{for fx3} 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: * To use this feature, [[Updating Firefox|update to Firefox 3.5]]. * To find information on clearing browsing history in Firefox 3.0.x, see [[Clearing Private Data]]. {/for} 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 on your computer about which sites and pages you’ve visited.''' This article explains what information is not saved in Private Browsing and gives you step-by-step instructions for using it. {warning}'''Private Browsing does not make you anonymous on the Internet and does not protect you from other people, servers, or software that may try to track you.''' For more details, see the [[#w_what-does-private-browsing-not-do|What does Private Browsing not do?]] and [[#w_how-can-i-improve-my-privacy-and-security|How can I improve my privacy and security?]] sections.{/warning} __TOC__ = What is Private Browsing? = Private Browsing allows you to browse the Internet without saving any information on your computer about which sites and pages you’ve visited. == What does Private Browsing do? == Private Browsing does not save: * '''Visited pages''': No pages will be added to the list of sites in the History menu, the Library window's History list, or the [[Location bar autocomplete|Awesome Bar]] address list. * '''Form and Search Bar entries''': Nothing you enter into text boxes on web pages or the [[Search bar]] will be saved for [[Form autocomplete]]. * '''Passwords''': No new passwords will be saved. * '''Download List entries''': No files you download will remain in the list in the [[Downloads window]] after you turn off Private Browsing. * '''Cookies''': Cookies are file?s created ?by websites? that? store information ?on your? computer?, such? as your? preferences ?when? visiting? a certain site?. These will? not ?be stored. For more information on cookies, see [[Cookies]]. * '''Web cache files''': No temporary Internet files or [[Glossary#cache|cached]] files from web pages will be saved until you turn off Private Browsing. {note} '''Note''': * If you create new [[Bookmarks]] 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 [[Downloads window]] list. {/note} == What does Private Browsing not do? == * Private Browsing does '''not prevent the cookies storage by plugins'''. If you want to remove them, use an appropriate extension (see the [[#w_how-can-i-improve-my-privacy-and-security|section below]]) or do it manually: ** For Flash, see [http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager07.html Website Storage Settings panel] on adobe.com. ** For Silverlight, see [http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/resources/documentation/AppStorage.aspx Application Storage] on microsoft.com. * Private Browsing does '''not protect you from''' other people, companies that may try to '''track you'''. This includes: ** Websites that collect or share information about you, such as online advertising or search engines companies. ** Your employer, school or university if you are using an Internet connection they have provided. ** Your Internet Service Provider. ** Surveillance by the police and other government agencies. :If you want your surfing be also more anonymous on Internet, use a proxy server or a proxy extension (see the [[#w_how-can-i-improve-my-privacy-and-security|section below]]). * Private Browsing does '''not protect you from''' viruses, spywares (such as a keylogger) or other malicious '''softwares''' that you may have unknowingly installed, or that someone else may have installed on your computer without your knowledge. :For more information on malwares, see [[Is my Firefox problem a result of malware]]. = How do I turn on Private Browsing? = {for win,fx35}[[Video:f85d07fcaa8e5de561dbc3ee7f3e167f-1267329213-339-0]]{/for} To start a Private Browsing session: #{for win,linux}At the top of the Firefox window, {/for}{for mac}On the menu bar,{/for} click the {for win,fx4}{menu Firefox} menu ({menu Tools} menu in Windows XP),{/for}{for win,fx35}{menu Tools} menu{/for}{for mac,linux}{menu Tools} menu{/for} and select {menu Start Private Browsing}. {for win,fx35}<br/> <br/> [[Image:c2865a810710523cf0602299e032059d-1267167660-207-1.jpg]]{/for}{for win,fx4}<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Win1]]{/for}{for mac,fx4}<br><br>[[Image:Private Browsing Mac1]]{/for}{for linux,fx4}<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Lin1]]{/for} {for fx3} {note}'''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, [[Updating Firefox|update to Firefox 3.5]].{/note} {/for} # The first time 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 {button Start Private Browsing} to continue.{for win}<br><br>[[Image:Private Browsing Win2]]{/for}{for mac,fx4}<br><br>[[Image:Private Browsing Mac2]]{/for}{for linux,fx4}<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Lin2]]{/for} #* 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. # You will then enter Private Browsing mode, and the Private Browsing information screen will appear.