How does Firefox for Android use the permissions it requests?

Revision Information
  • Revision id: 162638
  • Created:
  • Creator: Joni
  • Comment: updated with new permissions; pending review from team
  • Reviewed: No
  • Ready for localization: No
Revision Source
Revision Content
Mozilla is committed to your privacy: Firefox Privacy Policy

When you install any software on an Android device, Android will declare all the functions that the software is capable of, such as accessing your camera, contacts or location. Each permission is accompanied with a brief description to offer an understanding for what it may be used for. In order to install the software, you must acknowledge that you're aware of what the software is capable of by giving Android your permission.

Firefox is capable of the following functions, and Android will require you to accept all of them in order to finish installing it. Each time you visit a website that requires a specific function, such as taking or uploading a picture or finding your location, Android will ask you for permission before it performs that function.

Here's an explanation of these permissions:

Google has recently simplified the app permissions lists, so you might not see all the permissions displayed here. See the Google Support page for more details.
  • Camera - When a web page requests an image file to upload, you may choose to take a picture with your device's built-in camera. If a site wishes to use your microphone for communication, you may choose to share that as well — such is the case with sites using WebRTC. Firefox will always display a message asking for permission each time a site asks to add a photo or record audio. It never records audio, takes pictures or records video unless you opt-in each time it asks.
  • Contacts - To find accounts on the device you are installing on.
  • Location (GPS location) - GPS location is used only when you choose to share your location with a website. Firefox never uses your location itself or shares it with a website without your permission. Learn more about Firefox's location controls.
  • Microphone - Lets you record audio on a site. Firefox will always show a message asking for permission each time a site asks you to record audio.
  • Storage - Modify/delete SD card contents. This allows Firefox to save downloaded files to the SD card. Firefox will also store its own settings and history on the SD card if you use the Android Settings app to move Firefox to SD storage.
  • Other - Firefox requires other permissions so it can do the following with your permission:
    • Access your sync settings.
    • Control how Firefox appears with other apps.
    • Prevent your phone from sleeping.
    • Install shortcuts to sites on your home screen.
    • Have full Internet access so it can download content over the Internet.
    • Control Near Field Communication (NFC) allows the use of the NFC chip on the device. Firefox uses this permission to share tabs by tapping two devices with NFC together.
    • View whether a Wi-Fi is enabled and the names of devices that are connected to it. This information allows Location Services to work.