Private Browsing - Use Firefox without saving history

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  • Creator: Michael Verdi
  • Comment: added screencast
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  • Reviewed by: Verdi
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  • Readied for localization by: Verdi
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This article describes a feature available in Firefox 3.5, Private Browsing, which allows you to browse the Internet without Firefox retaining any data about which sites and pages you have visited:

As you browse the web, Firefox helpfully remembers lots of information for you – sites you've visited, files you've downloaded and more. However, there may be times when you don't want other users of your computer to see this information. For example, if you share a computer with someone and have been shopping for their birthday present.

Firefox 3.5 and later includes the Private Browsing feature which allows you to browse the Internet without saving any information about which sites and pages you’ve visited. This article explains what information is not saved when in Private Browsing and gives you step-by-step instructions for using it.

Private Browsing does not make you anonymous on the Internet. Your internet service provider, employer, or the sites themselves can still track the pages you visit.

What does Private Browsing not save?

Note:
  • If you create new Bookmarks in Firefox while using Private Browsing, they will not be removed when you stop Private Browsing.
  • If you save files to your computer while using Private Browsing, those files will not be deleted when you stop Private Browsing. However, any files you open in an external application will be cleared from the system's temporary folder, and none of the files you download will appear in the Where to find and manage downloaded files in Firefox list.


How do I turn on Private Browsing?

To start a Private Browsing session:

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, On the menu bar, click the Firefox menu (Tools menu in Windows XP),Tools menuTools menu and select Start Private Browsing.

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Not there? If Start Private Browsing is not in the Tools menu, you are not using the latest version of Firefox. To use this feature, update to Firefox 3.5 or later.
  1. When you turn on Private Browsing, Firefox will alert you that it will save your current windows and tabs for after you finish using Private Browsing. Click on Start Private Browsing to continue.

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    • Put a check mark next to "Do not show this message again" if you do not want to receive this alert the next time you turn on Private Browsing.
  2. You will then enter Private Browsing mode, and the Private Browsing information screen will appear.

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When browsing in Private Browsing mode, the Firefox window title will say (Private Browsing)the Firefox menu will be purple (for Windows XP the window title will say (Private Browsing) instead) during your session.

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How do I turn off Private Browsing?

To end a Private Browsing session:

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, On the menu bar, click the Firefox menu (Tools menu in Windows XP),Tools menuTools menu and select Stop Private Browsing.

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  2. The windows and tabs you were using when you enabled Private Browsing will appear, and you can use Firefox normally. The Firefox window title will no longer say (Private Browsing)The Firefox menu will turn orange again (for Windows XP the Firefox window title will no longer say (Private Browsing)) when Private Browsing is off.


How do I always start Firefox in Private Browsing?

There is a setting in the OptionsPreferences window which will automatically enable Private Browsing whenever you start Firefox.

If you enter Private Browsing this way the Firefox title bar won't say (Private Browsing)the Firefoxmenu won't turn purple (Windows XP, the Firefox title bar won't say (Private Browsing)) but Firefox will still not retain history as described above.


  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings. .

Select the Privacy & Security panel and go to the History section.

  • In the drop-down menu next to Firefox will, choose Use custom settings for history.
    1. Check the box next to Automatically start Firefox in a private browsing sessionPermanent Private Browsing mode.

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    2. Close the Settings page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.