{for win,fx35} <br/> <br/> [[Image:c2865a810710523cf0602299e032059d-1267167660-207-3.jpg]]{/for}{for win,fx4}[[Image:Private Browsing Win3]]{/for}{for mac,fx4}[[Image:Private Browsing Mac3]]{/for}{for linux,fx4}[[Image:Private Browsing Lin3]]{/for} When browsing in Private Browsing mode, {for not win,fx4}the Firefox window title will say '''(Private Browsing)'''{/for}{for win,fx4}the {menu Firefox} menu will be purple (for Windows XP the window title will say '''(Private Browsing)''' instead){/for} during your session.{for win,fx35} <br/> <br/> [[Image:c2865a810710523cf0602299e032059d-1267167660-207-4.jpg]]{/for} = How do I turn off Private Browsing? = {for win,fx35}[[Video:f85d07fcaa8e5de561dbc3ee7f3e167f-1267329213-339-1]]{/for} To end a Private Browsing session: #{for win,linux}At the top of the Firefox window, {/for}{for mac}On the menu bar,{/for} click the {for win,fx4}{menu Firefox} menu ({menu Tools} menu in Windows XP),{/for}{for win,fx35}{menu Tools} menu{/for}{for mac,linux}{menu Tools} menu{/for} and select {menu Stop Private Browsing}.{for win,fx35} <br/> <br/> [[Image:c2865a810710523cf0602299e032059d-1267167660-207-5.jpg]]{/for}{for win,fx4}<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Win4]]{/for}{for mac,fx4}<br><br>[[Image:Private Browsing Mac4]]{/for}{for linux,fx4}<br>[[Image:Private Browsing Lin4]]{/for} # The windows and tabs you were using when you enabled Private Browsing will appear, and you can use Firefox normally. {for not win,fx4}The Firefox window title will no longer say '''(Private Browsing)'''{/for}{for win,fx4}The {menu Firefox} menu will turn orange again (for Windows XP the Firefox window title will no longer say '''(Private Browsing)'''){/for} when Private Browsing is off. = How do I always start Firefox in Private Browsing? = There is a setting in the [[Options window - Privacy panel|{for win}Options{/for}{for mac,linux}Preferences{/for}]] window which will automatically enable Private Browsing whenever you start Firefox. {note}If you enter Private Browsing this way {for not win,fx4}the Firefox title bar won't say '''(Private Browsing)'''.{/for}{for win,fx4}the {menu Firefox}menu won't turn purple (Windows XP, the Firefox title bar won't say '''(Private Browsing)''').{/for}{/note} # [[T:optionspreferences]]. [[T:customhistory]] # Check the box next to {for fx35}'''Automatically start Firefox in a private browsing session'''{/for}{for fx4}'''Permanent Private Browsing mode'''{/for}.{for win,fx35} <br/> <br/> [[Image:c2865a810710523cf0602299e032059d-1267167660-207-6.jpg]]{/for}{for win,fx4}[[Image:Private Browsing Win5]]{/for}{for mac,fx4}[[Image:Private Browsing Mac5]]{/for}{for linux,fx4}[[Image:Private Browsing Lin5]]{/for} # [[T:closeOptionsPreferences]] = How can I improve my privacy and security? = * There are a lot of [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/extensions/privacy-security/ Firefox extensions] that may help you to improve some parts of your privacy and security. * You may also be interested by security options available in Firefox. For more details, see [[Options window - Security panel]]. * If you are aware of your privacy and security, here are some handy tips:<!-- http://www.eff.org/wp/effs-top-12-ways-protect-your-online-privacy --> ** '''Remember that YOU decide what information about yourself to reveal, when, why, and to whom:''' don't give out personally-identifiable information too easily; set your privacy settings in your social networking account; beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details. ** '''Be conscious of Web security:''' never submit a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information without first making sure your connection is secure (encrypted); [[[[Is my Firefox problem a result of malware|be on the lookout for "spyware"]]; [[Choosing More Secure Passwords|use secure passwords]] and [[[[Protecting stored passwords using a master password|protect them with a master password]]; try to use Javascript only on trusted sites. ** '''Keep a "clean" e-mail address''': use some pseudonymous or simply alternate address, and keep your main or preferred address only on small, members-only lists and with known, trusted individuals. ** '''Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.''' ** '''Realize you may be monitored at work:''' avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer. ** '''Be conscious of home computer security:''' Turn off your computer when you are not using your Internet connexion; secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong encryption (WPA or WPA2) ; use a [[Firewalls|firewall]]. ** '''Examine privacy policies and seals:''' Does the site provide offline contact information? Does the site have a prominently-posted privacy policy? If so, what does it say? Do you have a reason to believe it? Have you ever heard of this company? What is their reputation? And are they backing up their privacy statement with a seal program? If you see a seal, is it real?

