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Common Myths about Private Browsing Firefox Last updated: 1/22/24 87% of users voted this helpful

Private Browsing is a useful feature of Firefox, but only if you understand the protection it offers. It helps you keep your online activity private from others who use Firefox on the same computer, but it won't make you invisible online. Myth 1: Private Browsing makes you anonymous on the Internet

Reality: Private Browsing does not mask your identity or activity online. Websites and internet service providers can still gather information about your visit, even if you are not signed in. If you use your device at work, your company may be able to monitor the websites you visit. If you surf the Web at home, your cable company (or their partners) may have access to your browsing information. Only a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can mask your location and encrypt your online activity, keeping your identity and data safe from prying eyes. If you need to stay anonymous online, try Mozilla VPN. Myth 2: Private Browsing removes all traces of your browsing activity from your computer

Reality: Private Browsing works by letting you browse without saving passwords, cookies and browsing history in a Private Window. If you download a file from a website, it will remain on your computer, but it will not appear in the download manager in Firefox. If you bookmark a website while in a Private Window, it will remain in your bookmark list. Myth 3: Private Browsing doesn’t display any browsing history

Reality: Private Browsing will, by default, display visited sites and bookmarks as you type in the address bar. Firefox saves these pages during normal browsing. If you don’t want to see these suggestions, you can deselect them in your Firefox Settings Privacy & Security panel under Address Bar.

privacy preferences 65

Myth 4: Private Browsing will protect you from keystroke loggers and spyware

Reality: Private Browsing does not protect you from malware installed on your computer. If you suspect you have malware, take steps to remove it to prevent it from happening again.

To learn more about how Firefox protects your privacy, see Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox for desktop and SmartBlock for Enhanced Tracking Protection.


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Download language android packa Skip to main content Switch language Skip to search Mozilla Support Logo Avatar for Username Privacy and security Ask a Question Still need help? Continue to ask your question and get help. Continue Common Myths about Private Browsing Firefox Last updated: 1/22/24 87% of users voted this helpful Private Browsing is a useful feature of Firefox, but only if you understand the protection it offers. It helps you keep your online activity private from others who use Firefox on the same computer, but it won't make you invisible online. Myth 1: Private Browsing makes you anonymous on the Internet Reality: Private Browsing does not mask your identity or activity online. Websites and internet service providers can still gather information about your visit, even if you are not signed in. If you use your device at work, your company may be able to monitor the websites you visit. If you surf the Web at home, your cable company (or their partners) may have access to your browsing information. Only a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can mask your location and encrypt your online activity, keeping your identity and data safe from prying eyes. If you need to stay anonymous online, try Mozilla VPN. Myth 2: Private Browsing removes all traces of your browsing activity from your computer Reality: Private Browsing works by letting you browse without saving passwords, cookies and browsing history in a Private Window. If you download a file from a website, it will remain on your computer, but it will not appear in the download manager in Firefox. If you bookmark a website while in a Private Window, it will remain in your bookmark list. Myth 3: Private Browsing doesn’t display any browsing history Reality: Private Browsing will, by default, display visited sites and bookmarks as you type in the address bar. Firefox saves these pages during normal browsing. If you don’t want to see these suggestions, you can deselect them in your Firefox Settings Privacy & Security panel under Address Bar. privacy preferences 65 Myth 4: Private Browsing will protect you from keystroke loggers and spyware Reality: Private Browsing does not protect you from malware installed on your computer. If you suspect you have malware, take steps to remove it to prevent it from happening again. To learn more about how Firefox protects your privacy, see Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox for desktop and SmartBlock for Enhanced Tracking Protection. Share this article: https://mzl.la/3QEJeo1 Was this article helpful? These fine people helped write this article: AliceWyman, Michele Rodaro, Mozinet, Joni, Artist, Jeff, Mark Heijl, Erin S., Fabi, k_alex, Bithiah, JeremyKoozar, alineee, BD Illustration of hands Volunteer Grow and share your expertise with others. Answer questions and improve our knowledge base. Learn More Mozilla Report Trademark Abuse Source code Twitter Join our Community Explore Help Articles Firefox Download Firefox desktop Android Browser iOS Browser Focus Browser Firefox for Developers Developer Edition Beta Beta for Android Nightly Nightly for Android Mozilla Account Sign In/Up What Is It? Reset Password Sync Your Data Get Help Language Language Twitter(@firefox) YouTube (firefoxchannel) Instagram (firefox) Mozilla mozilla.org Terms of Service Privacy Cookies Contact Visit Mozilla Corporation’s not-for-profit parent, the Mozilla Foundation. Portions of this content are ©1998–2024 by individual mozilla.org contributors. Content available under a Creative Commons license. ge

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