouldn't keep any login data from the Private Browsing Mode. Could you please give some examples of the sites for which such data is kept?
Novain'i Denys t@
For iOS, could you post a second thread on that forum: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/ios/form
First; I did not realize Firefox for iOS had a separate forum. This forum is what comes up when you click “Help” in the app settings. Where would I get the link you provided to the iOS forum in the iOS app?
Second; The iOS version definitely does not clear history and cookies after closing all private browsing tabs.
I can close out of all private browsing tabs on iOS, and will still be logged in days later when I go to the same site in private browsing.
Many people use browsers on both mobile and PC. The lack of private browsing, plus the malfunctioning password manager on iOS make FireFox not a viable alternative for those seeking a browser on both their phone and PC.
Moving discussion to the appropriate forum: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1530182#answer-1760350
Novain'i tim153 t@