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 on your computer about which sites and pages you’ve visited. This article explains what information is not saved in Private Browsing and gives you step-by-step instructions for using it.

What is Private Browsing?

Private Browsing allows you to browse the Internet without saving any information on your computer about which sites and pages you’ve visited.

What does Private Browsing do?

Private Browsing does not save:

• Visited pages: No pages will be added to the list of sites in the History menu, the Library window's History list, or the Awesome Bar address list.
• Form and Search Bar entries: Nothing you enter into text boxes on web pages or the Search bar - add, change and manage search engines on Firefox will be saved for Control whether Firefox automatically fills in forms.
• Passwords: No new passwords will be saved.
• Download List entries: No files you download will remain in the list in the Where to find and manage downloaded files in Firefox after you turn off Private Browsing.
• Cookies: Cookies are file?s created ?by websites? that? store information ?on your? computer?, such? as your? preferences ?when? visiting? a certain site?. These will? not ?be stored. For more information on cookies, see Cookies - Information that websites store on your computer.
• Web cache files: No temporary Internet files or cached files from web pages will be saved until you turn off Private Browsing.

What does Private Browsing not do?

• Private Browsing does not prevent the cookies storage by plugins. If you want to remove them, use an appropriate extension (see the section below) or do it manually:
  • For Flash, see Website Storage Settings panel on adobe.com.
  • For Silverlight, see Application Storage on microsoft.com.
• Private Browsing does not protect you from other people, companies that may try to track you. This includes:
  • Websites that collect or share information about you, such as online advertising or search engines companies.
  • Your employer, school or university if you are using an Internet connection they have provided.
  • Your Internet Service Provider.
  • Surveillance by the police and other government agencies.

If you want your surfing be also more anonymous on Internet, use a proxy server or a proxy extension (see the section below).

• Private Browsing does not protect you from viruses, spywares (such as a keylogger) or other malicious softwares that you may have unknowingly installed, or that someone else may have installed on your computer without your knowledge.

For more information on malwares, see Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.

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.
   
   
   
   
   
   

1. The first time 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.
   
   
   
   
   
   • 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.
   
   

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.

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.
   
   
   
   
   
   
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.

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

How can I improve my privacy and security?

• There are a lot of Firefox extensions that may help you to improve some parts of your privacy and security.
• You may also be interested by security options available in Firefox. For more details, see Security and passwords settings.
• If you are aware of your privacy and security, here are some handy tips:
  • Remember that YOU decide what information about yourself to reveal, when, why, and to whom: don't give out personally-identifiable information too easily; set your privacy settings in your social networking account; beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details.
  • Be conscious of Web security: never submit a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information without first making sure your connection is secure (encrypted); be on the lookout for "spyware"; use secure passwords and protect them with a master password; try to use Javascript only on trusted sites.
  • Keep a "clean" e-mail address: use some pseudonymous or simply alternate address, and keep your main or preferred address only on small, members-only lists and with known, trusted individuals.
  • Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.
  • Realize you may be monitored at work: avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer.
  • Be conscious of home computer security: Turn off your computer when you are not using your Internet connexion; secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong encryption (WPA or WPA2) ; use a firewall.
  • Examine privacy policies and seals: Does the site provide offline contact information? Does the site have a prominently-posted privacy policy? If so, what does it say? Do you have a reason to believe it? Have you ever heard of this company? What is their reputation? And are they backing up their privacy statement with a seal program? If you see a seal, is it real?